An update directly from the National Credit Union Association

Robert M. Fenner is NCUA General Counsel. As General Counsel, he provides legal advice to the Board and other NCUA offices, administers the agency’s rulemaking policies and represents the agency in litigation proceedings.

Fenner joined NCUA as a staff attorney in 1974 and was named assistant general counsel in 1977. He became deputy general counsel in 1981 and was selected to serve in his current position in 1985.

A native of St. Joseph, Mo., Fenner is a graduate of the University of Kansas and received is juris doctor degree from George Washington University National Law School in Washington, D.C.

A difficulty for leadership is staying current with all of the issues that continually arise within the credit union industry. Only by staying current with issues will credit union leaders be able to help create and chart a course for their credit union. This presentation, always current, will focus on vital issues including:

• The Economy
• Lending
• Earnings
• Membership
• Technology
• Competition
• Regulation/Legislation

Session II: "Developing And Evaluating Untapped Markets"

Credit Unions can create a value in accessing and seizing opportunities by tapping into untapped markets. Growth strategies can take many forms and lead into many directions. This presentation explores some of those opportunities for credit unions and includes:

• Potential markets
• Underserved markets
• Emerging markets
• Immigrant markets
• The Un-Credit Unioned market
• Remittance programs
• Low income designations

Rick is the president of Menton Consulting, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma. His consulting practice focuses on providing credit unions with project management assistance, executive recruitment, strategic management and planning facilitation and seminar and workshop presentations. Prior to forming Menton Consulting, Inc., he spent 23 years with the Minnesota and Oklahoma Credit Union Leagues in senior management positions. Additionally, he has worked as a lender, collector, mortgage lender and marketing executive for credit unions and consumer finance companies.

He has served as a trustee and chair of Consumer Credit Counseling of Minnesota. And, he has served as a member of various CUNA and CUNA Mortgage committees and subcommittees.

In 2003 he was recognized by the Mayor of Tulsa as a “Hometown Hero”…as a citizen instrumental in assisting in the acquisition of business events beneficial for the Tulsa economy.

He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in communications. Also, he is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin’s League Management Institute (CLE). He has attained his Certified Credit Union Executive designation (CCUE) from CUNA.

He has made presentations for credit union associations, leagues, networks and credit unions in 43 states. Additionally, he has made presentations for CUNA, the World Council of Credit Unions, the Combined Auto Council of Credit Unions and other non profit businesses.
 

Despite the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, and negative headlines about financial institutions everywhere you turn, credit unions still managed to break numerous records in 2009. Using recently released year-end data, this presentation will highlight how credit unions found new ways to respond to the changing needs of their members as they position themselves for success the new decade.

Session II: “Bridging the Gap: Initiating Financial Relationships with Gen-Y”

As the average age of a credit union member approaches 47, it is becoming clear that Generation-Y is not only the future of the movement, but they are also vital to the sustainability of your membership growth. In this session we will discuss strategies that leading credit unions are using to attract younger members, as well as what your credit union needs to do to become a the financial institution of choice for Generation-Y.

As an Industry Analyst with Callahan, Nick Connors conducts broad-based credit union research and in-depth analytics. His core responsibilities focus on a variety of research activities within Callahan's Auto Lending Knowledge Center, where he conducts data-focused and trend-focused research on both industry and consumer levels.

Since joining Callahan, he has researched and published numerous articles and case studies on varied aspects of the auto lending industry or emerging industry trends, including how credit unions are responding to the challenges and opportunities these trends.

He hosts webinars on timely subjects of interest to credit union audiences, including credit union dealer relationship strategies, the future of payment systems, auto loan recapture, deposit growth strategies, online automotive resources, core deposit trends, and the pros and cons of ATM networks, kiosks, and remote teller systems.

He holds a B.S. in Finance and Psychology from Butler University in Indianapolis.

