 “Moving Michigan Forward” was the theme as the MCUL Annual Convention and Exposition (AC&E) moved back to Grand Rapids this year.
The positive message underscored that fact that while Michigan struggles with a weak economy and serious home mortgage problems, credit unions have the opportunity to make a profound impact and lead many consumers toward a brighter future.
Held Thursday through Saturday, May 15-17, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Center, the 2008 AC&E featured an impressive lineup of speakers and educational sessions, providing the information credit unions need to better serve their members in this time of economic transition.
Hand-in-hand with the message of “Moving Forward” is the idea of overcoming fear of change, which is why Alan Parisse, one of Successful Meetings Magazine’s “Top 21 Speakers for the 21st Century,” was selected to give the opening keynote address. Parisse is renowned for addressing groups that are facing a time of uncertainty or change, and explaining some of the styles of leadership that best fit this situation — something credit unions can take to heart during this turbulent period for the state.
Jane Bryan Quinn — veteran journalist, television personality and one of The World Almanac’s “25 Most Influential Women in America” — delivered the general session keynote address. Using a well-researched review of current business outlooks, including significant pending legislation and investment information, Quinn spoke on how credit unions can better serve their current members and attract new ones by serving as a resource for financial empowerment, despite today’s negative economic conditions and trends.
Mary Crane of Mary Crane and Associates was also booked to speak on “Millenials and Their Money” during the Saturday keynote, in which Crane explained methods to reach out to a younger generation of members with profoundly different spending and saving habits.
The popular “Lunch and Learn” sessions were again scheduled for 2008. Each session included a boxed lunch and featured topics such as “It’s 2011: Do You Know Where Your Members Are,” “Board Governance,” “Coaching and Mentoring for Today’s Credit Unions” and others.
The city of Grand Rapids provided plenty of opportunities to scatter fun activities throughout the AC&E agenda. The “Your Museum Comes Alive” welcome reception took place at the VanAndel Museum Thursday and a Friday evening “Moving Michigan Forward Party” featured the always popular Phil Dirt and the Dozers, along with food, dancing and games.
Many other special events, programs and sessions highlighted the three-day AC&E agenda, including CMN Credit Unions for Kids Silent Auction, the Economic Issues Luncheon and a series of timely and informative education breakout sessions for credit union professionals and volunteers alike. The 74th Annual Membership Business Meeting took place Saturday morning and the program concluded with a musical “Patriotic Broadway” performance by the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra.
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Regulatory Affairs
