A Note from Chris
Spring is here, which means we are preparing for our annual meeting. Once again, we are partnering with The Wisconsin Credit Union League to co-host our annual meetings concurrent with The League’s annual convention. This approach enables broader member participation due to the convention's significant attendance. Additionally, we continue this collaborative model because of the exceptional synergy we share with The League. Both of our organizations are united by a common goal: serving our members. We firmly believe that in the cooperative movement, entities dedicated to supporting credit unions should consistently seek partnerships, foster collaboration, and drive innovation together to better serve a larger membership base. After all, there's strength in unity.
The 43rd Annual Membership Meeting of Corporate Central will be held at 9:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the La Crosse Center, located at 300 Harborview Plaza in La Crosse, WI. All members of Corporate Central are welcome to attend. If you are unable to be there in person, we invite you to watch the meeting via live stream. Instructions for accessing the live stream will be emailed to all members prior to May 9. Please be sure to register your delegate by completing the official delegate registration form that was emailed to each President/CEO on Monday, March 25. If you need a copy of the form, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Chris Felton
President/CEO
The End of an Era: Karen Christie Set to Retire from Corporate Central
It’s bittersweet for us to bid a fond farewell to Karen Christie, Vice President Member Services, who is retiring after over 36 years of dedicated service. Karen has been an invaluable asset to Corporate Central, and her commitment and passion for serving members has left a deep-rooted mark on the credit union community. Her last day will be Friday, April 5. Karen has always exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and member-centric service. Her unwavering dedication to ensuring the financial well-being of members has been truly commendable, and her contributions have played a pivotal role in the success and growth of Corporate Central. We will miss you, Karen! Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!
Read the Press Release
Buzz About Beastro
ACH is moving to Beastro!
We are excited to share some important news regarding Corporate Central’s commitment to improving our services and member experience. Over the coming months, we will be migrating our ACH processes from COACH III over to Beastro; your one-stop shop for seamless money movement, credit union interactions, engagements, and transactions in a secure digital environment. Accessing ACH through Beastro > Money Movement will offer several benefits, including improved functionality, increased security, and a more user-friendly interface, all of which will enable us to better meet the needs of our members.
Learn More About Beastro
What’s Trending?
Learn why credit unions are primed to revolutionize financial services in the United States.
The competitive advantages that credit unions have long enjoyed – such as personalization and accessibility – are exactly what a younger generation of banking consumers are looking for. Forward-thinking credit unions will enhance those capabilities with the smart use of digital technology.
Read the Article
Where to Find Us: Upcoming Conventions and Events
It’s a great time of year to show our support for credit unions across the country by attending, sponsoring, and presenting at various league and association events. Please stop by the Corporate Central and our CUSO booths and say hello!
April 12 to April 14 UP Chapter Annual Meeting Expo in Harris, MI
April 18 to April 19 Accelerate24 in Prior Lake, MN
April 21 to April 24 HR & Organizational Development Council Conference in St. Pete Beach, FL
April 22 to April 24 inVest48 in Columbus, OH
May 14 to May 16 DakCU Annual Summit in Larchwood, IA
June 5 to June 7 Michigan Credit Union League Annual Convention & Exposition in Traverse City, MI
June 11 to June 12 Nebraska Credit Union League Annual Meeting & Convention in Kearney, NE
June 14 to June 16 League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates Conference & Expo in Orlando, FL
Credit Union Day at the Ballpark
Corporate Central and The Wisconsin Credit Union League will be hosting Credit Union Day at the Ballpark, a fundraising event to benefit The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation and The National Credit Union Foundation. The Milwaukee Brewers take on the Cincinnati Reds at 1:10 p.m. CT on Sunday, August 11 at American Family Field. This event is open to all credit union employees, members, families, and friends. Come celebrate the credit union movement, network with your peers, and help us raise funds for some outstanding organizations!
