DCUC’s 60th Annual Conference: Tuesday Recap

​COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) continued its 60th Annual Conference on Tuesday, August 8, with its first keynote speaker presentation, the DCUC Advocacy Update, the Department of the Air Force Credit Union of the Year awards for the week, and four sponsor breakout sessions.

Before beginning its general session, DCUC partnered with Filene Research Institute to host Filene’s research workshop where attendees reviewed the Lab’s upcoming testing agenda, learned about promising new solutions, and helped choose which ones the Lab should test. Following Filene’s research workshop, attendees enjoyed a welcome lunch led featuring David Reid, Vice President of the Robert Irvine Foundation, DCUC’s 2023 Conference with A Purpose charity.
 
DCUC’s first formal session of the day began with Dr. Troy Hall’s keynote speaker presentation, “Workplace Cohesion: Engagement is Out; Cohesion is In.” Dr. Hall, an author, international speaker, and talent retention expert, shared his insights on how prioritizing cohesion in the work culture greatly impacts talent acquisition and retention, productivity, and overall organizational success.
 
Following Dr. Hall’s presentation, John McKechnie, Principal of John J. McKechnie, III LLC, joined DCUC’s President/CEO Anthony Hernandez for DCUC’s Advocacy Update. During the discussion, attendees received an update on legislative and regulatory initiatives and concerns.
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McKechnie shared, “There's no shortage of hot topics in DC, foremost of which is the current credit interchange battle being waged on Capitol Hill between credit unions, other financial solutions, and the retailer lobby. DCUC has been on the front lines of that fight, and we will continue to protect credit union interests in this critical battle.”
 
Hernandez and McKechnie also discussed possible upcoming changes at the NCUA and DCUC’s leadership on the "charitable donation" issue that may result in a positive change for credit unions interested in making contributions to veteran organizations. Hernandez invited everyone interested to join the quarterly Military Advocacy Committee meetings for more updates.
 
After DCUC’s Advocacy update, the first Department of Defense Credit Union of the Year Award was presented to two of DCUC’s member credit unions. The Department of the Air Force recognized both Wright-Patt Credit Union, at Wright-Patterson AFB and Air Force Federal Credit Union (AFFCU) at Joint Base San Antonio.
 
After the award presentation, attendees and guests attended four sponsor breakout sessions provided by TruStage, Mutual of Omaha, Gallagher, and Trellance. During these sessions, sponsors shared educational presentations and expertise in topics related to embedded finance, utilizing digital technologies to advance services, designing analytical visions, and retaining employees through executive benefits. The day concluded with a welcome reception hosted by the Armed Forces Financial Network (AFFN) at the Broadmoor’s Cheyenne Lodge.
 
The conference will continue tomorrow, Wednesday, August 9, with DCUC’s patriotic opening ceremony, additional speaker presentations, and Credit Union of the Year Awards for the Departments of the Army and Navy.