Sessions Excite at Convention and Expo's Opening Day

The 2012 Credit Union Convention and Exposition opened with a moving general session on International Credit Union Development in Afghanistan. Mahir Momand addressed more than 200 credit union representatives via Skype to share his ongoing challenges and triumphs. Momand explained that credit union work in his country is much different than the U.S. When out in the field or visiting credit unions, Momand travels with bodyguards and wears a protective vest to detour potential assassination attempts.

"It is unsettling to know that men are out to get you, but I keep going," says Momand. "The credit union movement in Afghanistan is in its infancy, and I want to protect it."

 Momand thanked the group for U.S. monetary donations and support. He said credit unions could also aid by providing one hour per month to visit with Afghanistan credit union employees via Skype to help problem-solve operational issues.

"The session was absolutely amazing and a definite eye-opener," says Anne Townsend (Kansas City Credit Union).

The afternoon continued with a general session called Hot Topics where league presidents Mike Beall (MCUA) and Gary Jones (CUAOK) posed questions on regulatory burdens, competition, board structure, and more. Attendees expressed their opinions using an audience response system that provided immediate feedback on the group's interests. John McKechnie joined the panel and provided a legislative perspective.