Big Valley 2008 :: Concurrent Educational Sessions

Sunday, March 16
1–5 p.m.
Pre-Conference Workshop: Scenario Planning as Part of the Strategic Planning Process
Guest Speaker: Tom Glatt, Sr., CEO, Continental FCU
With so many variables in today’s economic market, using outdated planning methods can leave your credit union at the mercy of unforeseen changes. While no one can predict the future, this half-day session will teach you how to prepare for it by incorporating scenario planning into your current strategic planning process. (A separate registration fee is required for this program. Cost: $75 for ARI members; $129 for non-ARI members.)

Monday, March 17
10:45 a.m.–Noon

• Information Security – Emerging Threats
Susan Orr, Consultant
As financial institutions strive to provide additional online services, the threat landscape continues to evolve. Phishing attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, data breaches are becoming increasingly common, and the financial community faces a slew of regulatory requirements never seen before. This session will increase your understanding of current and emerging threats, assess the effectiveness of your information security program, and help you develop member security awareness. You’ll also learn best practices for implementing controls to detect and mitigate threats.

• Political Update
Peter Mitchell, Consultant; and Katie Newton, Director of Political Finance, California Credit Union League
In this informative overview of state and federal politics for 2008, you’ll hear analysis on the February 5 California presidential primary and initiatives, and learn what is expected in the Legislative races in June’s primary election and November’s general election.

• The “Why” Behind Generation Y’s Financial Decisions
Daniel Penrod, Industry Analyst, California Credit Union League
Mountains of data are available on what Gen Y is buying. The Applied Research Institute (ARI) set out to discover why they’re buying what they buy. This fascinating session will go beyond the numbers to give you real insights into the motivations and financial decision-making of this important demographic group.

• Three Characteristics of High-Performance Institutions
Joe Sullivan, LPC, CFMP, President, Market Insights, Inc.
Growth can be an elusive goal in today’s marketplace. While growth opportunities vary from one institution to the next, this session emphasizes three universal characteristics of high performance: understanding your market, differentiating yourself from the competition; and encouraging a culture of leadership. At this session, we’ll discuss the importance of each characteristic, and provide examples and suggestions for putting them into action. (Note: this session repeats at 3:15 p.m.)

Monday, March 17
3:15–4:30 p.m.

• Data Leaks Happen – Are You Protected?
Susan Orr, Consultant
Electronic communication has become an essential part of conducting business in the 21st century. However, with electronic communication comes the risk of data leakage. The protection of PII is a critical issue and is mandated by numerous complex and regulations. What is required, which laws apply to what entities, and what is necessary to be compliant? Find out the answers to these questions, and learn more about regulatory and best practice components for securing and monitoring electronic communications.

• Best Practices Showcase Winners
In late 2007, the League invited all of its member credit unions to submit their most innovative, proven solutions in various areas of expertise. The interactive Best Practices Showcase will feature the winning entries. Come and see how your colleagues have approached the challenges facing their credit unions.

• Directing a Meaningful Financial Literacy Education Experience for Youth
Geoff Wilson, Vice President of Volunteer Initiatives and Program Support, JA Worldwide® (Junior Achievement)
In this interactive session, Geoff will demonstrate the impact of experiential learning in teaching financial literacy to youth. Drawing upon observed evidence, Geoff will illustrate why hands-on, problem-based learning is such an effective means for educating and inspiring youth. This session will highlight many of the lessons JA Worldwide has learned throughout its 88-year history in providing experiential learning opportunities to youth—particularly in the area of financial literacy.

Tuesday, March 18
9:45–11 a.m.

• Economic Forecast
Bill Hampel, Chief Economist, Credit Union National Association (CUNA)
In the midst of a softening economy, waning consumer confidence, and a tanking real estate market, Bill will offer an expert, credit union-oriented perspective to help clarify your strategic outlook for the year.

• Disaster Recovery
Robin Lentz, President and CEO, Cabrillo CU; and Joseph Schroeder, President and CEO, San Diego Metropolitan CU
Join us for a panel discussion between CEOs of credit unions which were affected by the recent California wildfires as they discuss what happened, what went right, what they learned, and what they would do differently.

• Litigation Avoidance Strategies
Kevin O’Neill, Esq., Kevin P. O’Neill & Associates
Managerial decisions and actions can either enhance the working environment or, if exercised inappropriately, expose the organization to serious liability. All supervisory and managerial employees must understand their critical role in protecting their organizations from employment law liability while conducting day-to-day management duties. This session will provide a focused review of basic employment issues to enhance equal employment opportunities, help you avoid code-of-business missteps, and provide a more in-depth understanding of employment law issues.

• Marketing to Generation Y: Social Media and How to Use It Effectively
Matt Dean, CEO/Founder, and Doug Williams, Vice President of Finance and Production, Trabian Technology
There’s been a lot of buzz surrounding social media lately. At this session, you’ll learn about the different types of social media and how to use them. You’ll also learn what financial institutions, including credit unions, are doing to leverage these technologies.

Tuesday, March 18
11:25 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

• Credit Union Conversions to Mutual Savings Banks: Get the Straight Story
Bill Hampel, Chief Economist, Credit Union National Association
Conversions remain an option for credit unions as the industry continues to debate “unjust enrichment” versus “what is in the best interests of credit union members.” At this session, CUNA’s Chief Economist will address this hot industry topic head-on. Be there as he presents an overview of the issues and facts based on past credit union conversions to a mutual savings charter.

• Boomers as Seniors – Retiree Strategies
Heather Thiltgen, Vice President of Consumer Segment Programs, CUNA Mutual Group
There are over 14 million credit union members aged 55-64 years. Upon retirement, many members leave credit unions and form strong relationships with banks, investment firms, and other financial institutions. Learn what Boomers really want from a financial partner and receive practical, concrete advice on what you need to deliver to build strong relationships that will last throughout their retirement years.

• Bridges to the Underserved: Credit Union Partnerships
Clifford Rosenthal, President/CEO, National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions
In today’s ever-changing environment, a growing number of credit unions are interested in helping to meet community development needs and reaching out to the underserved and unbanked. This session will discuss ways your credit union can work with community development credit unions, and provide avenues and resources for credit union community development initiatives. The session will also feature the Federation’s new video highlighting three California credit unions’ community development work in San Francisco.

• Hot Topic (to be announced)
What’s the hot topic? Well, it’s a secret. Or, more accurately, it’s a subject so fresh and relevant that it will be determined just before the conference begins. If you’re ready to be pleasantly surprised—and better informed about a cutting-edge concern—this is the right session for you!

Shapiro Group Session: “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Shared Branching, But Were Afraid to Ask”
Tuesday, March 18 at 9:45–11 a.m.
In the first half of this two-part session, Financial Services Center Cooperatives (FSCC), which has over 4,000 locations in 46 states and six countries, will answer all your hard-to-ask questions about shared branching. The second half of the program will focus on legislative and regulatory updates for 2008, plus time for questions and answers.

EXPO CENTER
Monday, March 17
To put it simply…if you miss the EXPO CENTER, you miss out! The products and services you will learn about here can simplify your professional life and reinvigorate your competitive edge! Also, don’t miss our GRAND PRIZE drawings—we’ll be giving away new iPhones, and you must be present to win.

Continental Breakfast: 7:30-8:30 a.m.
Refreshment Break: 10-10:30 a.m.
Lunch available at 11:45 a.m.

Session topics and speakers are subject to change without notice.