Leaders Show the Way at WesCorp's Future Forum

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. – WesCorp's 2005 Future Forum attracted some 400 credit union officials to the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa here to learn about the latest economic, investment and leadership topics that could impact credit unions. Speaking of leaders, the event was kicked off by WesCorp CEO Bob Siravo. There were also two well-known non-CU leaders on the agenda in Forbes magazine publisher Rich Karlgaard and USC football coach Pete Carroll. "We are living in a convulsive period of economic change," Karlgaard noted. "This turbulent time is the result of rapidly evolving technology, its falling costs, and growing pools of cheap labor," said Karlgaard who calls this time the "Cheap Revolution." He said credit unions need to continue to provide low-cost products to members to stay successful in a time where American companies have no problems outsourcing to low-cost companies such as India. Typical of a great motivator, Carroll said leaders have to know who they are and what makes them tick. "Know what drives you, what excites you, where you are when you're most successful," he said. At WesCorp's Annual Meeting, the corporate reported that it added 39 new member CUs last year. Its 1,056 members represent 42.8% of all credit union assets, 44.5% of total loans, and 39.6% of the total credit union investible funds.