AVCU Hosts Soggy Station at Burlington “March for Babies”

On a soggy and cold morning last Saturday, nearly 300 marchers braved less than hospitable conditions to walk a route that began at the Burlington Boat House and stretched for 7.5 miles along the Lake Champlain waterfront.  Greeting these hardy souls at the North Beach station were three dedicated AVCU employees (pictured, left to right) – Jennifer Malroux, Jen Pearson and Bryan Kent – who distributed bottled water, bananas, goldfish crackers, and candy to keep the often drenched walkers refreshed and energized.

Dozens of families participate in the walk every year, so the AVCU station also distributed pink and blue bracelets to kids, who waved them proudly while they tried to keep their spirits up for a very worthwhile cause.  Although there was also a shorter 4.5 mile route that walkers could choose, the inclement weather didn’t scare everyone away from their commitment to the longer course.  One walker told the AVCU staff, “I told people I was walking 7.5 miles today and that’s what I’m going to do.  They’re getting their money’s worth!”

The Burlington site was one of 15 marches around Vermont over a two week period and we invite credit unions to share their own March for Babies pictures and stories with Newslines Express.  Many of the Burlington walkers expressed their gratitude to the AVCU staffers for sponsoring and participating in the event, as standing in the rain to encourage the tired and wet walkers wasn’t easy.  One little girl stopped long enough to share that this was the second year in a row that she was celebrating her birthday by walking.  Several of her friends celebrated and walked with her, collecting funds in lieu of buying her a birthday present.  Together this small group of remarkable and selfless youngsters raised more than $500.

Teach Staff How to Handle Robbery Situation w/ On-Demand Training from CUNA

CUNA’s first release in a series of on-demand trainings for credit union staff and managers will help train staff how to best handle themselves in one of the most dangerous situations they’re ever likely to face.  The Robbery: Actions, Reactions, and Coping Skills Training on Demand advises staff on the steps to take before, during, and after a robbery to calmly cope with this frightening and dangerous experience and to avoid any action that might endanger staff or members.

CUNA's Training on Demand offerings were first introduced in November 2007 with a six-title series to educate volunteers about some of the most critical issues for board and committee members. Each downloadable package consists of a 30-45 minute video-like training presentation, printable workbooks, and five online exams for optional testing. The portable presentations can be saved to a computer, DVD, or USB drive and used an unlimited amount of times.

CUNA plans to expand both the staff and the volunteer offerings with more than a dozen titles throughout the year. Some of the other topics for staff and managers scheduled to debut in 2008 include:

Each topic sells to credit unions for $199; however, members of CPDOnline receive access to all Training on Demand courses and exams included in their membership.

L9.com to Again Exhibit at Annual Meeting; VCUGC Registration Deadline is Today

Our friends at L9.com are returning for a second consecutive year as an exhibitor at our Annual Meeting & Convention and we’re excited that both CEO Dave Mayette and President Spencer Pryce will be on hand to help us celebrate our 61^st anniversary.  Both will also be playing golf in the Vermont Credit Union Golf Challenge (VCUGC), our charity fundraising tournament benefiting the March of Dimes.  The deadline to register for the tournament is today at 5:00 pm.  As Newslines Express goes to publication, we have more than 50 golfers registered.  Directions, tournament details, and additional information for all golfers will be distributed late next week.

Last Chance to register for convention meals and events is next Thursday, May 15

With nearly 70 registrants so far, the Executive Summit Dinner that follows the VCUGC is approaching capacity.  We are also at or near our limits for convention meals and events.  Limited Thursday night guest rooms are still available, but Friday and Saturday room blocks are closed.  We cannot accept registrations after the deadline, so we request that all those who are planning to attend some portion of the weekend’s festivities complete their registration by next Thursday.