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Berger: Despite chaos, ‘credit unions are built for this’
NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger welcomed hundreds of credit union leaders to Engage 2023: NAFCU’s Annual Conference with opening remarks Wednesday morning that emphasized credit unions’ resilience and strength.
Although the pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, “this was a time when your members needed you and your support the most. And you stepped up and delivered,” Berger said to attendees.
“Fast forward to today, and the word that I believe best describes the period we're operating in now is chaos,” Berger said, outlining economic uncertainty, regulatory burdens, bank failures, changing consumer trends, and more.
“But, in the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.”
“NAFCU exists to guide credit unions through the chaos, with our incredibly responsive compliance team answering hundreds of questions each month, to our year-round educational opportunities to keep you and your employees well-informed. Our relentless advocacy team fights daily to calm the waters on Capitol Hill and among regulators in Washington to ensure you are not operating in an overly-complicated, burdensome environment.
“We do this because we are passionate about the credit union industry. You inspire us with your mission,” Berger stressed.
Berger shared how credit unions are supporting their members and communities, NAFCU’s “why” – to help credit unions grow – and the association’s efforts to strengthen the industry.
“I am confident the industry's best days are ahead of us. There are headwinds, and opportunities facing your institutions. But credit unions are built for this. This is your moment. This is what you do. Because you stay focused on what really matters: your members.
“So keep up the fight. Continue to find opportunities amid the chaos, thrive in the uncertainty, and don't let fear of the unknown hold you back,” Berger stressed.
View the full agenda for Engage 2023: NAFCU’s Annual Conference – sponsored by Mastercard – here. Stay tuned to NAFCU Today for daily recaps and follow the conversation on social media using #NAFCUNation.