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Elevate 2026 has come and gone, and we can’t thank our credit unions, sponsors, presenters, and vendor partners enough for their thoughtful participation in our annual event. We know it isn’t easy to take two days out of your schedules, but our League hopes the time you spent in Portland was well worth it.
From inspiring keynotes and panels to educational sessions, networking opportunities, awards, and puppies, Elevate 2026 had it all and then some. We hope everyone walked away with new connections, valuable insights, and an opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing individuals who make Maine’s credit union movement so special.
This issue and next week’s edition of Weekly Update will feature articles highlighting our 2026 League Award winners. To keep the camaraderie going, we encourage you to reach out to these honorees and celebrate their accomplishments. Collectively, we are fortunate to benefit from their contributions to our movement.
Elevate 2026 wasn’t just about celebrating our industry. It also provided opportunities to identify ways credit unions can continue making an impact in their communities.
During Friday’s Social Impact panel, Lauren Culp, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation, and Creighton Blackwell, Chief Community Impact and Public Affairs Officer at Coastal CU, discussed strategies for advancing financial well-being and strengthening community partnerships. Credit unions interested in pursuing this work should note that applications for a National Credit Union Foundation grant supporting at-risk youth are due June 26. Information about the program can be found here. Credit unions can also learn more about the Credit Union Development Education (CUDE™) program on the Foundation’s website.
In addition, the League is working with credit unions to implement an initiative League President Elise Baldacci previewed during Elevate: 48 to Feed the State. Credit unions are invited to contribute $1,000 to the Campaign for Ending Hunger in support of Good Shepherd Food Bank. The Maine Credit Union League and Synergent will match contributions up to $52,000, creating an opportunity for our movement to generate a collective impact of $100,000. League associate members are also encouraged to take part in this fundraiser, and can contact Jen Burke at jburke@mainecul.org to pledge support.
The League’s Annual Meeting and Elevate 2027 will return to May next year. We hope you will save the date and join us May 20-21, 2027, at the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland. If you have any questions about this year’s conference or next year’s event, please email Jordan Inkley at jinkley@mainecul.org.
Until we meet again, we hope you enjoy a few snapshots from last week.
League and Synergent Board Chair Joseph Gervais leads the League’s Annual Meeting.
The League celebrates Evergreen CU’s 75th anniversary.
League and Synergent Board Treasurer Julie Marquis addresses delegates at the Annual Meeting.
The League and Synergent Board of Directors pose for a photo.
League Conference & Events Manager Jordan Inkley outlines the day for Elevate 2026 attendees.
League President Elise Baldacci visits with the therapy pups.
Creighton Blackwell, Chief Community Impact and Public Affairs Officer at Coastal CU, provides an inspiring keynote.
Andy Janning delights attendees for the afternoon keynote.
League President Elise Baldacci welcomes everyone to day two of Elevate 2026.
Social impact was the focus of a Friday panel featuring National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Lauren Culp and Creighton Blackwell.
League President Elise Baldacci welcomes U.S. Senator Susan Collins to the Elevate stage.
Stacie VanDenBerghe helps wrap up Elevate 2026 with a closing keynote.