in assets.

Recognizing that the key to successful leadership is being informed, NACUC members become part of a communications network that includes an online forum that allows chairmen to post comments, questions and conduct discussion searches by topic; a quarterly newsletter, Exchange; an online membership directory; access to chairmen with special expertise in a number of key areas via the Chairmen's Consulting Network; and an invitation to the annual Chairmen's Roundtable Forum.

Tired of attending conferences that either focus more on the entertainment and destination than content or listening to various speakers that talk about

general issues rather than

finding real solutions to meet their specific needs, the group opted to host their own unique conference.

"While other groups and conferences have tried to imitate our meeting format they haven't been able to duplicate the sharing and camaraderie that makes our gatherings so special," said NACUC Chairman/First New York Federal Credit Union Chairman Charles R. Smith.

The meeting format is based on an informal roundtable setting. Attendees are split into small groups of no more than 10. Using a complex matrix, the roundtable sessions are assigned to ensure that there is a mix of different asset sizes at each table, different members lead discussions and no board members from the same credit union are at the same roundtable. Roundtable discussion topics for each year are determined by information gathered from attendee surveys and industry trends.

During the productive, interactive hour and half sessions, attendees also use the time to share information on successful programs and problem solving techniques. This year's conference boasted some 153 delegates, of which 46 were first timers. Topics ranged from better board governance and mergers/charter conversions to protecting members' data and challenges of growing membership. The conference also features an open forum where members are generally grouped by asset size and can discuss any hot button issues.

The benefits of NACUC membership also include leadership training at the annual Leadership Development Seminar that focuses on honing leadership skills through strategic planning, effective team building, financial analysis, managing conflict and motivating others. Members also receive a copy of the biennial CEO Salary Survey that is designed to help attract and retain top CEO talent.

"We want our members to get as much information during the informal discussions at social functions as they do during the roundtables," said Smith. "Our members love the format and most first timers are surprised by how much information they bring back to their boardroom."

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