Corporate Connection E-Magazine

If you were unable to attend the live meeting, we invite you to view the recording, or visit the 2023 Annual Meeting page, which can be accessed from our website at www.vfccu.org.

The following board officers remained unchanged after the board reorganization meeting: chair, Scott Woods, president/CEO of South Carolina FCU, North Charleston, S.C.; vice chair, Jeff Chelius, CFO of Riverfront FCU, Wyomissing, Pa.; treasurer, Daniel Berry, CEO of Duke University FCU, Durham, N.C.; and secretary, Genice DeCorte, CEO of HealthShare Credit Union, Greensboro, N.C.

In addition, the board reappointed Sue DeStephano, president/CEO of First Capital FCU, York, Pa., and appointed one new associate director, Elba Arenas, president/chief experience officer of MC Federal Credit Union, Danville, Pa.

Other committee appointments included:

Supervisory Committee: Maria LaVelle, CEO of Pheple FCU, Greensburg, Pa.; Amy Lichwa, CEO of Norwin Teachers FCU, North Huntingdon, Pa.; and Michal Parker, CEO of Secured Advantage FCU, Simpsonville, S.C.

Now, without further ado, let’s meet your board of directors!

Luckily, it’s time again for our renowned Financial Conference where we will bring institutions like yours some of the finest financial education around…plus so much more. What does that mean, exactly?

Timely Sessions & Top-Notch Experts

What could be better than sessions geared toward your most pressing financial concerns and strategies? Not much, except maybe having them led by experts who know the topics best! Our Financial Conference content is set up to address your needs and curiosities. And we've got speakers from Raymond James, Doeren Mayhew, NAFCU and the Federal Reserve (just to name a few!) to present them to you. Oh, and don't forget about the CPE credits you can earn as you learn!

Amazing Activities

An afternoon at the spa or a round of golf? The choice is yours! Both of these activities are available as part of our Financial Conference activity packages. Because every event – even those educational in nature – should be full of fine and luxurious entertainment too!

Connections & Celebrations

What would any event be without opportunities to connect with your fellow credit union professionals, employees of your Corporate and those experts you’re so excited to hear from? We wouldn’t know because we’re providing all of those things at the Financial Conference! We’re looking forward to sharing meals together, cultivating new relationships and gathering for a special celebration dinner in honor of David Brehmer’s retirement!

A Majestic Mountain Setting

This year’s Financial Conference will take place at the beautiful Omni Grove Park Inn. This venue has an incredible view, delicious restaurants and lots to explore right in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you want to see the true meaning of fine education, adventure and connection all in one place, join us on September 13-15, 2023, at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. Get all the conference details – including the full agenda, speaker bios, grant opportunities, fees and more – on the 2023 Financial Conference event site!

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It’s coming quickly – this month, in fact – and we’ve got something just as exciting to share: Vizo Financial has successfully completed certification for the FedNow Service!

The Corporate, through our service provider, Aptys Solutions LLC, is among the first in the industry to complete testing and certification for the settlement side of the instant payment transactions and will be ready to serve credit unions on day one of the FedNow Service on a 24/7/365 basis.

“Vizo Financial is proud to be one of the first in our industry to become certified for the FedNow℠ Service settlement capability for send and receive capabilities,” said Jeff Stoner, SVP/chief technology and strategy officer. “The payments landscape is ever evolving, so we find it imperative to stay on the cutting-edge of payment services. We are excited to be able to help our member credit unions implement instant payments at their institutions. Vizo Financial and our payments CUSO, MY CU Services, are prepared and ready to help our member credit unions usher in this new instant payment service.”

We’ve got even more details on our certification with the FedNow Service in our full press release, “Vizo Financial Completes Certification for Federal Reserve’s New Instant Payment Service,” which is available on the Press Releases page of our website.

If you’re looking for additional resources to help you navigate the upcoming arrival of the FedNow Service, we also invite you to visit our Instant Payments: The FedNow Service page.

In addition, if you have any questions in preparation for or after the launch of the FedNow Service, please feel free to reach out to a corporate account manager at accountmanagers@vfccu.org.

Love the Hill’s Business Day Out

On May 5, a team of Vizo Financial volunteers worked for Love the Hill, an inner-city initiative of Wildheart Ministries for one of Harrisburg’s most needy neighborhoods, Allison Hill. They spent the morning pulling weeds, mowing, weed whacking, mulching and collecting garbage in a four block area within the Allison Hill neighborhood. This effort was part of Love the Hill’s “Business Day Out,” where volunteers from local business partners came together for a large clean-up event. There were over 100 volunteers working together in the community on May 5. The Vizo Financial team was paired with volunteers from Members 1st Federal Credit Union, so they got to work alongside one of our member credit unions while giving back to the community! Awesome job, everyone!

Ronald McDonald House Meal

On May 9, a team of Vizo Financial volunteers made a meal for the families at the Ronald McDonald House in Hershey, Pa. The crew spent their time cooking BBQ chicken, oven roasted potatoes and Rice Krispie treats for families to enjoy. The Ronald McDonald House in Hershey serves families of children who are patients at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and is built on the idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child. The Ronald McDonald House provides a place to stay and receive hot meals while being close to their children.

