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As of 8 a.m. on Friday, May 15, the Maine Credit Union League 77th Annual Meeting & Convention officially got underway at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland. With credit union membership in Maine setting another new record as of year-end 2014 at more than 651,000 members, a crowd of 730 credit union representatives and guests are expected to attend the two-day gathering. From the Annual Meeting itself, a diverse group of organizations demonstrating products and services in the sold-out Exhibit Area, and dynamic speakers to award presentations, entertainment and an opportunity to bid on a wide-range of items in two Silent Auctions on Friday evening, the Convention has something for everyone.
An action-filled program featuring national and dynamic speakers will be addressing this year’s Convention including Scott Burrows, a star athlete and competitor who played college football at Florida State University under the legendary coach Bobby Bowden and was a top-ranked kick boxing champion whose last fight was broadcast on ESPN. In 1984, Burrows was in a serious automobile accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Scott’s recovery defied all diagnoses, and he will share his inspirational story in the Opening Session. The Delegates' Meeting begins at 11:45 a.m., with nearly 90% of the state's credit unions expected to have delegates' at the Meeting. They will be treated to busy meeting that will include voting for one of four candidates for a single League Director-At-Large position, renowned and award-winning speaker, Jackson Hataway, Ph.D, who will share his expertise on strategic planning and leadership. In addition, delegates' and guests will hear from your League's President John Murphy, Board Chair Jim Lemieux, and Chairs of several other League Committees. The state winners of the 2015 Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring and Desjardins Awards will also be announced and presented. There are educational workshops offered in the morning and afternoon for attendees to attend, as well. The Annual Awards Banquet, the Silent Auctions for Ending Hunger and CULAC, and entertainment from Real Diamond, the Neil Diamond Tribute band that "sounds chillingly realistic," highlight the activities on Friday evening, May 15, that more than 470 people have registered to attend.
Day 2 of the 2015 Maine CU League's Annual Meeting & Convention is set to begin at 8:45 a.m., with Second District Congressman Bruce Poliquin scheduled to get the day underway. Following the Congressman's remarks, the Closing Session featuring Mark Eaton, a former NBA All-star who had a 12-year career in the NBA with the Utah Jazz, will take attendees through his story of how he went from a 7’4”, 21 year-old mechanic who couldn’t play basketball to a successful playing career. Today, Eaton, whose story is in the process of being turned into a feature film, is an accomplished entrepreneur, speaker, trainer and coach, and he will discuss what it takes to be part of a winning team.
"The Maine Credit Union System is a lasting example of what can be accomplished when an industry cooperates and collaborates with the best interests of its members in mind. We have a dynamic program that highlights the innovation, opportunities and success that is happening among Maine credit unions and our 651,000 members right now, and focus on the future, as well,” stated John Murphy, President of the Maine Credit Union League.
2014 year-end stats show reflect record membership in Maine’s credit unions at 651,405 members, an increase of more than 14,000 net new members over 2013. Total combined assets grew at a healthy rate of 4.7% for the period to $6.43 billion. During 2014, loans also had robust growth went up by more than $261 million, a 6.3% change, while deposits reported steady growth of 4.0% and now stand at $5.45 billion.
"The Convention always provides an opportunity to build on the momentum, popularity and excitement of credit unions in Maine, and to see many old friends at the same time," added Murphy.
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