IGNITE 2023 Keynote: Virginia, the Nation and the World - 3 Perspectives

We’re pleased to announce a fourth informative keynote session for IGNITE 2023! Credit unions in Virginia and beyond operate on a worldwide, national and local stage. Our panel of experts will discuss the political and governmental arena on all fronts. Key issues include the super-charged and changing politics in Virginia, the impact of the government on liquidity and the economy and how the world’s credit unions have lessons for those state-side.

• Register for IGNITE 2023
• Need hotel accommodations? Contact your League’s Mary Amyx at mamyx@vacul.org.  

IGNITE News

:: Small CUs: Need Financial Assistance to Attend IGNITE 2023? Let Us Know!  ::

Credit unions with less than $50 million in assets: Are you interested in attending IGNITE | the League Annual Meeting, but you need financial assistance to cover costs?

We may be able to help! Last year, the generous contributions of business partners helped provide scholarships for smaller CUs to attend IGNITE. If you’re interested in attending but need financial aid, please contact your League’s Mary Amyx at mamyx@vacul.org.

:: Keynotes ::

The Strategic Imperatives Necessary to Future-Proof your Credit Union

Mark Sievewright
Sievewright & Associates

From developing your talent pool to finding the right digital strategy, Mark leverages decades of experience as an industry leader to offer a unique, insightful blueprint of what every credit union needs to address to ensure their success.

U.S. Economic Outlook & Its Impact on CUs

Steven Rick
Director, Chief Economist for CUNA Mutual Group

The U.S. economy is experiencing historic demand and supply shocks leading to the highest inflation in 40 years. The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates at the fastest pace in 40 years. What will higher interest rates do to the economy in 2023 and beyond? Are fundamental changes in the jobs market apt to cause long-term labor shortages and wage pressures?  Explore the possible paths of the economy and what impact it will have on credit union balance sheets and income statements for the next two years. 

Using Innovation to Improve the Member Experience

Stephanie Wade
Founder & CEO of Ascendant

Member experience is everything. You’ve no doubt focused on optimizing your member experience, ensuring every member touchpoint delivers an experience that adds value and builds loyalty. But optimization is table stakes these days. Credit unions that really want a competitive edge are laser-focused on introducing innovation into the member experience, creating those “wow” interactions with members that build the brand, drive growth and create member ambassadors willing to share their experiences. 

:: Education Sessions ::

Best Practices in Commercial Risk Management

This breakout session will focus on understanding how rising rates, inflation and other economic factors play into risk management oversight, including best practices in stressing your portfolio.

AI-Driven Resilience: Member-Focused Lending for Credit Unions in Any Economic Climate

In this session, we’ll review data from members on what they want from their credit union during a recession and will share insights and lessons from decisions made during past harsh financial climates. You'll also learn how AI-automated underwriting credit unions can make smarter, more inclusive and efficient lending decisions in good times or bad.

Emerging Risk Outlook

Navigating and managing the complex array of ever-changing risks, compliance issues, and industry regulations that are impacting credit unions requires keen awareness, effective preparation, and loss control scrutiny. While each credit union has its own unique risk footprint, this Emerging Risks Outlook introduces risks and trends that should be on your radar.

Managing Teams Who Are Out of Sight, Not Out of Mind!

Credit union leaders are now faced with the unique challenge of managing remote and hybrid employees while balancing the needs of employees who provide crucial member-facing services for the community. This session will help you navigate these complex workplace trends so that the employees and leaders are engaged, connected and productive.

:: Networking Events ::

VACUPAC Private Wine-Tasting & Networking Lunch May 24

We’re pleased to announce a new private wine-tasting and networking event at IGNITE (hosted at the Williamsburg Winery), which will benefit the Virginia Credit Union Political Action Committee! VACUPAC is the non-partisan PAC of Virginia-based credit unions, which supports lawmakers and political candidates who support credit unions. There are also sponsorship opportunities for this event. Learn more hereabout :: Networking Events ::

Calling All Golfers, Sponsors: VACUPAC Challenge Tees Off May 24

Kickstart your IGNITE | Annual Meeting experience by hitting the links in the 34th Annual VACUPAC Golf Challenge, being held May 24 in Williamsburg. Proceeds from the tournament support the Virginia Credit Union Political Action Committee (VACUPAC), the non-partisan PAC working for the benefit of all Virginia-based credit unions. You can support the tournament as a golfer, as a sponsor, and even better, both!

EPN Networking Event at Precarious Beer Project May 24

Join us for a night of networking, excellent beer and video games! The Emerging Professionals Network is hosting a special event at Precarious Beer Project in Williamsburg, beginning at 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome and you need not be registered for IGNITE.