Cobalt CU hosts successful 2022 DCUC Midwest Conference
WASHINGTON, DC (November 14, 2022) — The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) successfully concluded its 2022 Midwest Conference. Co-hosted by Cobalt CU, this year’s conference focused on important industry topics to include serving the military, financial technology, wellness, and advocacy updates.
In 1972, DCUC and Cobalt CU, then called Strategic Air Command (SAC) FCU, held the first Midwest Sub-council Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, with a close-knit group of credit union leaders and supportive guests. This was a pivotal moment in DCUC’s history, starting a 50-year tradition of Midwest Sub-council credit unions gathering to reconfirm their dedication in serving our military communities.
Robin Larsen, Cobalt CU president/CEO, stated “We’re excited to have brought together defense credit unions and credit union supporters from across the Midwest and beyond.”
DCUC and Cobalt CU provided a fantastic lineup of speakers to include US Congressman Don Bacon of Nebraska’s 2nd District, Brigadier General, USAF Retired; Colonel Mark D. Howard, Vice Commander, 55th Wing, Offutt AFB, NE; and Gigi Hyland, Executive Director, National Credit Union Foundation. Speakers covered topics such as advocacy issues and the environment on Capitol Hill, team-coaching, and ways for credit unions to improve the financial well-being of their members.
“This year’s Midwest Conference proved to be another great opportunity for our member credit unions and guests to gain insight from top industry leaders. While not the largest credit union conference offered, the topics covered were practical and well-received by our attendees. I was impressed by the amount of questions and dialogue spurred by the presentations,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO.
The conference also featured special guest Zeke Crozier, Staff Sergeant, US Army Retired, Owner and Artist behind Handy-Cappin’, and Purple Heart recipient. Crozier partnered with DCUC and the Armed Forces Financial Network (AFFN) to create two pieces of art to present to this year’s conference Co-Host, Cobalt CU, and Denise Floyd, retiring president/CEO, Fort Sill FCU for their contributions.
“We were also honored to recognize Denise Floyd for her many years of leadership and commitment to DCUC, and her collaborative efforts while serving on the Midwest Sub-Council,” stated Hernandez.
To close the conference, Larsen announced that the SAC Foundation, Cobalt CU’s charitable foundation, would be donating $10,000 to the Omaha Fisher House in Zeke Crozier’s honor. The Fisher House Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life for military, veterans, their families, and caregivers. For more information on the Fisher House Foundation, please visit FisherHouse.org.
Pictured left to right: Robin Larsen, president/CEO, Cobalt CU; Zeke Crozier, Staff Sergeant, US Army Retired, Owner and Artist, Handy-Cappin’; and John Broda, president/CEO, AFFN, present SAC Foundation donation to Omaha Fisher House in Crozier’s honor. Photo provided by Cobalt CU
Pictured left to right: John Broda, president/CEO, AFFN; Anthony Hernandez, president/CEO, DCUC; Denise Floyd, retiring president/CEO, Fort Sill FCU; and Zeke Crozier, Staff Sergeant, US Army Retired, Owner and Artist, Handy-Cappin’, present farewell gift to Floyd in recognition of her contributions. Photo provided by Cobalt CU.
2022 DCUC Midwest Conference attendees tour the SAC & Aerospace Museum. Photo provided by Cobalt CU.
About Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC)
The Defense Credit Union Council is the premier resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. By maintaining a close and constant liaison with the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and NCUA, the Council champions the interests of credit unions serving our military and veteran communities by coordinating policy, procedures, and legislation impacting morale and welfare, financial readiness, and the delivery of quality financial products and services. Organized in 1963, the Council’s membership is comprised of 180 credit unions with over 35 million members. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact DCUC at alert@dcuc.org.