Most leadership does not occur at the top of an organization chart or in the executive suite. In reality, leadership comes from the middle and front line – right where your staff and members expect it most. In a world of open communication and flat organizations, leadership is no longer top-down: leadership is up, down, and across organization charts, divisions, and job descriptions. As businesses compete on the strength of their intellectual and financial capital, a leadership development pipeline in a must.
Developing and managing the leadership talent in your workforce requires a model that integrates individual strengths, performance metrics, and opportunities for growth. With a requirement for dependable leadership in the all-important positions responsible delivering your credit union’s vision and mission, leaders must apply their influence upward upon superiors, across to their fellow managers, and down to the team members they supervise. Invest in the leadership promise of your personnel and reap the benefits of skilled management that is quick to respond to change, incessantly improving, and – without fail – delivering results.

Session II: "Protect Your Capital at the Capitol – The Corporate Leader’s Role in Building Political Influence"

With the future of your business in the hands of elected and appointed leaders – corporate directors, executives, and managers have a duty to develop, nurture and uphold political relationships and influence. This particular undertaking for leading companies is not about election year politicking and favor-seeking. It’s much more than writing a timely letter, inundating a lawmaker’s office with calls, or adding a politician as a Facebook friend. It is about ensuring that your corporate involvement is a standard feature in your state’s and our nation’s capital. The organizations that play a part in the legislative and regulatory process the most hold the largest role in influencing business policy.
While lobbyists serve a vital purpose, legislators listen attentively to local business owners and managers who can make clear the effect a given law may place upon their business. You, the local executive, have influence with your lawmaker that greatly supports and strengthens the work of your industry’s lobbyists. Your individual participation advances and defends your commercial wellbeing. Your involvement in lawmakers’ understanding of your business is no longer an option – It’s a responsibility.

Jeff Rendel brings a wealth of education, knowledge, and experience to the platform for your corporation or association. With experience as a federal regulator, financial executive and Congressional lobbyist, Jeff knows business and, especially, the financial services’ marketplace.  As President of Rising Above Enterprises, Jeff works with Credit Unions that want more loyal and with professionals who want greater professional growth. He also works with financial services’ providers that want deeper market penetration and engaged, committed workforces.  The mission of Rising Above Enterprises is simple: To develop excellent leaders – in life, on the job, for your customers, and for your organization. In support of this mission, his company researches, synthesizes, and articulates essential achievement elements as they relate to today’s business practices. Because of this mission, corporations profit – financially and culturally – in their pursuit to fulfill their missions; and people experience the exhilaration of creating dynamic lives and careers.
As a federal regulator with the United States Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Jeff examined a wide array of the nation’s financial institutions – small, medium, and large. In this capacity, Jeff worked with all levels of senior management assisting them in developing sound operations, expanded business development, and impressive financial performance.  A phone call from a friend and a new opportunity brought him to the Congressional lobbyist slot for financial institutions on the West Coast. Knowing that lobbyists held a “tainted” image, Jeff struck to create a new breed – one based on friendship, trust, and respect. It worked.  A skilled communicator, he continues to work personally with Members of the House of Representatives and Senate helping them to understand the business implications that legislation has upon the financial services industry. Many Members of Congress regard him as their point of first contact when issues regarding financial institutions arise. He is even on a non-fundraising, home barbeque basis with several Members of Congress.  As a result of the friendships he has cultivated and the respect he has earned, more than a dozen Members of Congress participate in Jeff’s business advisory groups. These groups meet regularly, in Washington, DC, to discuss current business and leadership challenges. These meetings allow our nation’s leaders a chance to express their thoughts and offer their solutions on how to make American business stronger. Jeff, in turn, integrates these findings into his keynote presentations.  A highly sought after and accomplished speaker; he is a professional member of the National Speakers Association. With a unique style and very personable approach, he informs, entertains, and persuades – all in the same presentation.  His keynote speeches and breakout sessions concentrate principally on leadership for your industry, customers, and colleagues. Time and again, audiences rate him “Best Speaker.”