Mark's Presentation Topics

Leveraging “The Main Street Difference”

Sixty percent of consumers trust cooperatives more than investor owned entities. Credit unions are consistently ranked #1 for service. How credit unions can accentuate their “cooperative-ness,” leverage their superior service and differentiate in the eyes of many consumer finance customers in a post-recession economic environment? This interactive presentation explores aspects of being a cooperative and the implications for credit unions, including:

• Business model renewal and viability of the cooperative structure
• Understanding the consumer.
• Opportunities for social responsibility.
• Controversy surrounding patronage refunds.
• Identity and branding concepts.
• Use “service” to grow.
• Innovation

Riding the Rollercoaster of Board Governance

Warrren Buffet once called corporate boards “tail-wagging puppy dogs,” and credit union boards should take that as a caution. Volunteer boards display a broad range of competence and engagement. This candid discussion reflects on six Filene research reports on credit union governance practices and takes aim at both the good and the bad, while prescribing real-world responses through exposure to:

• Tracking the relationship between credit union governance and performance.
• Recruitment and selection practices at credit union boards.
• Who really owns credit unions? And Who’s really in charge?
• How can boards add more value?
• Executive leadership aptitude.
• The board’s role in credit union mergers.

Collaborator, Consolidator, or Contrarian

This presentation examines a financial services trend: industry consolidation. Investigate several research studies to evaluating the impact of consolidation on the credit union system and potential approaches, including:

• A Roadmap for Credit Union Collaboration along with real-world experiences.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Impacts of Credit Union Mergers.
• Boards Role in Credit Union Mergers.
• Characteristics Of Credit Unions Participating In Mergers.
• What if I go it alone?  

big.bright.minds. – a Filene Research & Innovation Briefing

Experience the insights from dozens of fresh research and innovation projects in production at Filene. With access to bright academic minds, financial consulting experts, well-known economists, and industry thought-leaders, Filene has developed the world's largest research and innovation library to draw information that is necessary to make critical business decisions. This current briefing engages relevant key Filene findings and perspectives and applies them to today's environment. Gain exposure to:

• The minds of Filene's staff, Fellows, and researchers.
• Keen observations from consultants and economists on the forces impacting financial services.
• Innovation from Filene's i3 group.
• The latest ideas to engage Gen Y.

To schedule a presentation, please fill out a Presentation Request Form and a Filene staff member will contact you.