Press
Connecticut League annual meeting focuses on success
MERIDEN, CT (April 10, 2015) – The Credit Union League of Connecticut 81st Annual Meeting & Strategic Business Partner Conference was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. The event brought in nearly 300 participants including League staff, credit union employees and volunteers, League Strategic Partners, and exhibitors. The one-day event focused on the theme “Credit Unions Succeed,” giving credit union attendees access to insightful breakout sessions and exhibitors to help them reach their goals.
Jim Nussle, president/CEO of the Credit Union National Association, addressed Connecticut’s credit unions as the keynote speaker. Nussle provided an overview of the credit union industry and highlighted his key goals as CUNA’s new President. A central theme of Nussle’s remarks was the importance of the credit union story and communicating it effectively. “Credit unions are America’s best financial partner,” said Nussle. He added that credit unions are winning when they are growing. Nussle closed his remarks with a Q&A session with attendees.
During the annual business meeting, members of the League re-elected Michael Hinchey of Wepawaug-Flagg FCU, Stuart Phillips of United Business & Industry FCU, and Asi Carmeli of Scient FCU to the League board. The reorganization meeting named: Keith Wiemert, Seasons FCU as chair, Michael Hinchey, Wepawaug-Flagg FCU, as vice chair, John E. Keet, Jr., Personal Care America FCU, as secretary, and Vincent Ciambriello, Sikorsky Financial CU, as treasurer. The only change from the previous year was the treasurer position.
At the conclusion of the annual business meeting, award presentations were made to honor three individuals for their outstanding contributions to the credit union industry: Lori Herrick, CEO, Manchester Municipal FCU, was named 2015 Connecticut Credit Union Outstanding Professional of the Year, Dr. Philip Lane, board chair, Personal Care America FCU, was named 2015 Connecticut Credit Union Volunteer of the Year, and Vincent Ciambriello, president/CEO, Sikorsky Financial CU, was named 2015 Advocate of the Year, recognizing political advocacy efforts.
“It is an honor to recognize the outstanding efforts of credit unions and individuals that are truly shining here in Connecticut,” said Jill Nowacki, president/CEO, Credit Union League of Connecticut. “We saw a significant increase in entries this year compared to previous years. This demonstrates the commitment Connecticut’s credit unions have to being successful,” added Jill.
Ending the day was a Minute to Win It themed FUNdraiser that had credit unions and exhibitors racing the clock in various timed challenges from pulling tissues out of boxes to sorting candies by color. Eight teams of two raised a total of $800. All proceeds went equally to the Connecticut Credit Union Charitable Foundation and the Financial Reality Fair Foundation.
About the Credit Union League of Connecticut:
The Credit Union League of Connecticut (CULCT) is a statewide non-profit trade association serving credit unions throughout Connecticut. Through consumer advocacy initiatives and providing credit unions essential resources, CULCT is a valued partner in making Connecticut’s credit unions successful.
About the Connecticut Credit Union Charitable Foundation:
The Connecticut Credit Union Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization representing Connecticut’s credit unions through charitable giving with a mission to provide fuel assistance and help feed those in need throughout the state.
About the Financial Reality Fair Foundation:
The Financial Reality Fair Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that works with Connecticut’s credit unions to provide financial literacy to high school students. Financial Reality Fairs put students in real life situations and requires them to live a month on an estimated first-year income for their selected careers. More than 17,000 Connecticut students have gone through a Financial Reality Fair since 2008.
From left to right: Lori Herrick, CEO, Manchester Municipal FCU; Jill Nowacki, President/CEO, Credit Union League of Connecticut
From left to right: Dr. Philip Lane, Board Chair, Personal Care America FCU; Jill Nowacki, President/CEO, Credit Union League of Connecticut
From left to right: Kelly Fuhlbrigge, VP Government Relations, Credit Union League of Connecticut; Vincent Ciambriello, President/CEO, Sikorsky Financial CU; Jill Nowacki, President/CEO, Credit Union League of Connecticut