BISMARCK, N.D. -- On a rousing note of "unity and change," credit union leaders from North and South Dakota wind up three days of celebration today at the combined inaugural conference of the new Mid-America Credit Union Association with one focus of the agenda on conversion and mergers.
"At our managers meeting we did have a number asking how other leagues across the country are handling these kinds of challenges," explained Tony Richards, the president/CEO of Mid-America who is presiding at a last day business session of the conference marking the historic consolidation of the North and South Dakota Credit Union Leagues.
Richards said member CUs from the two states have expressed concern about what lies ahead for CUs in the wake of shrinking numbers and the impact of CU-to-bank conversions. "They are trying to understand developments as they occur," said Richards noting that his staff and those of other leagues lack answers.
Nonetheless, Mid-America leaders expressed satisfaction with the 400 attendee turnout plus 55 vendors, far more than expected, showing off their wares in the exhibit hall at the Ramkota Hotel. Slated to address the closing session today was U.S. Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, (D-N.D.) with video messages broadcast earlier from the state's governors and Congressmen.
"At our managers meeting we did have a number asking how other leagues across the country are handling these kinds of challenges," explained Tony Richards, the president/CEO of Mid-America who is presiding at a last day business session of the conference marking the historic consolidation of the North and South Dakota Credit Union Leagues.
Richards said member CUs from the two states have expressed concern about what lies ahead for CUs in the wake of shrinking numbers and the impact of CU-to-bank conversions. "They are trying to understand developments as they occur," said Richards noting that his staff and those of other leagues lack answers.
Nonetheless, Mid-America leaders expressed satisfaction with the 400 attendee turnout plus 55 vendors, far more than expected, showing off their wares in the exhibit hall at the Ramkota Hotel. Slated to address the closing session today was U.S. Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, (D-N.D.) with video messages broadcast earlier from the state's governors and Congressmen.
