Summer 2010 Summer 2010

Dear Members,

As it was with our THINK 2010 Conference in April, the spotlight is on innovation throughout our Summer 2010 issue of THINK magazine.

Denise Gabel, Chief Innovation Officer, Filene Research Institute, says on page 7, "You need to talk to people outside your industry. People who know nothing about what you do often ask the very best questions. Outside voices and outside stimulation are what make inspiration happen."

We could not ask for a more perfect summation of what the THINK Conference, now in its third year, is all about (see story on page 4). Yet, as the stories in this issue make clear, the credit union movement itself is a wellspring of creative energy. Colleagues from more than 10 credit unions are quoted, sharing their experiences with you, and offering innovative approaches to marketing, technology and member relations issues for you to consider.

Cooperation and sharing are hallmarks of the credit union movement. That is why we took the further step at THINK 10 to introduce the CO-OP THINK Prize, a $10,000 award for the most innovative and shareable idea that will have the greatest impact to credit unions. You can help us decide the winner at THINK 11, to be held May 14-18, 2011, at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim. However, we are also very interested in hearing "your one wish to change the movement." To enter, please visit www.co-opthink.org.

At CO-OP Financial Services, we are dedicated to helping you take your credit union aggressively into the future. That will also take ongoing innovation on our part. In less than a year, we have acquired the CO-OP Member Center, putting us on the front line of member interaction with lending and other member support services; brought CO-OP Shared Branching past the 4,000 mark in nationwide locations; and expanded our line of access and convenience products, including check imaging solutions such as CO-OP My Deposit Home and Branch, and we have expanded our CO-OP Mobile offering to support the growing list of financial capabilities the portable phone has.

We will also continue to invest in the movement, through our business partnerships with more than 40 credit union associations, legislative support and the CO-OP Miracle Match program, benefitting Children's Miracle Network. The many elements of education and business counsel, such as the THINK Conference and this magazine, will remain a key part of our service to you.

Most of all, we will continue to assure you experience unparalleled support from our organization. Thank you for the privilege of being your strategic partner.

Sincerely,

Stan Hollen