On May 8-10, over 400 credit union professionals from across the state joined us for the 2024 League Convention & Expo in La Crosse! Here's what happened:
This year's Convention-kicked off with opening remarks from League President & CEO Brett Thompson, followed by a keynote discussing purpose, happiness, and financial well-being with Dr. Christine B. Whelan. The League & Corporate Central Credit Union then held their joint annual meetings where retiring President & CEO Thompson was recognized for his contributions to The Credit Union Movement in Wisconsin. . Thursday's keynotes concluded with wellness entrepreneur Jason Vitug's talk on financial wellness and Lee Wetherington's discussion of how generative AI fits with a people helping people mission. The start of 24 breakout sessions covering fraud prevention, change resilience, cybersecurity, inclusivity, advocacy, and more also began on Thursday, along with the opening of the sold-out expo hall!
On Friday, WILD (Wisconsin Ideation & Local Development) presentations were held on the main stage featuring the 2024 WILD teams. Following WILD, Wisconsin's credit unions were recognized for their accomplishments in the past year at the second annual Cooperative Spirit ceremony. An energizing keynote closed out Convention with leadership trainer and coach Lisa Schaefer, who delved into mindset, leadership, and the profound work credit unions undertake to explore how individuals can steer clear of burnout.
Convention was far from all work and no play, too! An exciting social event was hosted each night--the Welcome Reception on Wednesday night and a TruStage and La Crosse Area Credit Unions (Altra Federal, GECU, Gundersen, Marine, Oakdale, Verve, and WCCU) event on Thursday night at The Hatchery.
The legislative PAC for Wisconsin's credit unions--WCULAF--was well supported throughout Convention with over $25,000 raised through a golf scramble, bowling outing, and a silent auction! These funds help support credit union-friendly candidates and legislators!
Besides funds for WCULAF, Convention goers supported credit union wellness and gave back to their communities. This year’s Foundation bucket raffle received over $5,000 in donations and featured numerous experiential prizes like a first pitch at a Brewers game. Finally, attendees prepared over 700 snack bags using donated goodies for the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse to be utilized during summer youth programs.
Photos Now Available! Check Out the Album on Facebook!
Thank you to all who attended, and a very special thank you to our sponsors who made it all possible: