ANNUAL MEETING

Every year credit union volunteers, officials, CEOs and guests from Rhode Island come together for the state’s largest credit union gathering.  The reasons that this Annual Meeting draws so many attendees are almost as varied as the people who attend.

Credit Union Association of Rhode Island 74th Annual Meeting

The Credit Union Association of Rhode Island held its 74th Annual Meeting on Monday, June 23, at Carmine’s at Twin River in Lincoln, RI. Following a brief reception, the delegates gathered to hear reports from numerous Association committees as well as Chairman Cidalia Rocha and President Daniel F. Egan, Jr. They also heard from special guest speakers including Dirck VanDeusen, senior VP, relationship management, Members United Corporate Federal Credit Union; and Jeff Davenport, sales manager, CUNA Mutual Group.

The attendees were moved by a special message given by Special Olympics Rhode Island Global Messenger Mary Irons who shared her story and accomplishments. She highlighted the special partnership that the credit unions of Rhode Island have with Special Olympics Rhode Island as well as thanked the credit unions for all they do to support Special Olympics.

At the annual meeting, five directors were re-elected to three year terms: William B. Brownell, president/CEO, Dexter Credit Union; Ellen N. Ford, president/CEO, People’s Credit Union; Eugene Leco, treasurer/manager, Kent County Memorial Hospital Employees Federal Credit Union; Joan Saunders, treasurer, Community and Teachers Federal Credit Union; and Stephen J. White, president/CEO, Westerly Community Credit Union.

Several credit unions celebrating anniversaries this year were recognized at the annual meeting: 80 years - Pawtucket Credit Union; 70 years – Wave Federal Credit Union; 60 years – Alliance Blackstone Valley Federal Credit Union; Dexter Credit Union; Greenwood Credit Union; and Westerly Community Credit Union; and 45 years – Kent County Memorial Hospital Employees Federal Credit Union.

Through the generous support of Members United Corporate Federal Credit Union, the Association presented award winning columnist and radio talk show host Howie Carr. Carr shared many anecdotes gleaned from his work as a crime reporter and columnist for the Boston Herald. Many of his stories are included in his book The Brothers Bulger.

After dinner, the attendees were entertained by the Ocean State Follies, the comedy cabaret that spoofs the local goings-on of Rhode Island through song parodies, improv, and skits. The cast led everyone through a hilarious journey into life in the Ocean State – its fun and foibles, its scandals and vandals, politics and peculiarities.