CU Times Senior Staff Reporter

SAN DIMAS, Calif. -- Financial Service Centers Cooperative, theshared branching network headquartered on the West Coast, took itsannual retail delivery convention to Chicago this year to goodsuccess.

FSCC CEO Sarah Canepa Bang reported that more than 160executives from more than 60 credit unions from 26 states andPuerto Rico attended the convention, which FSCC held June 9 --11.

Ann Rhoades, former executive vice president for people forJetBlue Airways and current director of that firm, reminded thecredit union executives of how important it is to create amember-centric culture in the workplace.

Rhoades highlighted her involvement with Southwest Airlines,JetBlue Airways and Double Tree Hotels, noting the importance ofmanagement buy-in and the value of hiring and retaining 'A'players.

She continued, "Your people are key to creating a culture thatpromotes integrity, career development and accountability."

Canepa Bang agreed with Rhoades. "Credit unions have alwaysplaced a strong emphasis on member service and employeesatisfaction. Ms. Rhoades presented creative solutions on how wecan do a better job in retaining employees and recruiting the rightperson for a position."

Inspirational speaker and Paralympic Ski Racer Josh Sundquistcaptivated the audience with his inspirational life story.

Despite his encounter with cancer and the amputation of his legat the age of nine, Josh talked of the courage, ambition andmotivation to continue to live a healthy and normal life as well ascompete as a full-time ski racer. Sundquist also noted hisappreciation of the support he and his family received from theChildren's Miracle Network, for which he is an ambassador. Hethanked the crowd for their participation in the Credit Unions forKids program.

Other speakers offered presentations that featured retaildelivery trends and emerging issues affecting the credit unionindustry. The speakers presented tools to grow membership andcompete in various areas of the credit union industry such asexpansion of financial services, self-service solutions, marketingstrategies and technology.

"FSCC embraces the evolution of retail delivery channels. Wewanted to provide a new outlook on the strategies credit unionsneed in order to plan for the future," adds Canepa Bang.

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