The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) 2024 Annual Conference continued on Wednesday, August 14, beginning with its patriotic opening ceremony led by DCUC Board Chair Jack Fallis. During his opening remarks, Fallis touched on DCUC’s growth and broadened mission over the years, and how the Council is positioning its representation on behalf of all credit unions serving military and veterans’ financial needs.

“We’ve seen how many military and veteran families are no longer only living on the installation. This means active duty, Guardsmen, Reservists, and their families as well as veterans are embedded throughout our local communities nationwide,” shared Fallis. “Knowing this, DCUC has expanded its vision beyond the traditional definition of a defense credit union. Any credit union committed to serving military and veteran communities also contributes to the defense credit union movement. And in return, DCUC is here to support all credit unions in their mission of serving these important communities.”

Attendees were then welcomed by DCUC president/CEO, Anthony Hernandez, who shared DCUC’s vision and strategic plans on behalf of its members when looking ahead.

“Since last year’s conference, DCUC has significantly increased our advocacy efforts to provide a stronger focus, faster tempo, and enhanced value—many times ahead of the industry,” said Hernandez. “Recognizing that every credit union has one veteran member, DCUC is uniquely positioned and ready to assist all credit unions in understanding and effectively engaging with military personnel, veterans, and their families...meaning we can, and should, advocate for the entire industry.”

The general session presentations commenced with DCUC’s morning keynote speaker, American Singer and Songwriter, Jimmy Yeary, and his discussion, “5 Strategies to Songwriting AKA Building Valuable Relationships.” Yeary enlightened attendees, sharing how to build strong connections by authentically engaging with your emotions. He noted the importance of seeing things from a member’s perspective to enhance authenticity and highlighted how personal stories can significantly boost credit unions’ success and connection with their members.

Following Yeary’s presentation, attendees received an update from Elizabeth Eurgubian, NCUA Director of Office of External Affairs & Communications and Policy Advisor.

She addressed the goals of the Proposed Rule on Incentive-Based Compensation Arrangements, the potential rule requiring federal charters to file 990s, and various trends in credit risk, consumer protection, and information security. Eurgubian also noted the importance of adopting stronger cybersecurity practices and evaluating regulatory impacts on credit card interest rates and fee reporting. Hear more from Eurgubian about the NCUA’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity protections on behalf of credit unions here.

Afterward, DCUC hosted a credit union trends discussion led by Hernandez, Jon Jeffreys, President/CEO of Callahan, and Robert Perry, Principal of ALM First. Jeffreys and Perry discussed the major industry concerns still relevant this year and highlighted the opportunities the industry might encounter as we approach 2025.

Wednesday’s session continued through the afternoon featuring three additional guest speakers. Attendees heard discussions on understanding military households with Edgar Hernandez, Senior Manager of Multicultural Business Strategy, TruStage; transforming an idea into action with Keynote Speaker and Author, Amy Jo Martin; and received updates from Jim Rice, Assistant Director of the Office of Servicemember Affairs, and Colonel Michelle Williams, Commander, U.S. Army Financial Management Command.

Concluding the general session, the Department of the Army, Navy, and Air Force presented the Credit Union of the Year awards to the following credit union recipients: Andrews FCU, USAG Benelux, recognized by the Department of the Army; Navy FCU, and Topside FCU, recognized by the Department of the Navy; and Otero FCU, Holloman AFB, and Wright-Patt CU, Wright-Patt AFB, recognized by the Air Force.

Conference attendees and guests later enjoyed networking during a patriotic cocktail hour sponsored by Mutual of Omaha with a popular return of their Wild Kingdom exotic animals exhibit.

Follow along as DCUC’s Annual Conference continues tomorrow by visiting DCUC’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Join the conversation and see additional updates when using the hashtag, #DCUC2024. For more information on DCUC’s Annual Conference, please visit dcucannual.org.