Upon reading and then rereading Frank Diekmann's June 6, column in Credit Union Journal (What Americans Should Be Hearing, But [Sadly] Aren't), my initial thoughts were that something provoked you to write what you did and you really had a lot to say about different subjects. You make a number of good points about what the CU industry is or is not doing, the value or non-value of conferences and the use of expletives to make or not make a point. If I may, I would like to add my two cents, although some may feel that is an over evaluation, to the issues you have raised.
The suggested 100 Million Member campaign could be a real plus for credit unions. It is an opportunity to highlight that individuals across the country continue to join credit unions and go to them for their financial services. It further would provide the chance to tell the story why they do so. The list of reasons is endless: personalized service, better rates, convenient hours, variety of products, people you know and community involvement.
The trades should be on top of this. However, with all the issues out there they may feel overloaded and on their list of priorities, the 100 Million Member event may be towards the bottom. They both are pushing for regulatory relief in Congress, fighting the CFPB, doing battle with NCUA over risk- based capital, getting Congress to write letters, planning and holding conferences and one is even looking for a new CEO. There is much to get done.
I have always felt that an individual received value from a conference if they brought back just one thing to their credit union that would help their members or make them do things better. Some presentations really are good. Others make you wonder what their purpose was, why they were even on the agenda and how much they paid that person to tell you how great they are. Perhaps that is why you see attendees sitting on couches outside the conference hall. They either have heard it all, are tired of the same old story, believe slide shows are a thing of the past or just think the speaker is a self-serving bore.
Regarding the use of the "F" word, I really feel that some people think it is cool or hip or makes it looks like they're in touch when they use it in their remarks. Almost every comedian on cable or in concert uses the word repeatedly and, as you said, folks laugh. Bill Cosby, one of the best tellers of stories and jokes, never let that word pass his lips. I personally do not like its use, especially at conferences and if in charge would have said to that presenter, WTF, don't ever expect to speak here again.
The year is almost half over but there are many more conferences to be held and speakers to be heard from. In addition, the trades will put out countless more news releases and letters to let everyone know what is going on and what they are doing about it. And, you can be sure to expect more from the regulators.
As a result, Frank, you will have more topics on which to write a column and people like me will have the opportunity to write a response. Life is good.
Michael Fryzel, Board Member
NCUA, Alexandria, Va.
