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CU Future Graduates Attend Major US Credit Union Convention

Back in April, two graduates of CU Futures Programme travelled to Denver, Colorado to attend The Mountain West Credit Union Association Convention.

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Thursday 25 January 2024

Back in April, two graduates of CU Futures Programme travelled to Denver, Colorado to attend The Mountain West Credit Union Association Convention.

A key part of the CU Futures programme is for participants to work collaboratively in groups on a 12-month project to address the challenges that face the credit union sector. Emily Alexander of Advance Credit Union and Hannah Copson of Penny Post Credit Union were both winners from their retrospective groups and made the journey to the United States.  “Going into CU futures with only 6-months experience, I learnt so much about every job role within the credit unions which then further helps me in my development role,” says Emily. “The final project really made us think about a gap in our sector and was really enjoyable to have a complete free run with coming up with solutions.”

Reflecting on the trip in a blog post on the ABCUL website, Emily reflected on her and Hannah’s trip which involved a visit to two credit unions in the area – Canvas Credit Union and Harrison Credit Union.

“Both were extremely different from Advance Credit Union, from their size in membership, assets and the way the credit unions operate in the USA” says Emily.

As the week progressed, both Emily and Hannah attended the Mountain West Convention, participating in a Young Professionals Event.  Emily added: “We attended their Young Professionals event where guest speaker, Melanie Spring, guided us through confidence and team building exercises.  The rest of the conference was filled with really insightful sessions delivered by people with lengthy experience in the movement.”

Drawing on comparisons from the US & GB sectors, Emily added: “For credit unions to even begin to develop at the rate USA CU’s do, legislative change is needed. Credit unions in the USA can offer such a wide range of products and services for a much higher value than GB credit unions.

“Credit unions in America actively rival big banks, they are able to offer debit accounts, mortgages and car loans. Upon our return home, it filled me with optimism that the movement in GB can continue to grow and further develop itself following the announcement of Legislative reform.

“I know I am so privileged to have visited Colorado. I’m so grateful to everyone at ABCUL, the Credit Union Foundation and Advance Credit Union for their continuous support through CU Futures and beyond.”

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