SAN DIEGO, CA (October 23, 2024) — Jerry Mora, vice president of business banking for RIZE Credit Union, won first-place and $10,000 in “The Pitch” — the third annual industry contest during the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues’ REACH 2024 conference on Tuesday!
“I want to give our credit union experience to our youth,” Mora said as he received a check on stage from Amanda Merz, vice president of impact and development for the Leagues, and Scott Simpson, president and CEO of the Leagues. “This younger generation is looking for something to dig into, something to fight for, a cause in this world. What better cause than our movement’s cause? Thank you so much for this opportunity.”
Mora will also receive $5,000 in advisory services from Papilio Collective, and The Pitch runner-up (Mark Martella of Sacramento Credit Union) will receive $1,500 in consulting services.
Similar to the past two years during REACH, contestants from four credit unions pitched their mission-driven ideas to a panel of judges in front of a live audience. Contestants and pitch-concepts included:
Each contestant also received $1,000 contributed to their unique concept for participating in The Pitch. All pre-submissions were reviewed to pick the top contestants who traveled to REACH to make their case in front of a live audience and a panel of four judges.
Each judge had critical questions, constructive comments, and positive responses as they dissected each pitch, just like a live-reality TV show. Jerry Mora won votes from four of five voting-member ballots (four judges and one collective audience vote), while one judge voted for Mark Martella.
Mora’s pitch is a Summer Credit Union Experience Program, a one-week experience for local high school students to learn about personal leadership, design thinking, and social impact through the lens of their local credit union. Generation Z, or “Gen Zers,” would likely be attracted since they enjoy this type of experience. Any sized credit union in any geographic footprint can participate, as well as partner-up with community partners. The program would provide a unique, relevant, engaging and fun high school experience that could eventually become a larger network of student and young adult voices who advocate for credit unions (Mora has already created “CUtalk” as a networking component). His newfound $10,000 will go toward making this concept a reality.
Judges (or Champions) included Terri Slosser, director of sales for TruStage; Brian Hendricks, chief product officer for Origence; Tiffany Doty, senior vice president for Velera; and Gigi Hyland, executive director of the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF). Each judge had critical questions, constructive comments, and positive responses as they dissected the pitches presented to them, just like a live-reality TV show. Emcees included Chris Hokom, principal trainer for Papilio Collective, and Jason Fonseca, learning experience designer for Papilio Collective.
The Leagues would like to thank both the judges and the National Credit Union Foundation for donating their time and the $10,000 (from NCUF) so The Pitch can be successful. In the months leading into this inspirational hour-and-a-half live production, credit unions small, medium, and large were asked to encourage dedicated credit union movement employees to submit their “pitches.” All submissions were reviewed to pick the top contestants who would travel to REACH to make their case. Pitches consisted of contestants’ unique ideas for making a meaningful impact on credit unions, credit union members, or their communities. They were about building stronger communities and changing peoples’ lives for the better through financial education, wellness, social responsibility, mentorship, and inclusion.
Applicants submitted pre-pitch videos with their submission form, summarizing why they should be selected to be on the main stage during REACH. Industry professionals who understand credit unions’ mission and commitment to improving the lives of members and communities submitted forms, as they were eager to turn a great idea into reality.
While all four pitch presentations served as an invaluable experience for REACH attendees, each stakeholder respected each other’s ideas and comments as they sought to encourage the audience in front of them.
“We’d like to thank each contestant, judge, and our live audience once again for another successful year of ‘The Pitch’,” said Larry Palochik, executive vice president of the Leagues. “We know the winner, as well as all contestants, will continue doing great things through their concepts, ideas, and dedication to their credit unions and their members.”
Stay Engaged During REACH
Attendees and League staff will be sharing photos, comments, and memories through LinkedIn (#CUatREACH). You can also view the REACH 2024 Photo Galleries. REACH is one of the credit union industry’s premier annual events, attracting leaders and system partners from across California, Nevada, and the United States. It’s held from October 20 – 23 at the Marriott Marquis in San Diego, CA this year.
(Left-to-Right with $10,000 check): Jerry Mora, Vice President of Business Banking for RIZE Credit Union; Amanda Merz, Vice President of Impact and Development for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues; and Scott Simpson, President and CEO of the Leagues.
Headquartered in Ontario, California, the Leagues exist to help credit unions change people’s lives by supporting their operations, guidance, strategy and philosophy. Our trade association helps local credit unions in California serve nearly 14 million members and those in Nevada serve nearly 400,000 members. Credit unions are for people, not profit!
Karla Davis
Vice President of Communications and Marketing
California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
media@ccul.org