Register Today
Economic Outlook Conference
Save the date, Thursday, September 12, for Corporate Central's 2024 Economic Outlook Conference. Attendees will learn valuable information about the current and upcoming economic environment from a diverse speaker lineup that will assist with your 2025 planning efforts. QuantyPhi is a proud sponsor of the Economic Outlook Conference. More information will be added to our website as it becomes available.
View Event
Our Community
Spreading hope in our community.
In February, Corporate Central had the privilege of sorting donated clothing at the Hope Center in Waukesha, WI. The clothing is used for the Free Store. The Free Store helps those in need shop with dignity. Their volunteers also help people find clothing to wear for an interview or a new job. The Hope Center provides many services to the homeless and low-income in addition to the Free Store. These services include daily lunches, breakfasts, and a place to stay warm during the day. In addition to volunteering, Corporate Central proudly donated $1,000 to help the Hope Center continue their amazing journey.
From Intern to inspiration.
Michael Baumann, Investment Analyst, was thrilled to be asked to speak with Park City Credit Union’s Young Professionals group in March. He spoke to them about his journey from interning at Park City to his current role with Corporate Central. He gave insights on professional growth, networking, and educational opportunities. Park City’s YP staff left with key takeaways they will apply to their own professional growth journeys.
Corporate Central joins thousands of credit union advocates in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 GAC.
We are excited to share the memorable experience we had at the America's Credit Unions GAC in Washington, D.C. in March. At Corporate Central, we are dedicated to supporting our members and fellow credit unions across the United States. We are honored to advocate for the credit union movement and reinforce the core values of people helping people. Several of our dedicated employees and board members represented us with pride, showcasing our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Hope Center clothing donation drive.
After volunteering at the Hope Center in February and seeing the need for donations, Corporate Central held a clothing donation drive for the Hope Center’s Free Store. The Free Store helps struggling individuals with basic needs, essential for them to have dignity and respect in their lives. Amy Nowak, Human Resources Generalist, commented, “This morning, I had the honor of dropping off the donations from the Corporate Cares Clothing Collection. We don’t always realize how the small things that we do can positively impact other people’s lives. When I arrived this morning, I was told how thankful the Hope Center is for our donations. We are people helping people!”
If you are interested in volunteering with Corporate Central at future events, please send us an email at volunteer@corpcu.com.
Technology Tidbit
It’s hard to go phishing with no phish in the pond.
Corporate Central has a strong focus on technology. Some of our technological initiatives are very visible and outward facing. However, there’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that no one outside the organization ever hears about. Brian Nowak, Information Technology Director, discusses one of these changes in a recent CU-Minute blog article.
Read the Article
Credit Unions Connect
Stories that exemplify the movement
Creating a brighter future for students.
Lone Star Credit Union proudly presented $1,000 donations to Terrel Independent School District and Kaufman Independent School District Education Foundation. These donations will go towards supporting students in the community and helping to improve their education.
Feeding the community.
Through a partnership with local credit unions, Public Service Credit Union successfully packed and sorted a remarkable total 11,576 lbs. of food at their local Forgotten Harvest Food Distribution Center. Additionally, their branches hosted a fundraiser, supporting a total contribution of $4,550 from the Metro West Chapter of Credit Unions.
Read More Credit Union Stories
What’s New and Who’s Who
Corporate Central appointed Val Mindak as board Chair.
We are pleased to announce that Val Mindak was appointed as board Chair effective January 17. Val has been President/CEO of Park City Credit Union based in Merrill, WI for over 14 years. Val brings a wealth of experience having served on the board for more than six years and contributing significantly to the growth and success of Corporate Central. Now, with over $5 billion in assets under management, Corporate Central serves credit unions and their members nationwide. Val will play a crucial role as board Chair in leading the board and guiding the strategic direction of Corporate Central. Congrats, Val!
Read the Press Release
Corporate Central welcomed Charlie Zanayed as a new board member.
