"Growing Against the Grain": Best Practice CU Thrival Strategies for a Slow Economy
John A Vardallas, The American BoomeR, Madison, Wisconsin

This program will focus on how credit unions can maintain their competitive edge against the economic changes in the financial services arena. Techniques and strategies for positioning credit unions against competitors, in-creasing loan volume via the next generation of borrower and new business growth opportunities (serving New Americans/Small Business Services/ Lifestyle Lending/Trust Services and Review of Fee Structures) will be discussed. New ways to connect/attract members and maintaining their good faith during a recessionary time and a look at some “Best Practice” Growth Credit Unions will also be highlighted.

Learner Outcomes:

• To identify and assess the new financial services competition
• To understand and utilize the Credit Union Competitive Advantage via telling our Strategic Story to our members and the community
• To discuss the impact of remaining competitive on credit union opera-tions and service delivery during turbulent economic times
• To explore strategies for thriving by gaining the competitive advantage, increasing loan volume and growing Market/Wallet share of credit union products/services.

About John A. Vardallas

As Founder/CEO of TheAmericanBoomeR.com, he leads a Consulting/Speaking Business and Internet Enterprise that is dedicated primarily to enhancing the quality of work and lifestyles of leaders, their people, their organizations, custom-ers and members. An international trend watcher and provocateur, he helps indus-try leaders synthesize trends into strategic organizational directions, improve busi-ness growth, service and workplace productivity. He is a keynote speaker, semi-nar leader, trainer and facilitator, who provides audiences with Substance and In-spirAction in a Passionate and Provocative style.

He has over 30 years of professional management and leadership development experiences working with leaders in the retail, healthcare, government, education, hospitality, financial services and association industries. He has been a program consultant and speaker for international trade associations and organizations, including ASAE, the World Council of Credit Unions and the Filene Research Institute. John conducts professional and personal development programs for executives, employees and volunteers for businesses, associations and organiza-tions of all sizes. He is also a host and featured speaker on global Educational Conference CU Edu-Cruises and has appeared on radio, network, and cable TV business and lifestyle programs. John is Co-Founder and Editor of Today’s BoomeR Digital Magazine of the American BoomeR.com, author of a recently published book, Leadership Thoughts For Prospering in the 21st Century, the Dash-Board Governance Packet/CD and numerous business and trade articles. His passion for sharing Strategies for Success will leave a long lasting impact on your organization and audiences.

Energizing, enlightening, interactive and thought provoking - that’s John’s style. John A. Vardallas is one of the few speakers able to deliver meaningful programs of substance about leading, working and living in the future in an enlightening manner. He captivates audiences by passionately combining philosophical and practical perspectives concerning business trends, competencies and changes needed to prosper in the future. His thought provoking dynamic presentations can inspire and produce winning results for individuals and your organization. All presentations are customized to meet audience and organizational program objectives.