The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ Annual Meeting and Convention “Reach 2014” is being held this week in Los Angeles, CA. Over 700 credit union executives from both states are attending this year’s affair. You can follow along on Twitter at #amcreach and @cculreach.
Neen James is the MC and also one of the keynote speakers at Reach 2014. She is a leadership and communications expert to many Fortune 500 companies and a published author. You can find her books “Folding Time” and “Secrets of Super-Productivity” on Amazon and follow Neen on Twitter @neenjames.
Showtime was also in attendance at Reach 2014 and talk about stealing the show. (see pictures below) Earvin “Magic” Johnson the NBA hall of famer and Chairman/CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises was the keynote speaker to kick off day two. Magic’s message was to “Reach up to be a champion in business.” As someone who has the good fortune of attending a lot of credit union conferences each year, I can tell you I’ve never witness a speaker who could engage a group like Magic. You can see why he’s had so much success after his playing days in the NBA were over. A few takeaways that really stood out:
Know your customer: Magic talked about knowing the urban markets and giving people what they want.
Mentors: Magic told a story of taking twenty business owners who had floor seats for the Lakers out to lunch and picking their brain on what had made them successful.
Smart people: When asked about his hiring practice. He stated that he hires people smarter then himself. He is the owner/CEO, he needs smart people to represent his brand and make decisions on their expertise.
There was a great afternoon session on innovation moderated by Mollie Bell from Filene Research Institute. The innovation panelists were Sarah Canepa Bang, CO-OP Shared Branching, Eric Cotter, CU Direct and Erik Vandermause, CUNA Mutual Group. The opportunity for innovation through collaboration and new technology were hot topics. The discussion of Apple Pay and how the payments industry is changing had everyone’s attention.
REACHtalks were held throughout the conference. Topics included; Succession planning, executive benefits and the credit union talent shortage. Redefining member convenience, engaging and connecting in new ways. Technology was a hot topic in the REACHtalks focusing on using tech in compliance, big data and innovation.
Lucy Ito, EVP/COO of the California and Nevada Credit Union League moderated a discussion on preparing for risk-based capital or the next financial crisis. Panelists included Rep. Brad Sherman (D – Sherman Oaks), Parker Cann (SVP, General Counsel, BECU), Debie Keesee (CEO, Spokane Media FCU), Ron McDaniel (CEO, California CU) and Brian Branch (CEO, WOCCU).
Welcome to REACH 2014 in Las Angeles, CA
Diana Dykstra and Teresa Freeborn addressing REACH 2014
REACH 2014 Awards Recipients
The one and only Neen James. Master of ceremonies of REACH 2014.
Two of many. Part of the happy and helpful CA/NV Credit Union League crew.
Innovation Panel at REACH 2014 moderated by Mollie Bell from Filene Research Institute. (Sarah Canepa Bang, CO-OP Shared Branching, Eric Cotter, CU Direct and Erik Vandermause, CUNA Mutual Group)
Magic selfie - CUInsight.com publisher Randy Smith with Magic Johnson
NJCUL Pres/CEO Greg Michlig with Magic Johnson
LAX - Time to head home to Greenville, SC
