Convention News

Recapping Convention: Northwest Credit Unions Carry Out Cooperative Spirit

Last week marked the NWCUA’s 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting, the region’s premier gathering of credit union leaders. Read on for in-depth coverage of all the highlights…

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Merkley on MBL Bill: ‘Let’s Get That Done!’

Sen. Jeff Merkley touched on his support for the MBL bill and outlined his plan for rejuvenating the housing market during Thursday morning’s general session at the NWCUA’s Convention.

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Jeff Russell to Credit Unions: Prepare for Change

“Consumers want options, which is what companies like Google, Dwolla and Paypal bring to the space,” Jeff Russell told NWCUA Convention-goers during Thursday morning’s general session. “Because a large percentage of earned income from exchange fees, which is declining, credit unions have got to be ready.”

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Nine Things Credit Unions Must Do to Improve Net Promoter Scores

What do consumers want from their PFI? Credit union leaders attending the NWCUA Convention left with insight after Dr. Neil Goldman shared the results of the survey he conducted for the Association, in which nearly 900 consumers were questioned in pursuit of an effective credit union marketing message.

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A Video Tribute to Retiring CEO John Annaloro

The Association unveiled a moving video tribute to John Annaloro at the end of Thursday night’s Summit Awards Dinner. Annaloro was the CEO of the Washington League for 13 years and of the merged NWCUA for two, and he is widely credited as the architect of Washington’s progressive credit union climate.

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Summit Awards Dinner a Moving Tribute to Movement’s Leaders

Valley’s Stephen Pagenstecher, Rogue’s Jackson Jones, Unitus’ Brian Irvine and Verity’s Bill Hayes were honored with Summit Awards at Thursday night’s Convention dinner event. Spokane Media’s Debie Keesee and Northwest Community’s Matt Purvis were also recognized as Washington and Oregon Advocates of the Year.

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Foundation Unveils New Brand, Seats New Board During Convention

The Northwest Credit Union Foundation, formed on Jan. 1 through the merger of the Oregon and Washington Foundations, seated its board of directors Tuesday and unveiled its new brand Wednesday.

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Seven Northwest Credit Unions Honored with CUNA Awards

Kitsap, Columbia, Linn-Co, Valley, Mid Oregon, BECU and Horizon Credit Unions were all recognized at Wednesday's CUNA Awards Luncheon for their outstanding commitments to community involvement and member financial education.

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Credit Unions Celebrate Chapter Excellence

Four Northwest credit unions took home Chapter Excellence Awards for outstanding service under the Leadership, Education, Advocacy and Philosophy in Action categories. The recently reactivated Evergreen Chapter won the Overall Best Practice banner.

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Credit Unions ‘Study Abroad’ During Wednesday’s General Sessions

The general sessions at Convention Wednesday had a distinctly international flavor thanks to a keynote address from Arnold Kuijpers of Rabobank Nederland and an afternoon panel discussion with leaders of the Canadian credit union movement.

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Saving the Best for Last: Previewing the Final Day of Convention

Among the 37 events planned for the final day of Convention are two keynote presentations, 13 education breakouts, 12 impact sessions, two tradeshow openings, the Summit Awards Dinner, a winners reception, and a dessert social and champagne toast for now-retired CEO John Annaloro.

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Congresswoman Herrera Beutler Addresses NWCUA Convention

Washington Congresswoman Jamie Herrera Beutler received a standing ovation during a visit to the NWCUA Convention. She said support for member business lending is not a Republican or Democrat issue but is about employment.

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Credit Unions for Kids Enjoys High-Profile Role at Convention Today

Miracle Jeans Day and the “Denim and Diamonds” Credit Unions for Kids Auction are among highlights today at Convention.

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Fifty-one Northwest Credit Unions Earn Capitol Advocacy Honors on Convention’s First Day

Immediately following the Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday afternoon, the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) recognized two credit union volunteers and 51 credit unions in the Northwest for their advocacy efforts over the past year.

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CUNA Chairman Pulls Back the Curtain on National Credit Union Strategies

CUNA Chairman Mike Mercer gave what he described as a behind-the-curtain look at the credit union issues and strategies being discussed nationally. “As you can imagine,” he said, “none of these strategic issues are easy discussions. But CUNA is not shying away from the dialogue.”

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Convention Kicks Off with Farewell Tribute to Annaloro at Annual Business Meeting

Recognizing retiring CEO John Annaloro for his 15 years of leadership was top bill at the NWCUA’s Annual Business Meeting on Tuesday afternoon. President Troy Stang officially assumed CEO duties during the meeting.

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What Not to Miss: Previewing Day 2 of Convention

Highlights of the first full day of the NWCUA’s 2012 Convention include a keynote address from Rabobank’s Arnold Kuijpers, the grand opening of the trade show, and a panel discussion with representatives from the Canadian credit union movement, all capped by the Credit Unions for Kids auction in the evening.

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Preview: Day One of the NWCUA 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting

The NWCUA’s 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting kicks off today, with first-day highlights including the Annual Business Meeting and the presentation of the Advocacy Awards.

