GLASTONBURY, Conn. — Open Solutions Inc. recently held its second annual Member Business Services Forum designed especially for credit unions interested in offering business and commercial services to their memberships.

The forum, which took place in Orlando, included educational sessions, discussions and roundtables on the latest business services issues and trends facing the credit union industry. Presentations included sessions on "Why Banks are Successful at Business Services (or are they?)" by John DiPietro, senior project manager and banking operations advisor at Next Step, and "How Are You Evaluating Potential Participants?" by Dan Kampen, president/CEO, Rochdale Group.

"Having the chance to share experiences and exchange ideas with other credit union executives who are also focused on small business and commercial services is invaluable," said Mathy Hogan, executive vice president of lending at FAIRWINDS Credit Union. Gary Daniel, senior vice president and general manager of Open Solutions Credit Union Group, said the two-day meeting helped to bring home the potential that small businesses continue to represent a significant growth opportunity for credit unions.