Sweet Cases for Foster Love

On May 23, staff from all campuses gathered to decorate Sweet Case panels and prepare Happy Birthday boxes for Foster Love to distribute to children in the foster care system. It was inspiring to see everyone gather to give their time to such a great cause. In case you didn’t know, here are some facts about children in the foster care system:

• There are over 391,000 children and youth in the foster care system.
• The foster care system is at a crisis level, as there are not enough foster care parents to care for these children.
• 1 in 5 foster kids will become homeless after the age of 18 when they age out of the system.
• Less than 3 percent will earn a college degree.

Walk for Children’s

Vizo Financial sponsored and had participants in this year’s Walk for Children’s event to benefit Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, which is a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospital. The event was held in person at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, as well as virtually, on Saturday, June 3. This event has been raising money and awareness for the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh since 2016 and has brought in over $5.5 million for medical education, Child Life resources, social work and music and art therapies, among other things.

The Vizo Financial team consisted of 50 walkers, including employees, family members and friends, from our various locations. We also contributed a total of $5,775 towards the event as a Patron Sponsor and with additional staff fundraising. Shout out to everyone who participated and donated to the 2023 Walk for Children’s event and helped to raise a record-breaking $1,020,362!

DE Day of Service

As part of the National DE Day of Service, credit union development educators from Vizo Financial and credit unions in the Central Pennsylvania area gathered for a day of community service on June 14, 2023. This annual day of DE recognition demonstrates credit unions’ dedication to community and the cooperative spirit by allowing fellow DEs to come together for a unique opportunity that strengthens bonds.

Here’s what’s coming up:

10th Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest

Can you believe it’s been a DECADE OF DOGS? That’s right! Vizo Financial will be hosting our 10th annual Hot Dog Eating Contest for CMN Hospitals at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey, Pa. The hospital is an organization dedicated to providing care and support to children and their families. Our donations and support help them continue serving children in need. The contest will once again be virtual, so we are welcoming credit unions across the country to join in the fun as contestants, sponsors and supporters of CMN Hospitals on July 19, 2023.

And since this is our milestone 10th anniversary, we’re taking the celebrations very seriously with more sponsorship opportunities, three grand prizes, and a whole promotional kit to help get your members and community involved too. So, save the date and make plans to join us for this fun-filled event to help raise money and awareness for CMN Hospitals at Penn State Health Children's Hospital! WE DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU TO MAKE THIS OUR BIGGEST YEAR YET!

Don’t forget to visit our event/donation page!

10th Anniversary Hot Dog Eating Contest

July 19, 2023 – Virtual

This year, we're celebrating 10 years of our Hot Dog Eating Contest, and we're inviting you to be part of this Decade of Dogs celebration!

No matter where you are, we are welcoming credit unions across the country to participate as contestants, sponsors and supporters of CMN Hospitals. Save your appetite and tune in to watch contestants battle it out in this fun-filled event to help raise money and awareness for CMN Hospitals at Penn State Health Children's Hospital!

Who will be crowned The Top Dog, the Hot Diggity Dog and the Rollin' In The Dough winners? Well, you'll just have to attend on July 19, 2023, to find out! We double dog dare you!

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Small Credit Union Workshop

August 9-10, 2023 - Virtual

Credit unions are the cornerstones of their local communities. Day-in and day-out they passionately serve their members and local organizations. And small credit unions are no exception, which is why we, at Vizo Financial, find it so important to offer small credit unions a workshop exclusively for them!

On August 9-10, 2023, we’re hosting our 2023 Small Credit Union Workshop designed for credit unions $25 million in assets and under. With this virtual two-day event, our goal is to ensure that we are providing top-notch education that your credit union needs to help you navigate any challenges you may be facing in the current financial landscape.

Plan to join us and your small credit union peers for this insightful educational opportunity, where we’ll discuss topics like liquidity, payment risks, BSA and more!

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Summer TechCon

August 23, 2023 - Virtual

Endless sunshine, warm nights and fun activities are all hallmarks of a great summer. But do you know what else is great about summer? Vizo Financial’s Summer TechCon, of course!

On August 23, 2023, Vizo Financial is hosting a one-day TechCon, where you’ll have the option to see product demos from a variety of different organizations! You’ll also be provided with the opportunity to ask questions to those organizations during a live Q&A. And just because we like to sweeten the deal, we’re also offering you the opportunity to earn one CPE credit for attending the opening educational session. Seems like a pretty great way to spend a summer day if you ask us!

Registration information coming soon!

Financial Conference

September 13-15, 2023 - The Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville, N.C.

Navigating the financial industry has been difficult for credit unions within the past few years between rising interest rates, tightening of liquidity and growing fears of a recession, but Vizo Financial is prepared to bring you some of the finest financial education around, presented by industry experts at our 2023 Financial Conference.

