CONVENTION
Every year credit union volunteers, officials, CEOs and guests from New Hampshire come together for the state’s largest credit union gathering. The reasons that this convention draws so many attendees are almost as varied as the people who attend.
A key attraction of this three-day event is the educational programming, which ranges from legal and regulatory compliance to strategic environmental analysis to new technology. An extensive trade show compliments the educational effort by showcasing the latest products and services that credit unions can employ to better serve their members. One of the most important benefits provided by the convention is the chance to meet with and enjoy the company of many people who share a commitment to the important work that credit unions do. The shared insights and creative discussions, sparked by common goals and friendship, make the convention a unique and wonderful event.
New Hampshire Credit Union League holds 56th Annual Meeting and Convention
More than 240 attendees explored the wonders of the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s 56th Annual Meeting and Convention June 11-13, 2010 at The Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire. Surrounded by the tranquility and natural beauty of the rugged New Hampshire Mountains, The Balsams provided an environment both invigorating and pleasantly relaxed. Attendees and guests throughout the state were treated to the full Balsams experience, where inviting accommodations, the famous breakfast and lunch buffets, and exquisite five-course dining, countless activities including golf, and live entertainment are part of each visit.
The weekend began on Friday afternoon with an information-packed education program led by League President Dan Egan who shared an industry update with the group. Harry Paul “The Fish Guy” shared legendary tales as waves of change followed, and cranky cultures were washed away with the tide. Harry “The Fish Guy” has been transforming businesses all over the world with the Fish Philosophy-inspiring organizations with keynote speeches and “hands-on” workshops for leaders and team members. His program was based on the famous Seattle fish market where employees and customers can’t seem to have enough fun, and can’t resist outperforming their competitors. Yes! People will get excited about coming to work. They’ll engage. They’ll perform. They’ll produce results like you’ve never imagined. Harry showed attendees how to:
- Choose a Winning Attitude: When employees have great attitudes toward work, performance accelerates, and profits soar.
- Play at Work: Yes, there's a difference between playing at work and playing instead of work. Get your people into the game. Play!
- Be There: Just because we punch in, doesn't mean we're engaged. You want present employees-with their eye on the ball, and their focus on the scoreboard.
- Make Their Day - High morale, and high spirits, means high customer satisfaction. Harry's version of customer service will blow your mind, and blow the competition out of the water.
After the day’s work was concluded, guests settled in for the evening reception and dinner followed by a fun look back at music with the harmonious sounds from East Coast Acappella who engaged the crowd with songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Many guests sang along, danced, and some were featured as soloists.
When the delegates gathered on Saturday morning for the Business Meeting, they heard reports from numerous League committees as well as League Chairman John Young and League President Daniel F. Egan, Jr. They heard from special guest speakers, Deputy Bank Commissioner Robert Fleury; National Credit Union Administration Supervisory Examiner Joanne Black; and CUNA Mutual Group Sales Manager Paul Butler. Credit Union National Association President/CEO Dan Mica sent a special video message for the League’s 56th annual meeting that was shown. The attendees were moved by a special presentation given by Make-A-Wish® Foundation of New Hampshire Wish Ambassador Riley and CEO Julie Baron. Riley’s wish was granted in 2003 at the age of 14 when she met the cast of Harry Potter. As a result of her illness, Riley has chosen a career to help others while enrolled at Wheelock College in Boston as well as becoming a Wish Granter. Special recognition was also given to Gropaco Federal Credit Union Treasurer/CEO Ann Pelchat who will be retiring later this summer after serving the credit union for 26 years.
During the meeting, the nominating committee announced the results of the election held for positions on the League’s Board of Directors. Michael L’Ecuyer, president/CEO, Bellwether Community Credit Union and Timothy Naro, vice president of Lending, Granite State Credit Union were re-elected to the board for three-year terms. Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, Treasurer/Secretary Jerry Dumoulin presented a special gift to outgoing Chairman John Young. Following the League’s annual meeting, the Board of Directors met to elect table officers. The following individuals will serve: Chairman - Michael L’Ecuyer, president/CEO, Bellwether Community Credit Union; Vice Chairman – Gerald Dumoulin, CEO, Guardian Angel Credit Union; and Secretary/Treasurer – Timothy Naro, vice president of Lending, Granite State Credit Union. Rounding out the remainder of the board is: Peter Kavalauskas, president/CEO, Northeast Credit Union; Maurice Simard, Jr., president/treasurer, Triangle Credit Union; Gordon Simmons, president, Service Credit Union; and John Young, president/CEO, New Hampshire Federal Credit Union.
During the annual meeting, guests and spouses enjoyed a culinary program, “4-Star Grilling at Home.” As one of the easiest low fat cooking methods and centerpiece for summertime meals, the art of grilling comes with practice and many tips to enjoy a successful experience. The Balsams chefs shared special grilled meals and recipes with guests.
After an afternoon of golf, outdoor activities, quiet time/reading, participating in the basket making workshop, or at the wine tasting program, the group returned for the reception and the banquet which included the funny antics of comedian Tom Hayes.
The League would like to thank all the credit unions and their attendees for participating in this year’s convention.
Credit union anniversaries
Several credit unions celebrating anniversaries this year were recognized at the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s 56th Annual Meeting held on June 12, 2010 at the Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch. Credit unions honored were: 70 years – New Hampshire Postal Credit Union; 65 years – Granite State Credit Union; and 45 years – Cheshire Health Federal Credit Union.
Special thanks to this year’s sponsors
New in 2010 were limited sponsorship opportunities as there was no trade show at the New Hampshire Annual Meeting and Convention. Sponsors enjoyed the opportunity to mix and mingle with attendees and guests in a more relaxed setting as part of the conference. Depending on the level of sponsorship, many of the sponsors had the opportunity to address the group at various functions throughout the weekend. The New Hampshire Credit Union League would like to thank this year’s sponsors.
General Session Speaker Sponsor
Tricorp Federal Credit Union
Golf Tournament Reception Sponsor
Synergent
Friday Evening Reception Sponsor
Financial Service Centers Cooperative (FSCC)
CEO/Chairman Reception Sponsor
CUNA Mutual Group
FairPoint Communications
O.M. Financial Group
Education Session Break Sponsor
Allied Solutions
Coclin Associates
CUAlliance
Convention Sponsor
Fiserv
Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation (MSIC)
Members Mortgage Company
Primax
Signature Escrow & Title Services, LLC
Save the Date
Save the date for the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s 57th Annual Meeting and Convention to be held June 10-12, 2011. The location will be determined later this fall and announced at that time. Information will be mailed to all credit unions in March, 2011.
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