The NCUA on Tuesday confirmed reports it canceled a reception for examiners and support staff attending a training conference this week and next in Orlando, Fla.
“The reception was originally planned to help with the networking and relationship-building that only come during these conferences for our dispersed workforce. These goals are a key part of our staff development,” Executive Director David Marquis told Credit Union Times.
“In order to minimize costs, however, we eliminated the reception. National conference expenses are directly related to training. There are no frills and no meals for attendees,” Marquis said.
The trimmed-down NCUA conference comes as House Committees investigate a scandal surrounding a 2010 General Services Administration conference in Las Vegas that cost taxpayers $800,000. The event featured lavish gifts for attendees and excessive entertainment, including a mind reader and a clown.
