Tennessee and Mississippi credit union leaders gathered in Gatlinburg for the Tennessee Annual Convention & Expo. More than 450 attendees, exhibitors, and guests participated in the 92nd annual event, marking the highest conference attendance in recent years.
Tuesday
The event kicked off bright and early on Tuesday with the Association’s golf tournament to benefit Inheritance of Hope at the beautiful Gatlinburg Golf Course. In total, the tournament raised more than $9,000 for Inheritance of Hope’s Legacy Retreat® in Nashville next month.
The Association extends its sincerest appreciation to those who took time to play in the tournament and help raise vital funds for Inheritance of Hope, which helps families facing the loss of a parent.
Attendees enjoyed two complimentary pre-conference sessions, including one geared toward credit unions leaders and one tailored to board of directors.
The event officially opened at 5 p.m. with remarks from Laura Parham, chairwoman and president and CEO of Heritage South Community Credit Union in Shelbyville, Tenn.
“This year, we made a bold, future-focused move: the strategic merger of The Tennessee Credit Union League and the Mississippi Credit Union Association,” said Parham. “This wasn’t just a structural change; it was a statement. A statement that we are stronger together. A statement that we are ready for the next era of service and advocacy. I can assure you, both Boards approached this decision with rigorous care to ensure that the level of service you get from the League only gets better.”
Fred Robinson, president and CEO, shared a State of the Association with the audience, providing an update on the Association’s latest developments and initiatives. Robinson also unveiled the Association’s new name, AnchorPoint Credit Union Association. Following announcements to credit unions in Mississippi and Tennessee, as well as at the Annual Business Meeting in the spring, the Association will officially begin using the new brand this fall.
Matt Coniglio, AVP of advocacy, emceed the Awards Ceremony, among the awards were the milestone credit union anniversaries, state marketing awards and Hall of Fame inductees.
Tennessee Credit Union Hall of Fame
Gaylon Hall—In Memoriam
Board Chairman Emeritus, First South Financial Federal Credit Union, Bartlett, Tenn.
Debbie Jones
Retired President/CEO, UT Federal Credit Union, Knoxville, Tenn.
Anthony Taylor
Board of Directors, Supervisory Committee, Ascend Federal Credit Union, Tullahoma, Tenn.
Myrl Vaughn
Retired Manager, AUB Employees Credit Union, Athens, Tenn.
Milestone Anniversaries
50th Anniversary
Greeneville Works Employees Savings Association Credit Union
75th Anniversary
Ascend Federal Credit Union
Enbright Credit Union
Tennessee Marketing Credit Union Awards
Tennessee Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award
Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union
Starting Children and Young Adults on a Journey to Lifelong Financial Confidence
Tennessee Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award
US Community Credit Union
Credit Union for Kids Golf Classic
Tennessee Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award
Enbright Credit Union
Credit Union for Kids Golf Classic
Tennessee Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award
ORNL Federal Credit Union
Credit Union Development Educator (DE) Team
Tennessee Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award
Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union
Providing Free Financial Education Where People Already Gather—Morristown Landing Recreation
Tennessee Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award
ORNL Federal Credit Union
ThrivePATH – Adult Financial Education
Tennessee Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award
Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union
Camp Appy
TriStar Advocate of the Year
Laura Parham
President and CEO, Heritage South Community Credit Union
The event was followed by a carnival-themed welcome party in the Exhibit Hall called Under the Big Top: Where Innovation Takes Center Stage.
Wednesday
As attendees gathered Wednesday morning, they were greeted by songs from Dolly Parton and a butterfly lapel pin in memory of the philanthropist and star who grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains. The morning tribute also recognized those we lost this past year, including Leisa Massingill, who worked for the Tennessee League for 36 years, and Sandy Lingerfelt, who served as the Tennessee League board chair from 2000 to 2002 and retired president and CEO of Clinchfield Federal Credit Union.
Wednesday opened with a keynote presentation by body language expert, Traci Brown, titled, Liar, Liar Pants on Fire. She shared tips on how to detect if someone is lying, using clips from celebrities who lied.
Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed attending an array of professional development sessions and networking with credit union services vendors in the Exhibit Hall.
Thursday
Thursday morning kicked off with a special panel session with young professionals sharing insights about what emerging professionals want from their credit union. The closing keynote was Amy Downs. In 1995, she was a credit union employee who was buried alive in the Oklahoma City bombing. She was one of the last survivors pulled from the rubble.
We had a great conference! Thank you to everyone who attended.
Here’s a quick photo highlight of the week!
