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.
NHCUL celebrates 100 Years of building financial futures
Fireworks, The Three Waiters, an information packed education program, outstanding cuisine, beautiful surroundings, and the company of good credit union friends marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the nation’s credit union movement here in New Hampshire.
The weekend began on Friday afternoon with an information-packed education program. Terry Costin, senior vice president of sales and marketing at the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) gave a comprehensive overview of the services that the national trade group provides to credit unions. Professor John Romps of St. Anselm College followed with a spirited and insightful talk on the outlook for the Mortgage Market in 2008 and 2009. The last speaker of the day, Lois Kitsch, National Program Director for REAL Solutions, captivated the audience with a presentation on her credit union development work in the Philippines and Afghanistan as well as her climb to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. She related all of these experiences to the work that credit union professionals and volunteers can do every day to help the people of our communities meet their financial needs.
After the day’s work was concluded, Friday night began with a reception in the conservatory and great hall of the Mt. Washington. After an outstanding meal, the group was entertained by two very talented singers who have a strong connection with North Country credit unions. Cil Bee, who is married to Dennis Bilodeau, a director at Woodlands Credit Union, charmed the audience with a series of sets done in the style of some of the country’s best loved female vocalists including Brenda Lee, Patsy Kline, Connie Francis and Dolly Parton. Brittany Collia, daughter of Tim Collia, CEO of Woodlands Credit Union, also treated the audience to a number of songs.
The evening concluded with a special fireworks show to commemorate the 100th anniversary. The breathtaking show was synchronized with a musical soundtrack that thrilled the hundreds of credit union guests that gathered on the veranda of this historic resort property.
On Saturday morning the delegates got down to the business of the League’s annual meeting. Greetings were read from many dignitaries and CUNA President Dan Mica was featured in a special video message sent to congratulate the credit unions of New Hampshire on the 100th anniversary.
During the meeting, the nominating committee announced the results of the election held for positions on the League’s Board of Directors. Gerald (Jerry) L. Dumoulin, president/CEO of Guardian Angel Credit Union, Peter J. Kavalauskas, president/CEO of Northeast Credit Union, and John R. Young, president/CEO of New Hampshire Federal Credit Union were each elected to a three year term. After the meeting, the Board met and elected officers: John Young, Chair; Michael L’Ecuyer, president/CEO of Bellwether Community Credit Union, Vice Chair; and Jerry Dumoulin, Treasurer/Secretary.
The traditional Saturday afternoon convention golf tournament was held at the nearby Maple Wood Golf Course. A good time was had by all.
The culminating event of the 100th anniversary celebration was the Saturday evening banquet. The sumptuous cuisine was the star of the show until the servers began to breakout in song. Soon the audience became aware that the waiters were not just frustrated performers. They were, in fact, part of a truly outstanding troop called The Three Waiters who start each show pretending to be actual servers as they volley arias back and forth across the hall. After repeated encores, the waiters closed the show and the guests enjoyed the remainder of their evening together.
The convention ended Sunday morning with breakfast and fond farewells.
New Hampshire Convention Exhibitors
The New Hampshire Credit Union League would like to thank this year’s exhibitors for participating in the 2008 Trade Show.
America’s Credit Union Museum
Buckley Technology Group
Coclin Associates, Inc.
CUDL AutoSMART
CUNA Mutual Group
EasCorp FCU
Enterprise Car Sales
FSCC Share Branching Network
Magee Company
Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation (MSIC)
Members Insurance Agency, LLC
New England Money Handling Systems, LLC
Reliable Technologies
Synergent
TRICORP Federal Credit Union
Credit Union Anniversaries
Several credit unions celebrating anniversaries this year were recognized at the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s Annual Meeting held on June 7, 2008 at The Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods.
Credit unions honored were: 100 years – St. Mary’s Bank Credit Union; 55 years – Gropaco Federal Credit Union, Precision Credit Union, and Timken Aerospace Credit Union.
Save the Date
Save the date for the New Hampshire Credit Union League’s 55th Annual Meeting and Convention to be held June 5-7, 2009, at The Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH. Information will be mailed to all credit unions in March, 2009.
