Following a stirring and heartfelt salute to the branch and frontline staff, Cooperative Credit Union Association President/CEO Ron McLean welcomed over 200 attendees to CCUA's 2020 Annual Meeting and Convention.

Held virtually for the health and safety of all concerned, the event provided inspiration, both personal and professional, through videos and live speakers. McLean shared the many ways our credit unions have inspired him throughout the pandemic, epitomizing the heart and soul of the industry.

Virginia Heyburn, VP of Strategy for Fiserv, pointed out trends that are impacting credit unions due to the pandemic. She noted that “upcoming innovation will be dictated by your members and their experiences."

Ryan Donovan, Chief Advocacy Officer with Credit Union National Association (CUNA), provided an update on Advocacy in 2020 and Beyond, including how COVID-19 affected the goals and strategy for the year and how the impending election could further impact advocacy efforts. Donovan noted the importance of credit unions tooting their own horns and sharing the stories of how they have helped members throughout the pandemic.

Tom Slefinger, Senior Vice President, Director of Institutional Fixed Income Sales with Alloya Investment Services, discussed the unprecedented economic volatility due to COVID-19 and what credit unions can do to optimize their balance sheets and investment portfolios in the aftermath of the worst recession since the 1930s. Slefinger authors "Weekly Relative Value," which you can read every Tuesday in the Daily CU Scan.

Kurt Czarnowski, Principal Czarnowski Consulting, shared a wealth of information about Social Security, and the latest information on the changes to the claiming strategies that couples have been able to employ in order to maximize their Social Security benefits

Finally, CUNA Mutual Group President/CEO Robert "Bob" Trunzo joined McLean for a discussion on key areas for credit unions to focus on, including the global pandemic, volatile markets and supporting the civil rights movement.

"In an era of such uncertainty, some certainty is really, really helpful," said Trunzo, noting that everyone is functioning in uncharted territory.