CEO Update: The Future is Now!

​Relax. This isn’t another article on how close science fiction books and movies got things right 30 or 40 years ago. Although many things have changed for the better or worse (as predicted), we are still living in a world where the future has many possibilities. However, securing a successful future is often only made possible for those willing to act now. Windows of opportunity only exist for a moment—and then they are gone, maybe forever.

DCUC is on the move given all the opportunities we are seeing surface during this period of industry change. In last month’s ALERT, we highlighted how we will be working with Congress in drafting and passing the “Military Banking Program Improvement Act.” That process is well underway with several successful meetings and information exchanged with House and Senate leaders via their staff. Plus, we are also in the process of hiring an Advocacy Officer who will conduct our day-to-day advocacy efforts. All this to say, DCUC is creating the changes we and our members need to thrive in the future.

That said, we need to discuss member value and what each of you can expect from your DCUC membership. Apart from our accomplishments in 2023, there is much more beneath the surface with what DCUC does to bring measurable success for our member credit unions. Whether it is important actions like writing letters and/or meeting with federal and state officials on your behalf or smaller perks like hosting a dinner or lunch for your board members at the historic Army Navy Club in Washington, D.C.—there is still more DCUC has to offer.

On the more visible side of what DCUC offers are our yearly conferences and events, both regional and abroad. If you have never been to a DCUC conference you (and your board) are missing out! I can say that with confidence given the feedback from our last three conferences. DCUC has made many changes based on both member and strategic partners’ feedback. You can preview our upcoming events at https://www.dcuc.org/events.html.

Our first event of 2024 happens early next month when we will host Defense Matters on Sunday morning, March 3, at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Washington, D.C. We have made many enhancements to our program by bringing our attendees and guests nationally acclaimed speakers along with insights on the latest industry trends and regulatory initiatives. We still have room for more attendees, and I promise you will not be disappointed!

We are also very excited to release another free publication available for download in time for this event (details will be provided at Defense Matters). If you haven’t already registered, you can learn more about this unique advocacy session and secure your spot here! I hope to you to see you there!

Finally, registration for our 2024 Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, FL (August 12-16) will open in the next few days. Last year, we sold out early and we expect the same numbers for this year’s conference. I am excited about the speakers we have lined up as we bring you another outstanding experience that is very different from the usual credit union conference. Our gatherings have always fostered a family-friendly atmosphere and offer a great guest agenda for attendees’ family members. Information on speakers and our annual conference program will be released shortly.

Our credibility as an organization has been enhanced not only because of our advocacy efforts and conference experience but also several strategic choices made during the latter part of 2023. If you plan to be at the GAC, I would be happy to share more details over coffee or a beverage of your choice.

As you look at DCUC and all we have to offer, our hope is you share the difference and value we’ve brought to your credit union with others. For years, we’ve helped many credit unions looking to better connect and serve their military and veteran communities, whether or not they are serving on military installations.

We also recognize the very present need for advocating for our nation’s 18 million+ veterans. I am sure every credit union in the United States has a veteran within their field of membership, and DCUC is well-positioned to help you best serve this important segment of the population. A great example is our free Veterans Guide: Understanding Your Benefits. We were very intentional about creating this publication and having it reviewed by the Veterans Benefits Administration to make sure our members have the best resources available! We also have several other free training and financial education resources on our website!

​In summary, this is an exciting time to be a member of DCUC! We see great things in our next decade of service and want you by our side as we move forward. The future is now. In ten years, it will be a proud moment to look back and say, “Wow, look how much we got right!” Let’s get started! ​