Press
Kansas Credit Unions Gather for Annual Convention, Celebrate Year of Success
Contact: Lisa Mallow, MJB Public Relations Group, Phone: (866) 714-7041, Email: lisa@mjblankerspr.com
Wichita, Kan. (April 20, 2011) – More than 350 credit union representatives from across Kansas gathered in Overland Park last weekend to mark the Kansas Credit Union Association’s 76th Annual Meeting and Convention. Highlights included the growth and success of the state’s 101 credit unions in providing financial services to more than 600,000 Kansans.
“Since 1934, KCUA has worked in partnership with the state’s credit unions to make financial services both affordable and accessible to consumers,” said Marla Marsh, President/CEO of KCUA. “And each year, more consumers discover the value credit unions provide. In fact, in 2010, Kansas credit unions grew their membership base by 3.2 percent, nearly five times the national average.”
The two-day event featured industry speakers, and a variety of educational and networking opportunities. The keynote presentation by Dr. Benjamin Akande, Economics Professor and Dean at Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo., addressed the new reality of post-recession America. Also addressing the group was U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder (Kansas-Third District), who shared thoughts on the budget debate in Congress and proposed legislation dealing with financial institution regulations.
Four credit union leaders were honored at the event:
- Wayne Warfel, President of Wichita Federal Credit Union, received the Henry Peterson Professional of the Year Award. Warfel was honored for his demonstrated leadership within the Kansas credit union community.
- Don Homan, Supervisory Committee Chairman of Frontier Community Credit Union in Leavenworth, received the John Michener Volunteer of the Year Award. Homan was honored for his long-time service and devotion as a volunteer, both to credit unions and the greater community.
- Millard O. “Bob” Wray, former Manager/President of Kansas Highway Credit Union (now Quest Credit Union) in Topeka, was named posthumously to the KCUA Hall of Fame. Accepting the award in his honor was his son, Gary Wray. This award recognized Wray’s dedication and passion as leader, advocate and mentor in the Kansas credit union movement.
- John Beverlin, President/CEO of Mainstreet Credit Union in Lenexa, received the Political Involvement Award. Beverlin was recognized for his extraordinary effort, and involvement in educating both state and national policymakers on the credit union difference.
Mid American Credit Union was also recognized for winning a first-place award in the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Program. The Wichita-based credit union won the award for teaching a financial literacy course as part of a summer youth program in two of Wichita’s most culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
As part of the Association’s business meeting, KCUA conducted its annual board elections. Vickie Hurt, President of Quest Credit Union of Topeka was elected to the KCUA Board. Executive committee members elected for one-year terms were Chairman Larry Damm, Cessna Employees Credit Union of Wichita, Vice Chairman Don Homan, Frontier Community Credit Union of Leavenworth and Don Napell, Farmers Credit Union of Hays. Other KCUA board members continuing their terms include John Beverlin, President/CEO of Mainstreet Credit Union in Lenexa; Jim Holt, President/CEO of Mid American Credit Union in Wichita; Richard Montgomery, President/CEO of Farmway Credit Union in Beloit; Robert Reeves, Board Chair of Kansas State University Federal Credit Union in Manhattan; Rosa Saenz, Senior Vice President of Golden Plains Credit Union in Garden City; and Garth Strand, President/CEO of Hutchinson Credit Union.
Karen Hamit, CEO of Credit Union of Dodge City was newly elected to the Shared Financial Solutions Board. Also re-elected were Robert Corwin, President/CEO of Meritrust Credit Union of Wichita; Brenda Kliewer, Manager of McPherson CO-OP Credit Union; Larry Damm; Jim Holt and Don Napell. Shared Financial Solutions is a division of KCUA providing financial products and services to credit unions throughout the Midwest.
To learn more about the KCUA or financial services available through Kansas credit unions, call (800) 362-2076, or visit www.kcua.coop.
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About the Kansas Credit Union Association
The Kansas Credit Union Association is the trade association for credit unions in Kansas, serving more than half-million Kansas consumers. Established in 1934, the Association’s mission remains the same – to assist member credit unions in meeting the needs of their members and potential members to further the success of the credit union movement. Strategies center on this mission: to unify the credit union movement, provide operational assistance to credit unions, promote growth and advocate on behalf of the membership. For more information, visit www.kcua.coop.