In our role as advisors, Cornerstone strives to provide opportunities for chief executives to improve and share best practices with their peers. While we have been conducting invitation-only, small group discussions with bank CEOs and CIOs for years, we have felt that the roundtable discussions currently available to credit union CEOs and CIOs lacked the edge to help create tangible performance improvement opportunities for leaders.

The time has come to provide the same opportunity to large, progressive credit union CEOs and CIOs as we have for bank CEOs and CIOs. It’s time for some serious discussion about the opportunities and threats the current environment holds. It's time for Gonzo Credit Union CEO and CIO Roundtables.

An alternative to large scale conferences and trade magazines, Gonzo Credit Union Roundtables provide a chance to interact face-to-face with 15 to 20 of your peers in a convivial, informal setting designed to optimize knowledge sharing and maximize networking.

The Gonzo Credit Union Roundtables offer:

• Peer-to-peer knowledgesharing as a focus, not a sidelight.
• An agenda that you help drive.
• Topics that are both diverse and credit union-specific. 
• A casual, comfortable environment where you can build relationships that provide value through­out the year.

There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion, recreation and fine food; there will not be vendors or sales pitches.

Membership in the Roundtables is by invitation only; with a focus on larger, progressive credit unions ($750 million or more in assets).

2008 Gonzo Credit Union CEO Roundtable
We recognize that there are a significant number of Gonzo executives running large credit unions today – individuals that focus on growth, operational excellence and superior financial performance. Here are just a few of the observations and questions we’re hearing in our travels:

• The external environment is the most difficult and yet the most exciting for credit unions in decades. Do we hunker down or attack full-speed ahead?
• An explosion of strategically significant mergers and charter conversions is happening.
• Economic pressures will continue to force credit union executives to get real with expenses control.
• Technology, infrastructure and regulatory complexity continue to grow. Where are we headed?

Attend this invitation-only gathering to delve into these and other top of mind issues. The rules of engagement are simple:

• Participants will assist in finalizing discussion topics.
• Cornerstone consultants Steve Williams and Ted Thames will facilitate.
• Debate is encouraged – civility is expected.
• The sharing of best and worst practices is a must.
• No wasted time with industry kumbaya.
• Discussions are confidential – no published notes or gratuitous press releases allowed.

The fall Gonzo Credit Union CEO Roundtable will be held October 16-18, 2008 at the Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The registration deadline is August 22. Register early – the CEO Roundtable is limited to 20 participants!

View the draft agenda and registration form here.
Contact Ted Thames for more information.

2008 Gonzo Credit Union CIO Roundtable
As the principal IT executive for your credit union, the stakes are high and awareness of real-world solutions that work is invaluable. Whether you’re dealing with recurring staffing issues, grappling with outsourcing or considering the implications of new regulatory requirements, wouldn’t it be nice to sit down in a room once or twice a year with your credit union peers – no vendors, no selling – to brainstorm solutions, knock around ideas and share best practices?

Cornerstone has been successfully facilitating this type of forum on the bank side for seven years. Now, we’re hosting the Cornerstone Advisors Gonzo Credit Union CIO Roundtable.

The GonzoBanker Credit Union CIO Roundtable is scheduled for November 9-11, 2008 at the Hyatt Gainey Ranch Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Included will be plenty of breaks for golf/other activities, as well as nice dinners where you can collaborate in an informal environment – spouses are invited.

The registration deadline is September 19. Register early – the CIO Roundtable is limited to 20 participants!

Download the registration form here.
Contact Diana Ferguson for more information.