We are also excited to announce the appointment of Charlie Zanayed to our board. The board unanimously selected Charlie, CEO of CoVantage Credit Union based in Antigo, WI, to fill the vacant position.
Charlie has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. He joined CoVantage Credit Union in 2013 as the Senior VP Chief Retail Officer where he provided supervision and leadership to the entire credit union. In 2016, he was promoted to President, and upon the retirement of the CEO in 2017, he was elevated to the CEO position. Prior to joining CoVantage Credit Union, he was a Regional Manager for Advia Credit Union, based in Michigan, where he was responsible for over 100 employees across 11 branches. In addition, he assisted the credit union with multiple mergers during his tenure. Congratulations, Charlie!
Read the Press Release
The Member Services team is growing!
We are excited to introduce two new faces on the Member Services team. Courtney Baumann and Alexis Dohm have joined Corporate Central as Member Services Representatives (MSRs). Our MSRs serve as expert resources that operate with the highest levels of sincere empathy and compassion. They are primary contacts that establish, maintain, and develop member relationships, while identifying member needs and facilitating relevant information to respective departments.
Courtney brings three years of prior credit union experience in various capacities to Corporate Central. Her background includes roles as a Member Services Representative, New Accounts Specialist, Accounting Assistant, and Accounts Payable Specialist. This diverse experience equips her with a well-rounded skill set to better serve members and contribute to the overall success of the credit union. She graduated from Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Welcome, Courtney!
Read Courtney’s Press Release
Alexis brings valuable experience to Corporate Central with a strong foundation in customer service that began at the age of 14. Her most recent position as a Client Services Representative at an emergency veterinary hospital has equipped her with the skills and dedication needed to excel in a member-focused role. She graduated from New Berlin West High School in New Berlin and has taken some classes at UW Milwaukee in Waukesha. Welcome, Alexis!
Read Alexis’s Press Release
Malisha Yang attained the BSACS designation from CUNA.
We are proud to share that Malisha Yang, BSACS, CCUFC, Compliance Analyst, has achieved a significant professional milestone by earning the prestigious Bank Secrecy Act Compliance Specialist (BSACS) designation through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). The BSACS designation is a testament to Malisha’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of expertise in the field of Bank Secrecy Act compliance. This achievement not only highlights her commitment to professional development but also underscores Corporate Central’s commitment to having a team of experts who can navigate and excel in the complex regulatory landscape. Way to go, Malisha!
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Kevin Chiappetta has stepped into a new role as SVP/Chief Education & Research Officer.
We are proud to announce Kevin P. Chiappetta, CFA, has accepted a position as SVP/Chief Education & Research Officer. This strategic move allows us to dedicate an expert executive to educate, train, and give back to the credit union movement by teaching and instructing on everything related to balance sheet management and risk mitigation. Are you ready to learn from Kevin? Check out our Speakers Guide. Congratulations, Kevin!
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Adam Stone joins executive leadership team as SVP Investment Services.
Following Kevin’s announcement to take on a new role, we are excited to share that Adam Stone accepted the position as the new President of QuantyPhi. Adam also joined the executive leadership team at Corporate Central as Senior Vice President Investment Services. Adam has demonstrated exceptional leadership within QuantyPhi and Corporate Central and has consistently showcased an innovative approach and forward-thinking vision. This dual promotion is a testament to his unwavering dedication, expertise, and proven track record. Congrats, Adam!
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Stephanie Schmidt has been promoted to Vice President Member Services.
We are excited to share that Stephanie Schmidt, AAP, CCUE, CUDE, CWCUL, CCCM, CCUFC, has been promoted to Vice President Member Services. In this role, Steph is responsible for orchestrating strategies to optimize member satisfaction, overseeing the implementation of personalized services, and fostering innovative solutions to meet evolving member needs and preferences. Way to go, Stephanie!
Read the Press Release
Read more about Corporate Central’s team.