Credit union professionals from the Midwest gathered last Thursday for Corporate Central’s 2019 Economic Outlook Conference. Held at The Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, WI, the annual event offered credit union-specific economic insights and covered issues related to fiscal policy, market opportunity, risk management, and growth planning. Speakers also discussed trends impacting the industry.
“Our purpose in bringing credit union executives together to learn and exchange valuable information about the current and upcoming economic environment is to help credit unions grow and prosper,” said Chris Felton, President/CEO of Corporate Central. “We greatly appreciate our expert speakers for their time, insights, and advice, and we equally appreciate all who attended to share experiences and knowledge.”
Speakers and topics covered included:
- Bill Adams, Senior Economist for the PNC Financial Services Group, presented PNC’s forecast for the US economy, discussed the outlook for interest rates and yield curve, and spoke about the impact of tariffs and the trade war on key US trading partners.
- Brian Knight, Esq., Executive Vice President & General Counsel at NASCUS, spoke in depth about the complex laws and regulations surrounding marijuana and hemp banking. He talked about the many considerations credit unions should make before deciding to affiliate themselves with a marijuana business and at what costs.
- Mike Schenk, Vice President of Research & Policy Analysis at CUNA, talked about how Fed policy once drove consumer behavior and directly determined the course of credit union operations, but now the Fed is much less relevant, and forecasting is exceedingly difficult. He talked about the four key forces driving the new economy and discussed implications for credit unions and potential responses.
- Andy Janning, President/CEO of NO NET Solutions, LLC., shared some inspirational stories and taught attendees some practical skills to help them build a brighter future for everyone they serve at work and at home.
Attendees heard presentations from four speakers at Corporate Central’s 2019 Economic Outlook Conference.