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2026 Roundtable Recap
We’ve just wrapped another energizing and insightful Roundtable in Las Vegas, where credit union leaders and board members from Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and the Dakotas gathered to collaborate, learn, and chart a course for the year ahead. It was a week filled with connection, innovation, and forward‑focused conversations. Here are a few highlights.
Board Meeting & Strategic Planning: Montana’s Credit Unions kicked off the week with our board meeting, where we finalized the 2026 budget and scorecard and discussed priority initiatives and succession planning. Our dedicated board continues to provide exceptional leadership on behalf of Montana credit unions, and their commitment was on full display.
Deep‑Dive Learning & Leadership Development: This year’s program offered robust learning tracks tailored to executives and directors. Pre‑conference sessions included:
- “37 Leadership Masters” with Rory Rowland for CEOs and executives
- “Beyond Governance: The New Standard for Strategic, Future‑Focused Boards” with Jeff Rendel for directors
A joint session then brought everyone together for Rowland’s timely discussion, “How to Speak so Politicians Will Listen.” These sessions set the tone for a week focused on strengthening leadership capacity and preparing for the future.
America’s Credit Unions Update: We were joined Wednesday morning by Scott Simpson, President/CEO of America’s Credit Unions, who provided an important update on the national landscape, including key legislative and regulatory issues heading into 2026. His insights sparked thoughtful dialogue and equipped attendees with a clearer sense of what’s ahead.
AI, Growth & Innovation: A major theme this year was the accelerating role of technology — especially AI — in operational efficiency and member experience. Jeff Rendel led a powerful general session, “Smarter Growth: How AI Enhances the Member Experience and Expands Your Impact,” which connected strategy with practical application.
Throughout the week, industry partners expanded on this theme through short, high‑impact learning sessions:
- Using business member insights to drive deposits and fee income
- An interactive economic update
- Creating AI‑enabled internal procedures that employees can rely on
- Cybersecurity best practices in a rapidly changing threat landscape
These sessions reflected the evolving demands on credit unions and the tools now available to help meet them.
Breakouts & Roundtable Exchanges: Leaders and directors participated in targeted breakout tracks, including:
- “Your Competitive Edge: A Process, Not a Plan” by Rory Rowland
- “Future Forces: The Trends Reshaping Growth, Relevance, and Results” by Jeff Rendel
These fed directly into our Hot Topic Roundtable Discussions, where participants exchanged ideas and practical strategies on growth, collaboration, and staying relevant in a competitive financial landscape.
Keynotes & Big‑Picture Thinking: Our keynote speakers encouraged attendees to think boldly about innovation, execution, collaboration, and the future of the credit union movement. Their messages challenged us to keep member needs at the center while leveraging new tools — AI, data, and cross‑organizational partnerships—to stay ahead in the race for relevance.
A standout closing general session from Brandi Stankovic, “Underground Playbook for Growth,” left participants with practical and energizing strategies to bring home.
Networking, Connection & Community: As always, the Roundtable delivered memorable networking opportunities—from receptions and dinners to informal gatherings and sponsor‑hosted events. These moments allowed leaders from six states to build relationships, exchange experiences, and strengthen our regional credit union community.
A Personal Note: Each year, the Roundtable reinforces what makes our movement so special. I’m continually inspired by the collaboration, enthusiasm, and big‑picture thinking that fill every session and conversation. Our team is proud to bring this event to life, and I’m grateful for the chance to learn and connect alongside such dedicated peers from the other five states. I hope you’ll join us in Las Vegas in 2027!
Cooperatively, Gerry
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