adminThe final day of SCUCE provided a great finish to an outstanding week! In the opening session, CUNA’s president/CEO, Jim Nussle, addressed the crowd with enthusiasm and vigor. He challenged credit union leaders in the audience to continue changing the world one member at a time. Nussle reminded the group that no rescue fighters were the way. The solution to the fight against things like increasing regulation, predatory lending and financial illiteracy was right in the crowd. The strategies necessary will not be magical but will result from unified growth as credit unions and leagues work together, not only defensively but offensively as well.
Following Nussle’s comments, the audience heard Mel Robbins in a passionate presentation on how to unleash the power within you with a new five-second rule. Her tips on how to overcome fear, stress, and obstacles were extremely simple to follow and well-received by the crowd. Following the opening, a private session for CEOs to meet the speakers was sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group.
During the morning, the LSCU Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Wes Atkins of Bay Credit Union, Panama City, FL and Tallahassee-Leon Federal Credit Union, Tallahassee, FL. Wes has served for 58 years in the credit union industry and attended every LSCU annual conference from 1961 to 2005.
The Distinguished Service Award was also presented in the morning session and was awarded to Terry West, president/CEO of VyStar Credit Union headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. Terry serves on the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C, CUNA’s Powers Subcommittee, and NASCUS’ Advisory Council to name a few of the ways that he gives back to the credit union movement.
The afternoon’s activities included the Global Women’s Luncheon, a breakout session on Digital Deception, Redefining your Credit Union’s Culture, What Goes into an Executive Search, and the Financial Fitness Tournament led by the SECUF which included competition from three high school teams from the Alabama and Florida chapters. Sardis High School took first place, representing the Cheaha Chapter in north Alabama; Chamberlain High School placed second, representing the Tampa, FL chapter; and Colonial High School placed third, representing the Central Florida chapter.
In grand finale style, the week culminated with a Silent Auction and dinner themed “On the Boardwalk” raising funds for LSCU Federal Political Action Committee (FedPAC) and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Attendees enjoyed great music, food, boardwalk games and activities, and even s’mores as the night concluded a week of high energy, information exchange, and learning.
