PEWAUKEE, Wis. – Credit union professionals from the Midwest were provided with CU-specific economic insights as well as updates on fiscal policy, market opportunity, risk management, growth planning and more during Corporate Central’s 2019 Economic Outlook Conference here. The meeting was held at the Ingleside Hotel.
“Our purpose in bringing credit union executives together to learn and exchange valuable information about the current and upcoming economic environment is to help credit unions grow and prosper,” said Chris Felton, president/CEO of Corporate Central. “We greatly appreciate our expert speakers for their time, insights, and advice, and we equally appreciate all who attended to share experiences and knowledge.”
The Speakers
Among the speakers and topics covered:
- Bill Adams, senior economist for the PNC Financial Services Group, presented PNC’s forecast for the US economy, discussed the outlook for interest rates and yield curve, and spoke about the impact of tariffs and the trade war on key US trading partners.
- Brian Knight, EVP/general counsel at NASCUS, spoke in depth about the complex laws and regulations surrounding marijuana and hemp banking. He talked about the many considerations credit unions should make before deciding to affiliate themselves with a marijuana business and at what costs.
- Mike Schenk, VP-research & policy analysis at CUNA, talked about howFed policy once drove consumer behavior and directly determined the course of credit union operations, but now the Fed is much less relevant, and forecasting is exceedingly difficult. He talked about the four key forces driving the new economy and discussed implications for credit unions and potential responses.
- Andy Janning, president/CEO of NO NET Solutions, LLC., shared some inspirational storiesand taught attendees some practical skills to help them build a brighter future for everyone they serve at work and at home.