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From left to right: Acadia FCU CEO David Desjardins, incoming League President Elise Baldacci, and League Board Member John Doe.
Countless hours go into planning the League’s Annual Meeting and Convention and this year’s event, Elevate 2024, did not disappoint. Over 500 credit union employees, League and Synergent staff, and vendor partners gathered last week at the Holiday Inn By the Bay for two days of learning, networking, and of course, fun! For some, the festivities kicked off at the Ending Hunger Convention Golf Tournament on Thursday, May 16, where thousands of dollars were raised to combat hunger in Maine.
From motivational keynotes to insightful breakout sessions, to an awards ceremony that left everyone feeling grateful for the unique contributions credit union employees and volunteers make to our movement—Elevate 2024 had something for everyone. The event not only provided participants an opportunity to engage with credit union colleagues from the across the state, but it also facilitated meaningful interactions with League and Synergent team members, including incoming League President Elise Baldacci, who will officially be joining the organization on June 3.
During the League’s Annual Meeting, the League’s bylaws were modernized, committee reports were accepted and approved, and Joann Bisson, CEO at Oxford FCU, was re-elected to an At-Large position on the Board. Additionally, the following members of the League Board were named Board officers for 2024 – 2025:
- John Doe, Chair – Northern Penobscot Chapter of Credit Unions
- Joseph Gervais, Vice Chair – At Large
- Basil Closson, Secretary – Bangor Chapter of Credit Unions
- Jason Lindstrom, Treasurer – Alex Ferguson Chapter of Credit Unions
For those who were looking to secure some fabulous items to benefit two great causes—the Campaign for Ending Hunger and CULAC—attendees had plenty to choose from between the Ending Hunger online auction and the CULAC silent auction. Thanks to some popular items, this year’s online auction to benefit the Campaign reached a new fundraising milestone, raising over $9,000!
Five County CU CEO Julie Marquis emcees the Awards Ceremony.
Five County CU CEO Julie Marquis, who also serves as the League’s Chair of the Awards and Convention Committee, emceed the annual Awards Ceremony on Friday evening. Eleven distinct honors were announced, including awards for CULAC fundraising and political involvement. Award winners will be featured in articles in this edition of Weekly Update and in next week’s newsletter. Congressman Jared Golden briefly addressed the participants and video messages of support were provided by Senators Susan Collins and Angus King, as well as Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
The League would like to thank all those who sponsored and/or joined us this year. Your continued participation is key to our success! Please ‘save the date’ for next year’s special events:
- Ending Hunger Convention Golf Tournament | Wednesday, May 14, 2025
- Elevate 2025 – The League’s Annual Meeting and Convention | Thursday & Friday, May 15 & May 16, 2025
For questions concerning League conferences, please email Jordan Inkley at jinkley@mainecul.org.