RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — CU Direct Corp. has announced the speaker lineup for its 10th annual auto lending symposium, which will be held from June 18-20 at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The CUDL program is the nation's largest indirect and point-of-sale lending network for credit unions.
The symposium is designed specifically for credit unions with auto lending programs and for those interested in developing such programs drew record attendance at the 2007 event, with more than 520 attendees, representing over 180 credit unions. The annual event provides insight to the latest industry trends and issues and offers a wide-range of educational and networking opportunities geared to making CUs more effective in managing and growing their auto loan portfolio.
This year's speakers includes best selling author, commentator and authority in the field of change and human performance, Dr. Robert Kriegel; automotive and financial expert Richard Apicella; and writer-comedian, motivational speaker and best-selling author Ross Shafer. Diana Dykstra, president/CEO of San Francisco Fire Credit Union, will be the emcee for the event's general sessions.
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Kriegel is the author of If It Ain't Broke…BREAK IT! and Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers, as well as a radio commentator for National Public Radio's "Marketplace" program. Rich Apicella, auto finance practice executive for BenchMark Consulting International, has more than 25 years of experience in the automotive and financial services industries. Apicella has worked with leading automotive manufacturers and captive finance companies, as well as with various banks, finance companies and automotive mega-dealers.
Ross Shafer is a six-time Emmy Award winner for his work in television and has written a number of successful books including Nobody Moved Your Cheese and The Customer Shouts Back! He has also produced 14 human resource training films; which are now distributed in 11 countries. Shafer is also the founder of the Customer Empathy Institute in partnership with California State University at Monterey Bay.
Industry experts slated to speak at the 2008 symposium also include: Jay Johnson, executive vice president of Callahan & Associates; Larry Biernaki, president /CEO from Arkansas Federal Credit Union; Rick Poulton, president of Better Branches; Bob Boucher, senior vice president of lending at Sikorsky Financial Credit Union; Susie Huss, assistant vice president of consumer lending at American First Credit Union; and Experian's Melinda Zabritski, director, automotive credit and automotive consultant, John Sidman.
There is also a range of educational tracks to choose from, all of which are focused on key areas such as marketing, dealer relations and risk management and collections.
"The symposium provides credit unions with a comprehensive educational forum, which offers key insight and information needed to build and manage effective relationships with the dealer community," said CUDL's Executive Vice President Jerry Neemann. "This event brings together the expertise and straightforward dialogue that helps credit unions' efforts in growing their auto lending success."
During this year's symposium, credit union attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in CUDL's Credit Union for Kids Charity Golf Classic at The Revere Golf Club. Credit unions interested in attending the 2008 auto lending symposium can visit www.cudl.com.
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