Directors' Forum Conferences
Due to the number of credit union conferences being held in Ontario in the last half of 2011, THERE WILL BE NO TRADITIONAL DIRECTORS’ FORUM CONFERENCE HELD THIS YEAR. A DF business meeting will be held on October 31, 2011 as part of the Ontario CUDA Camp at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. The DF will be sponsoring the luncheon on October 31 - be sure to attend! The CUDA camp is held immediately prior to the Central 1 Fall Conference in Toronto.
Directors' Forum training and professional development will occur through DF Online and partnership events.
The Directors’ Forum conference will return in 2012, and will be supported by a new series of DF Online webinars.
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Recruiting new board members?
By allowing committee members or others interested in running for election to your credit union’s board of directors to attend the Directors’ Forum or participate in DF activities, you’ll be building their knowledge and understanding of the credit union system—and providing your credit union with a larger pool of potential board candidates.
DF 2010 SUMMARY
The 26th annual Directors’ Forum (DF) was held Friday November 5 and Saturday November 6, 2010 at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Toronto. The theme for 2010, as suggested by the directors in attendance at last year’s event, was “Let’s Co-operate.” Charles Gould, director general of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) presented the Friday evening keynote address, and Peter De Jager presented the Saturday morning plenary. See link at right to view or download DF 2010 presentations, where provided.
Many directors took part in nine Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) courses presented by CUSOURCE on November 4 and 5.
NEW IN 2010: Small Group Examinations
During the 2009 Open Forum, attendees asked for more sessions where they could share and discuss issues with other directors. Based on this input, four concurrent breakout sessions were designed for 2010, to explore Youth, Governance, Social Responsibility and Knowledge Exchange. Each session had an expert facilitator to lead the group through the topic, and to challenge attendees to present their own perspectives, issues and innovations.
Through discussion, consensus building and co-operation, each group arrived at their list of best practices and areas to explore within their own credit unions. Then all groups came together as one to discuss and debate outcomes, actions and issues to manage.
SAVE A TREE OR TWO
The Directors’ Forum is organized as an environmentally-friendly event and printed copies of speakers’ presentations are not distributed. However, participants and others interested in the subject matter may view or print the speakers’ notes from the Workshops and Presentations page.
Information CDs were also provided in DF 2010 registration kits. Electronic copies of speakers’ notes, bios and supplementary material are available on the CD for future reference.
INVOLVING YOUTH
During the conference, the Directors' Forum makes a practice of showcasing young people—generally CYL participants, graduates or facilitators. By involving youth in meaningful tasks during the DF, we are exposing them to credit union philosophy and practices, and showing that we practice co-operative principles. In 2010, young people staffed the registration and information desk, supported workshops and sessions, and acted as runners. Thanks to Windsor Family Credit Union for sponsoring the DF's Youth and Volunteer Participation program.
GET YOUR ENTIRE BOARD INVOLVED!
Refer to the Directors’ Forum brochure and then place the DF session descriptions on your board’s agenda. Take a few minutes and get everyone’s input. Then, come to the DF prepared to take part in interactive discussions with session leaders and your fellow directors.
HOTEL INFORMATION
All 2010 Directors’ Forum events took place at the Hilton Hotel, located at 145 Richmond Street West in downtown Toronto and accessible by car, train, plane or public transit.
DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT THROUGH CUDA TRAINING
The national Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA®) Program provides new directors with the fundamental background they need to be active board participants more quickly, and experienced directors with the information they need to stay current.
In 2010, CUSOURCE Credit Union Knowledge Network brought directors a choice of nine sessions on Thursday and Friday, November 4 and 5.
THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS DF 2010 SPONSORS
Platinum: CUSOURCE Credit Union Knowledge Network
Gold: Central 1, The CUMIS Group, Level Five Strategic Partners
Silver: DICO, CGI, Windsor Family Credit Union
Bronze: Andres Consulting, APRIO, Concentra Financial, Diebold, The EXCHANGE ATM Network, Infonancial Software, Open Solutions Canada
Partner: Eastern Ontario Alliance of Credit Unions
RECOGNIZE YOUR CREDIT UNION’S LONG-SERVING DIRECTORS
Credit Union Directors who have achieved 25+ years of service may be eligible to receive a long-service award, which is presented during the annual business meeting. In 2011, the business meeting will be held in conjunction with an Ontario credit union event taking place in the Autumn of 2011.
- If your credit union has any directors who will have reached this milestone in 2011 (and who have not been recognized by the Directors’ Forum before) please send their contact information and brief bio to Mark Ventry at the address below, by October 7. Note: Directors may count service at all Ontario credit unions they have been committee or board members of towards their 25 years. Those who attend the Directors’ Forum in person will receive a long-service award.
The Directors’ Forum Electronic Newsletter
The new DF eNewsletter—issued a few times a year—provides a quick and easy way to keep up to date on issues and information you need to know about. Be sure to check subscribe by sending your contact information to directors@ontario.coop.
ORGANIZED BY DIRECTORS, FOR DIRECTORS
The Directors’ Forum is planned and organized by a volunteer Executive Committee made up of credit union board members and system volunteers.