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Verity’s Hayes Earns NWCUF’s Mark of Excellence Award

Bill Hayes, president and CEO of Verity Credit Union, is the 2012 recipient of the Northwest Credit Union Foundation’s Mark of Excellence Award, honoring outstanding credit union professionals whose careers span at least 25 years.

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Warning: Unplugged Remarks from CUNA Chair May Alter Your Industry Outlook

At next week’s Convention, CUNA's Mike Mercer will share behind-the-curtain insight on national strategic issues not usually seen outside of closed offices on Capitol Hill.

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Bruce Rouillard’s Daughter, Grandson to be Honored at Credit Unions for Kids Auction

A Seattle family with a rich credit union history will be featured as the “Patient Family” at the Credit Unions for Kids Auction on Oct. 3.

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Canadian Credit Union Panel Set to Discuss Shared Issues, Collaborative Opportunities

“Our resources are being stretched, and there is a new federal rule that will soon begin coming into play that regulates credit unions on a federal level,” said Dominic Vinci, vice president and COO of Canada’s Interior Savings Credit Union. “Regulation in Canada is vigorous and getting worse.”

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Elder Financial Abuse: Why Does it Happen, and How Can Credit Unions Spot It?

Mary Sroufe will be leading a breakout session at Convention on dealing with elder financial abuse. Here she outlines the basics of financial abuse and offers simple tips to help credit unions identify and curb incidents among membership.

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Breakout Breakdown: Convention Sessions Offer Resources from All Angles

Want to take a sneak peek at the credit union of the future? Interested in establishing or growing an MBL portfolio? Looking for ways to curb plastic card fraud? These are just a few of the topics to be covered in breakout sessions at the NWCUA’s 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting.

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Mergers: Leveraging Physical Assets for Targeted Growth

Paul Seibert of EHS Design will lead a breakout session on maximizing the benefit of credit union mergers at the NWCUA’s 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting. Here he outlines three key points to consider for credit unions exploring a merger.

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Compliance Question of the Week

What is a polar clock?

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Rogue Federal Credit Union’s Jackson Jones is Credit Union Volunteer of the Year

All volunteer directors are valued, but there is an extra special twist to the story of Jackson Jones. A retired school teacher who has given 44 years of service to his credit union is the 2012 Summit Awards “Credit Union Volunteer of the Year.”

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Valley’s Pagenstecher Named Young Credit Union Professional of the Year

Just three years after joining Valley Credit Union, Steve Pagenstecher has been named the Young Credit Union Professional of the Year, thanks to his tireless efforts and involvement in virtually every aspect of the credit union movement.

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Growing Mortgage Loan Portfolios Prompt New Regulations, Increased Scrutiny

Mark DeBree, director of Catalyst Strategic Solutions’ ALM Service and a featured presenter at the 2012 NWCUA Convention and Annual Business Meeting, discusses increasing examiner concern about rising real estate loan and IRR exposure.

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Full Slate of Award Presentations Highlights NWCUA Convention Agenda

The NWCUA Convention is meant to foster and enhance the sense of community among credit unions in the Northwest, and one step toward that end is sharing the achievements of individuals and their credit unions through a series of prestigious awards.

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Convention Speaker to Present a Compelling Case for Owning, Innovating Payment Systems

Payments are the key to the future of credit unions, according to one of the keynote speakers at the upcoming NWCUA 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting. Jeff Russell presents a riveting case for staying competitive.

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Miracle Jeans Day at Convention: Do These Jeans Make My Credit Union Look Good?

Wednesday, Oct. 3, is Miracle Jeans Day at the NWCUA 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting. For a $20 donation to Credit Unions for Kids, attendees can wear jeans all day, along with a fundraising T-shirt that ties the whole promotion together.

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Discounted Registration for NWCUA Convention Available Through Sept. 14

Credit unions can save money by registering for Convention by Sept. 14. Discounts for early registration are available not only for the full three-day package, but for one-day passes, guest registration and small credit union sponsorship as well.

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Northwest Credit Unions to Explore Rabobank’s Cooperative Structure at Convention

Like American credit unions, Rabobank Nederland’s governance model includes volunteer directors. Attendees at the NWCUA Convention and Annual Business Meeting will learn how Rabobank thrives with cooperative structure, global reach and local roots.

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Rabobank to Spotlight Global Cooperative Reach at Annual Convention

Rabobank, a global agricultural financial services provider, will showcase its cooperative roots and international reach at the NWCUA Convention and Annual Business Meeting in October. The director of corporate affairs will provide a keynote address.

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NWCUA Convention Website Goes Live, Registration Now Open

The online home for the NWCUA 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting is now live, offering the first chance to register and to learn more about this year’s speakers, sessions and schedules.

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Stunningly Low Net Promoter Score for Banks Surfaces in NWCUA Research

The Northwest Credit Union Association commissioned a survey of nearly 900 consumers. Renowned financial institutions consultant Neil Goldman will help credit unions understand how to leverage that research in a keynote presentation at the 2012 Convention and Annual Business Meeting

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What Does It Mean to Be a ‘Primary Financial Institution?’

Jeff Russell, president and CEO of TMG Financial Services and a keynote speaker at the NWCUA’s 2012 Convention, explains how times have changed for credit unions, and how they can use a challenging economy as an opportunity to build membership.

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