2017 MBL Symposium focuses on member business lending education

April 17-19 marked the 1st Annual Member Business Lending Symposium in Salt Lake City, Utah. MBL welcomed over 100 credit union member business lending and services professionals from credit unions of all asset sizes from across the country. Attendees were treated to a number of speakers on hot-topic industry events that focused on highlighting and educating towards current business lending trends.

“We thought it was important that our speakers and presenters focus primarily on educating attendees on important topics related to member business lending and services,” said Joey Duckworth, VP/Information Systems Manager. “Credit union professionals hear sales pitches all the time. We wanted their time at the MBL Symposium to focus on education and best practices trending in our industry.”

Nationally-recognized speakers included Stacie Vandenberghe, Mark Arnold and Neil Nickolaisen. Vandenberghe presented on “Thinking Outside the Box — Becoming Member-Centric” which focused on helping credit unions delivering member service in ways that members now prefer rather than “the way we’ve always done things.” Arnold shared “More Than Service: Advanced Sales Strategies to Reach Businesses.” Arnold challenged all attendees to recognize the fact that everyone at your credit unit is involved in sales and that “sales” is not a dirty word. Nickolaisen spoke on “Agile Leadership: Want to Change Your Results? Change How You Lead.” The session highlighted the importance of credit unions staying abreast with the leadership skills as relates to the speed of technology and technological change in financial services. Attendees were also able to participate in a number of breakout sessions led by other member business lending industry thought leaders.

“Buzz from attendees about the Symposium was overwhelmingly positive,” added Duckworth. “The group of industry experts we were able to assemble did to terrific job sharing and educating attendees about the rising importance of member business lending and services to credit union portfolios.”

MBL is already planning next year’s symposium (scheduled for Las Vegas, Nevada). Check their  later in the year for more information and registration details.

For more information about Member Business Lending (MBL) and its relationship with credit unions, call (801) 545-7935.