Strategic Planning Institute Precedes America’s CU Conference & Expo to help CU Professionals maximize Learning Experience

April 24, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katye Long
CUNA Communications; (608) 231-4038
klong@cuna.coop

MADISON, Wis. - Credit union professionals can cost-effectively maximize their America’s Credit Union Conference & Expo (ACUC&E) learning experience by attending the preceding Strategic Planning Institute, featured in CUNA’s June learning events.

The institute, taking place June 27-29 in New York, N.Y., was scheduled based on its relevance to many of the ACUC&E attendees and the complementary topic nature. It is designed to help attendees develop and execute effective research-based strategies that meet the challenges of growing member expectations. First, attendees will learn about today’s business environment and how to identify their own credit union’s current position in order to better direct its course. Next, they will discuss ways to capitalize on these recent trends – as well as future opportunities – to help their credit unions capture a stronger position in the market.

Directly following, the June 29 to July 2 ACUC&E will feature topics designed to inspire and educate executives, board members, and key leaders in the credit union industry. For example, HGTV Co-founder Susan Packard will reveal how the idea for a home-living cable television network was transformed into a multimedia enterprise and a new model for business success during “Now What? Innovating Ideas into Icons.” Additionally, author Dan Heath will outline the principles of successful ideas at work, and how to apply these rules to make messages stick during “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die.” Those who register for both events will receive a registration discount.

Additional June learning opportunities include:

Marketing Management School: Parts I, II, and III meet simultaneously June 8-13 in Seattle. Part I teaches the fundamentals of a well-rounded credit union marketing campaign. Participants will learn how to create a plan based on their identified target market, as well as how to design promotional pieces and write copy, all while staying in their budget. Part II explores intermediate topics and getting the credit union’s message out though multi-channel promotions using strategies targeted to different generations. Part II also takes a look at credit union financials and marketing compliance. Part III features all new advanced issues, like multi-sensory marketing, reaching the youth and underserved markets, and incorporating social media into marketing plans. Attendees will also learn to create consistent campaigns and messages and how to measure their successes in improving members’ experiences.

Help members gain control of their finances with the eight-session Financial Counseling eSchool. Participants of this offering, which runs June 12 to Aug. 7, will study the financial counselor’s role in the budget counseling process and how to design an appropriate program. They will also learn to help members understand their financial situation and options, design a budget, and improve credit worthiness.

For more information on these or other learning opportunities offered by CUNA, visit training.cuna.org, or call (800) 356-9655, ext. 4249.

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About CUNA

With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, Credit Union National Association (CUNA) serves 90 percent of America's 8,500 credit unions, which are owned by more than 90 million consumer members. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives providing affordable financial services to people from all walks of life. For more information, visit www.cuna.org.

America’s Credit Union Conference & Expo is a trademark of the Credit Union National Association.

Copyright © 2008 - Credit Union National Association, Inc.