2024 Shapiro Summit: ‘Legacy’ inspires CU leaders to shape the future
ANAHEIM, CA (August 27, 2024) — The 17th annual Shapiro Summit, themed “Legacy,” concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impact on industry leaders who attended from credit unions across California and Nevada that are under $300 million in assets. Hosted by the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues at the JW Marriott Anaheim Resort, this year’s event drew more than 107 industry leaders from 40 credit unions, affiliates, partners, and sponsors, fostering a unique environment of collaboration and innovation.
“The Shapiro Summit provided an opportunity for credit union leaders to connect, learn, and grow,” said Scott Simpson, president and CEO of the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. “Attendees’ enthusiasm was on display, and we’re confident that the insights gained will energize leaders of smaller credit unions to build upon their credit unions’ legacies and achieve even greater success in the year to come.”
The summit explored the rich history of credit unions, examined the current economic and political landscape, and provided actionable strategies for navigating fraud, the war for attracting talent, and the evolving economic environment. Attendees also benefited from a special CEO Roundtable with Simpson.
Keynote speaker Meridith Elliott Powell, CEO of MotionFirst and acclaimed business growth expert, challenged attendees to translate their conference experience into tangible outcomes. Her interactive session focused on overcoming barriers to execution, transforming ideas into actionable plans, and outpacing the competition. She seamlessly integrated key takeaways from the entire conference, offering attendees a clear roadmap for success. The session was characterized by its high engagement and practical, real-world strategies, leaving participants motivated and ready to make a lasting impact for their credit union.
Shapiro Summit also featured a diverse range of educational sessions, including:
- Passion and Purpose: A Credit Union PhD: Taylor Murray, CEO of ServiStar Consulting, reignited attendees’ commitment to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people”.
- The Economy, the Markets, and Credit Union Financial Performance: Mark Wert, senior advisor for Catalyst, provided a comprehensive overview of the current economic climate and its impact on the credit union industry.
- The Present: Navigating the Changing Climate of CU Income by Building on the Past: Randy Thompson, CEO of TCT Risk Solutions, explored strategies for adapting to the rapidly changing financial landscape while staying true to credit union values.
- The Future: Stop Accidentally Finding Talent and Have Talent Come to You: Heri Garcia, CEO of Thinkwise CU and Ginger Ontiveros, president and CEO of Tomorrow’s Talent joined by three interns, offered insights into developing internship programs to attract and retain top talent from a 360 view.
- FHLBank San Francisco: Jeremy Empol, senior vice president of public affairs and industry outreach for Federal Home Loan Bank—San Francisco, discussed how credit unions can partner with the FHLB as they focus on their shared future.
- Medicare Your Untapped Revenue Stream: Mark Snihurowych, president of The Center for Senior Benefits shared how credit unions can be a trusted source for nearly a million members going on Medicare while gaining a new revenue stream.
“This year’s Shapiro Summit served as a powerful reminder of the credit union movement’s enduring legacy and its vital role in shaping the future of finance,” said Larry Palochik, executive vice president of the Leagues. “As attendees return to their respective credit unions, they carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and a wealth of knowledge to drive positive change for their members and communities.”
“It is the most immersive conference I have been a part of for nearly the last decade”, said Jake Harbour, president and CEO of Santa Barbara County Federal Credit Union. “Tremendous insights being shared both formally and through the targeted networking opportunities. Always a must participate event on my calendar every year.”
The Leagues would like to thank all corporate sponsors of this year’s Shapiro Summit:
- Catalyst (Diamond Sponsor)
- TruStage (Gold Sponsor)
- CU NorthWest, Origence, The Servion Group, Origence, and BondStreet Investment Management (Copper Sponsors)
- Corporate America CU, The Center for Senior Benefits, and Eltropy (Bronze Sponsors)
- American Share Insurance—ASI and Excess Share Insurance—ESI (Speaker Sponsors)
- Envisant and Richard Myles Johnson Foundation (Transportation Sponsors)
About California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
Headquartered in Ontario, California, the Leagues exist to help credit unions change people’s lives by supporting their operations, guidance, strategy and philosophy. Our trade association helps local credit unions in California serve nearly 14 million members and those in Nevada serve nearly 400,000 members. Credit unions are for people, not profit!