We would like to formally invite you to attend our biggest financial event of the year on September 13-15 at The Omni Grove Park Inn, an exquisite hotel nestled in the mountains of Asheville, N.C. During this event, we will host expert speakers — from Brean Capital, Raymond James, Doeren Mayhew, NAFCU and the Federal Reserve — who will present on topics like investment and interest rate strategies, as well as provide you with updates on the economy, CECL and NAFCU regulations.

We’ll also be gathering together for delicious meals, networking and time to catch up. Did we mention the luxurious spa and golf activities? Because, of course, we only want the finest for you, our guests! It will be our pleasure to welcome you to our 2023 Financial Conference!

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CUaxis Community Annual Forum

September 26, 2023 - Pittsburgh, Pa.

Collaboration, cooperation, community and core. Just like the hunt for the perfect diamond, our common core community here at CUaxis would be nothing without those four Cs. They are the qualities that make this exclusive group and all of the institutions that make it up shine so brightly.

This fall, we’re bringing all of our organizations together to learn and share ideas at our CUaxis Community Annual Forum! This event will highlight the four Cs of collaboration, cooperation, community and core in a celebration of common roots and collective success. As a member of the CUaxis community, you’re invited to join us in Pittsburgh, Pa., on September 26, 2023, for this exciting forum event featuring educational sessions, a delicious dinner and a chance to connect with your fellow CUaxis members!

Registration information coming soon!

Cindy Hagan, VP, compliance & payment risk, Vizo Financial
July 12 at 2:00 p.m. ET

The NCUA requires Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) training each year for credit union personnel. Fulfill this requirement by attending this webinar on the basics of BSA/AML.

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Joe Bertotto, chief culture officer, Vizo Financial
July 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET

One capability that separates leaders from others is vision – being able to set a clear direction and lead people there by keeping everyone focused on it. While some leaders are naturally more effective at this than others, creating a vision does not require mystical powers. It is within the grasp of all who lead.

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Jessica Lelii, AAP, APRP, director of education, Macha/PAR
July 18 at 2:00 p.m. ET

All financial institutions must conduct an annual ACH audit. During this educational session, we will cover the Nacha Operating Rules’ audit requirements that are specific to the receipt of ACH transactions that are needed for you to ace your RDFI ACH audit. We will emphasize areas of high risk to RDFIs including return timeframes, posting and exception processing.

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Erin Doan, diversity, equity and inclusion director, Vizo Financial
August 22 at 10:00 a.m. ET

The evolution of the American workplace has been extensive – with the move from in-office cubicles to home offices and the transition from hierarchical leadership to servant leadership. But, perhaps, the most significant change has been to the way we perceive and acknowledge the identities and beliefs of our colleagues through the idea of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Since embracing DEI as the eighth cooperative principle, credit unions have strived to create workplaces that are equitable and welcoming to all, no matter their gender, religion, sexual preferences, race and so on…and it’s a movement that is only growing stronger. In this session, Vizo Financial’s resident DEI expert, Erin Doan, will take a look at the many ways credit unions can continue to incorporate and emphasize DEI in the workplace now and for years to come.

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Kari Kronberg, director of education, Macha/PAR
August 31 at 10:00 a.m. ET

Do you wish you were more exceptional at handling exceptions? During this session, we’ll discuss the most frequently asked questions regarding share draft, card and ACH exceptions.

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James Dellarosa, product strategy manager, Vizo Financial
September 19 at 1:00 p.m. ET
*Additional date available

Each Tech-Talk will feature mini demos and showcase the FinTechs we think can bring big benefits to credit unions. In these quick 30-minute discussions, you’ll gain some understanding of the newest tools available to you, as well as what they could mean for the future of your institution, and get answers to your questions. This is your time to seek out the technology and innovation to help revolutionize your credit union. Let our Tech-Talk events be the start of your transformation journey!

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John Cuneo, VP, Information Security, Vizo Financial
September 21 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Would you be surprised to know that a staggering 85 percent of all breaches can be traced back to human error? What’s more, did you realize that these breaches can linger and infect your network for days/weeks/months before they’re identified? Those are the startling, but true facts. So, how can you protect your credit union and make sure that you’re prepared for the cost of human errors? Join John Cuneo for this webinar as he provides insights on how to prepare for the unaccounted-for cost in data breaches.

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Scott Wood, SVP/chief investment officer, Vizo Financial
September 27 at 2:00 p.m. ET

The last few years have held a lot of changes in the economy, including multiple rate hikes from the Fed. June 2023 marked the first time since January 2022 that the Fed didn’t raise rates, but instead put a pause on them. From this recent pause on rates to the debt ceiling legislation and a looming recession, it’s understandable why the question on most people’s minds might be: what is in store for the rest of 2023? In an effort to help you find your financial footing, Scott Wood is providing an update on the current economy and what to expect for the rest of 2023 with regard to rates, the Fed and the overall economy.

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Jessica Lelii, AAP, APRP, director of education, Macha/PAR
Septemeber 28 at 2:00 p.m. ET

Is it better to ask permission or forgiveness? In the ACH Network, always ask permission. Join this educational session to learn more about the differences between properly initiated reversals and return request situations.

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