SAN DIEGO – The California/Nevada Credit Union League on Monday officially kicked off its 2003 annual meeting and convention here. The opening day included a keynote address by Ann Rhoades, who helped launch JetBlue Airways, on "thinking outside the box" to create a "people-centric organization," a tribute to outgoing CUNA board chairman and longtime credit union leader and activist Barry Jolette, and a golf tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course, one of the courses on the PGA tour. The golf tournament raised $72,000 for the league and San Diego political action committees, officials announced. Rhoades offered a variety of suggestions for credit union leaders, from hiring and firing workers to ways to exceed member expectations. "I think having a great people-centric organization means that you are excessive about your members," she said. "When I say excessive, I mean fanatical." Jolette, who has been involved in the credit union movement for nearly 40 years, was presented with a resolution honoring him for his "outstanding leadership in America's top elected credit union position, that of CUNA chairman," and for his "integrity and his never-ending belief in the credit union system." -

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