PORTLAND, Maine–The Maine Credit Union League drew nearly 900 people for its annual meeting here.
Themed “Maine’s Credit Unions—A World of Opportunities,” the league said the convention’s 875 attendees was the largest crowd to attend in decades.
"Interest, participation and engagement from attendees in the Convention was as strong as I've seen it in my nearly 30 years with the league. It was great to see the enthusiasm with record membership and other successes translate into attendance," remarked Cheryl Lancaster, SVP of Member Services for the League, who helped organize and coordinate the Convention.
The Convention's Closing Session featured Jeff Skiles, co-captain with Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger on the “Miracle on the Hudson Flight.” Skiles captivated the audience with his first-hand account of the flight that defied all odds and landed successfully in the Hudson River, after losing both of its engines. Skiles attributed much of the flight's success in avoiding any loss of life in "good training and even better teamwork. Much like you all do in your credit unions and other workplaces, how you prepare and react makes a difference.”
Congressman Bruce Poliquin (R-ME 2D), who serves on the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee, also addressed the Convention, and reiterated his support for “regulatory relief so credit unions can do what you do best – serve your members by lending money and other services. As a proud credit union member myself, it is an honor to address the Convention and meet so many great credit union staff and volunteers."
Following the retirement of long-time league President, John Murphy, Todd Mason, who became the organization's new President in late April, presided over his first convention as the organization's new leader.
"It was great to meet so many people from the Maine CU System. The level of cooperation really struck me, and reinforced my perception of the strength of Maine's credit unions.” In his remarks to Delegates, Mason focused on his priorities for the organization including, “Keeping what is great great and committing to constant improvement. We will serve by our values and deliver on our mission and vision everyday.”
Meanwhile, in Georgia, Terry Hardy, the president and CEO of MembersFirst CU in Decatur, Ga., has been elected chairman of the board of the Georgia Credit Union League during its 83rd annual meeting in Savannah.
Other officers of the board include 1st Vice Chairman Brian Akin of North Georgia Credit Union, 2nd Vice Chairman Stephen Smith of Family First Credit Union, Treasurer Tim Bridges of Associated Credit Union, and Secretary Jay Gratwick of Delta Community Credit Union. The board also includes Barry Heape of DOCO Credit Union, Pat Conn of United 1st Federal Credit Union, Stacie Branch of Interstate Federal Credit Union, Kelly Garmon of Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Chris Leggett of LGE Community Credit Union, John Rhea of Robins Financial Credit Union and Stacy Tallent of Health Center Credit Union.
“Credit unions face a continuously changing environment with daily challenges from competition, disruption in our space, and regulations, just to name a few,” noted Hardy. “My hope is that the Georgia League will continue to help credit unions, especially small credit unions, face these challenges and know that they are not alone. They have an advocate in the Georgia League to help reduce the regulatory burden and give them a heads up on new technologies and competitors that challenge their business models.”