ANAHEIM, Calif.–The Shapiro Summit, a conference for credit unions under $287 million in assets, has wrapped up here after attracting nearly 140 participants from three states.
“This year’s conference brought together industry peers to exchange ideas, engage in friendly competition, and collaborate on solutions tailored to the mission-driven vision of small credit unions,” said California’s Credit Unions, which hosts the Summit.
The Shapiro Group is an organization of smaller credit unions.
According to California’s Credit Unions, the summit kicked off with a CEO Roundtable led by Scott Simpson, who will soon be leaving as president and CEO of California’s Credit Unions, Nevada’s Credit Unions, and Utah’s Credit Unions, to take over as president and CEO of America’s Credit Unions in Washington in early November.
‘Continue to Fight the Good Fight’
“This is the last Shapiro Summit I will have the honor of attending,” Simpson told the meeting. “I am leaving with the full confidence that Shapiro credit unions across California, Nevada, and Utah will continue to fight the good fight. You are the heartbeat of the credit union movement, and your commitment to your members and communities is an example to all.”
According to the association, Simpson said his move to Capitol Hill will allow him to amplify credit unions on a national stage. “I will always remember the collaborative spirit and passion for serving members that defines this incredible group of credit union leaders,” he added.
Networking and Collaboration
California’s Credit Unions said networking and collaboration defined this year’s Shapiro Summit. Friday evening’s activities included a networking social hour, followed by an evening of fun competition at Splitsville in Downtown Disney, where attendees enjoyed bowling, pub food, and beverages.
The networking continued on Saturday with the introduction of a new game, “Pin Trading BINGO,” a playful nod to the event’s neighbor, Disneyland, California’s Credit Unions said. Attendees were given BINGO cards and a pin upon arrival, encouraged to trade pins and get initials from at least five fellow summit-goers for a chance to win.”
‘Fresh Perspective’
“Throughout the conference, small credit union CEOs noted the event’s value, California’s Credit Unions said. “They said the content was relevant and provided a fresh perspective on the challenges their credit unions face. The small, intimate setting of the Shapiro Summit is routinely highlighted as a factor in its success each year, allowing for a level of open dialogue and peer collaboration.
“The opportunity to connect with peers who understand the operating environment of small credit unions was exceptional, as attendees walked away with practical strategies they can put to work immediately,” the association added.
Saturday Sessions
According to California’s Credit Unions, Saturday’s sessions included:
- Humanizing the Digital Experience with thought leader Steve Langley, who discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) and demographic shifts are impacting the future of member service.
- Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Credit Unions with Trellance Senior Director of Security and Technology Consulting Barry Lewis, who provided best practices for protecting data and brand reputation.
- Compliance Meets Code: Navigating Regulation in a Digital World with Fuel Solutions Director of Compliance Support Heather Line, who explored how new technologies intersect with regulatory expectations.
- From Awareness to Action: Tackling Emerging Risks with TruStage Property and Casualty Consultant Alison Morris, who highlighted trends and risks that should be on every credit union’s radar.
- Rates, Risks, and Returns: Positioning the Investment Portfolio in a Changing Rate Environment with Catalyst Manager of Brokerage Services Johnathan Jackson, who offered strategies for optimizing investment portfolios.
- You Need a Mob: Change Management with CU Northwest National Sales Executive Megan Pieper and CEO Stuart Kuzik, who provided practical strategies for leading staff through technological and cultural shifts.
Collaborative Spirit and a Sense of Pride
California’s Credit Unions said attendees also participated in a game of Credit Union Trivial Pursuit and had opportunities to win raffle prizes throughout the day.
Richard Myles Johnson Fundraiser
For those extending their stay, the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation hosted its flagship RMJ/Origence Golf Classic at the nearby Strawberry Farms Golf Course in Irvine, Calif., the league said
“It was an honor to work with the Shapiro Group Committee and credit union leaders from all three states to host this year’s Shapiro Summit,” Liz White, education director for Fuel Solutions, said in a statement. “Seeing our vision come to life for this record-breaking group was rewarding. Because of their collaborative spirit, we walked away with a sense of pride in the work we do and the future of small credit unions.”
The Sponsors
Sponsors for the Summit included:
- TruStage (System Partner)
- Catalyst (Diamond Supporter)
- Alloya Corporate FCU
- American Share Insurance—ASI
- Excess Share Insurance—ESI
- CU NorthWest
- Envisant
- InterLutions
- Origence
- Richard Myles Johnson Foundation
- Right Choice Mortgage
- Velera
