Onsite: 6 things you missed yesterday at #CUNAGAC

There were some memorable moments onstage during Day 2 of #CUNAGAC. If you weren't in Washington D.C. on Monday, here are 6 key things you missed.

6. The Entrance

Monday's Opening General Session featured a parade of flags, the Marine guard, and fife and drum performers. This mixture, along with Pledge of Allegiance and the fact that we were all assembled in our nation's capital made it a very prideful and inspirational way to kick off the morning.

5. A message from the Speaker of the House

Speaker Paul Ryan praised credit unions for the service they provide to Americans and assured the crowd that "You’re in good hands with my old friends (CEO) Jim Nussle and (COO) Rich Meade.”

4. Jim Nussle's Helicopter Moment

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In the middle of speaking about big banks and their mission to destroy community financial institutions, the sounds of a helicopter filled the room for a quick moment. Without missing a beat, the CUNA CEO said "Here they come."

The good news? Nussle said, "I see an opportunity for us to be the disruptors in the financial services marketplace that Americans are looking for."

3. Susan Streifel's challenge to credit unions

CUNA Board Chairwoman Susan Streifel told credit unions to "set high expectations for our great association," and to "share the responsibility in its performance. We are all CUNA. Our engagement and participation are vital."

2. Lisa Bodell says make the choice for change

Futurist and CEO of futurethink, Lisa Bodell said "nothing comes from complacency" and challenged credit unions to "keep on top of trends and change so you can give your members what they need to solve their problems."

Bodell said employees of more complex companies are drowning in meetings and emails and credit unions’ relative lack of complexity and members-first focus provide a leg up on other financial institutions. She challenged the crowd to "be in a groove and not in a rut."

1. Nussle returns to highlight a great year for CUNA

During the 82nd Annual General Meeting at #CUNAGAC, Jim Nussle returned to the stage to take a look back at the year behind us.

“CUNA’s purpose is to support, protect, unify, and advance the credit union movement,” Nussle said. “With fierce, 360-degree advocacy, we remove barriers between credit unions and their members, create awareness of the credit union difference, and foster service excellence so credit unions can continue to be America’s best financial partners.”

Nussle highlighted the efforts of credit unions, state leagues, and CUNA and the successes that came from the joint efforts. One of these efforts was confronting attacks on credit union tax status in nine states.

“As a result of your hard work, your hand-to-hand combat,” Nussle said, “no bills were even introduced challenging the credit union not-for-profit tax status.”

During #CUNAGAC, in addition to Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, CUNA communications will be using Periscope, a live-streaming app to broadcast behind-the-scenes updates.

Look for: