What happens when over 150 passionate credit union leaders from across the country—representing institutions from Hawaii to Florida—gather in a historic hotel in downtown Spokane, Washington? Something incredible. That "something" happened April 13–15, 2025, at America's Credit Unions (ACU) Small Credit Union Conference, hosted in partnership with the GoWest Credit Union Association at the Historic Davenport Hotel.
The conference was more than an event. It was a movement—a reminder that small credit unions are not only relevant but essential, vibrant, and future-focused. For two days, the rooms echoed with stories of collaboration, innovation, and deep commitment to community-centered finance.
A gathering for the unsung heroes
Designed specifically for small credit union leaders, the ACU Small Credit Union Conference delivered on its promise: highly relevant, actionable content in an inspiring setting. With sold-out attendance, it’s clear that the demand for high-quality, peer-driven learning remains strong.
Rich Mohr, CUDE, ACU’s Director of Membership, kicked off the event with warmth and enthusiasm, setting the tone for a gathering built on shared purpose and cooperative spirit. ACU President Jim Nussle and GoWest President Troy Stang also welcomed attendees, reinforcing the national support for leaders at small credit unions.
A content-rich experience
The program was expertly curated to meet the moment. In a time of rapid economic change, regulatory challenges, and intense competition from fintech and big banks, smaller credit union leaders need more than motivation—they need solutions.
Here’s what attendees found:
- A Reaffirmation of the Credit Union Philosophy session reminded us why the credit union movement was founded and why it still matters—especially for smaller institutions that embody the original spirit of cooperation.
- Collaboration in Action: A standout panel showcased credit union CEOs who are actively collaborating on lending programs, core conversions, and leadership support. These are not theoretical ideas—they’re real strategies that small CUs can replicate.
- Advocacy in a Critical Time: With looming threats to the tax-exempt status and increasing regulatory complexity, a panel featuring advocacy leaders shared practical advice on how smaller CUs can elevate their voice and influence lawmakers.
- Creative Business Development best practices provided insights on growing membership and loyalty through grassroots marketing, storytelling, and meaningful community engagement.
- Overcoming Fintech Fear: A brutally honest session tackled the fintech "phobia" many small credit unions face. Leaders shared how they overcame those fears, evaluated potential partners, and began integrating technology in ways that aligned with their values.
- AI for the Rest of Us: Practical credit union solutions for AI showed how even the smallest credit unions can use AI to serve members better, improve efficiency, and reduce friction—without huge budgets or technical teams.
- Strategic and succession planning tools: Credit union thought leaders led powerful sessions that gave attendees practical tools to develop and implement both strategic plans and leadership succession strategies.
More than learning: Shared values in action
This wasn’t your average conference. It was a gathering of cooperative energy and shared values. Attendees participated in a bike build sponsored by TruStage, creating bikes for local children and supporting the Spokane Bike Swap. This wasn’t just a fun activity—it was credit union values in action.
And the conversations between sessions? They were some of the most valuable times of the week. Stories were shared, ideas exchanged, and connections made. Attendees returned home with a renewed sense of community and purpose.
Connecting the dots
I was honored to close out the conference on how credit union leaders can connect the dots—from philosophy to fintech, succession planning to community outreach—and how they contribute to consistently high-performing small credit union shops. Throughout the conference, a simple but powerful theme emerged: small credit unions, when they are informed, inspired, and act, have unlimited potential. When credit unions focus on mission and margin, they thrive. When credit union leaders lift each other, they all rise.
The call to action
To every leader of a small credit union reading this: You belong in this room.
If you want:
- Practical tools to grow your membership, impact, and sustainability
- Honest conversations with people who understand your challenges
- New ideas and trusted partners to help your credit union succeed
...then this conference is for you.
Don’t go it alone. Join the movement. Be part of the next chapter of small credit union success.
For more information and to register for the next ACU Small Credit Union Conference visit americascreditunions.org. Together, we are stronger. Together, we lead.
