A special think tank comprised of 25 business development leaders throughout the credit union industry met in Portlandia over a 2-day period in April to discuss the future of the industry, how to move business development forward, strengthen the entire credit union tribe, and try a few Voodoo Donuts.
The transformative results of the Business Development Innovation Summit are expected to permeate out into the industry via peer-to-peer interactions and shared best practices.
Lauren Culp from Filene Research Institute facilitated the 100% attendee-driven event sponsored by First Tech Federal Credit Union and a handful of other companies.
“No matter our asset size, many of us are facing similar challenges and can learn from and inspire each other,” said Chylon Pappas, VP Marketing with First Tech FCU.
Credit unions across the country have seen increases in new membership as well as a continued growth in product and service usage, with an aim to help people live better financial lives. However, that success requires credit union business development leaders keep up the pace and continue to develop new ways of sharing the ideals of people helping people.
The Summit’s founder and organizer had seen the need for such an event for several years.
“I’ve been working with credit unions across the country since 2009,” said Julie Ferguson, longtime credit union advocate and business development expert. “It was clear that we needed to pull the best minds together and make some changes. The think tank model has allowed us to pool our strengths and ideas together to benefit the entire industry.”
The Summit was immediately hailed as an innovation that will endure. The 2019 attendee-driven, invitation-only event is already being planned for a different part of the country.
“My expectations were blown away by how much information I took back with me and the connections I made,” said Peter Purpura, NEFCU Area Sales Manager. “The summit was extremely helpful as we look to evolve our business development department at NEFCU.”
Bill Wagner, Vice President of Business Development with Hiway Federal Credit Union added that, “Julie gathered a well-rounded and diverse group of leaders from all parts of the country. The different perspectives and approaches shed light on various experiences, best practices, and strategies that everyone could reflect on, test, and build upon in meaningful ways for their circumstances. A fantastic group of Credit Union developers!”
The Summit was made possible with the support of First Tech Federal Credit Union. Other sponsors included Currency Marketing, Onboardability, MemberXP, The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program, as well as gira{ph} marketing and communications.
