ICUL's 95th Annual Convention Unites Illinois Credit Union Leaders for Strategic Growth and Advocacy

(l to r) Robert Gose, Libby Calderone, Scott Simpson, Gordon Holzberg, and Becky Reed

The Illinois Credit Union League (ICUL) successfully concluded its 95th Annual Convention in Chicago. As the largest and most anticipated gathering for Illinois credit union professionals, the event brought together hundreds of credit union leaders and industry partners for three days of crucial economic forecasting, strategic advocacy discussions, and vibrant community celebration.

This year’s Convention, the first fully helmed by President and CEO Libby Calderone, focused on equipping Illinois credit unions to navigate evolving financial landscapes and maximize their impact.

“This Convention was an overwhelming success, confirming its role as the premier annual platform for Illinois credit union professionals,” said Libby Calderone. “The strong attendance, coupled with the commitment shown by our leaders, proves that the movement is unified, adaptable, and strongly positioned for future growth and positive change.”

The convention kicked off with advocacy as a central theme, featuring a dynamic fireside chat that brought together key industry leaders to tackle today’s biggest challenges and spotlight collective initiatives. The influential panel included Libby Calderone (President/CEO, ICUS), Scott Simpson (new CEO, America’s Credit Unions), Becky Reed (COO, BankSocial), Gordon Holzberg (Legislative Advocacy Director for America’s Credit Unions), and Richard Gose (Principal, Hunter Station Strategies, LLC). The discussion focused on critical topics such as the regulatory outlook, new challenges facing the movement, and the vision for national unity.

The panel was followed by the highly anticipated keynote by Steven Rick, Chief Economist at TruStage, who presented a deep dive into the “U.S. Economic Outlook & its Impact on CUs.” His analysis provided attendees with actionable intelligence on interest rate trends and market conditions. The first day ended with a lively Exhibit Hall Grand Opening, offering premier networking with industry partners.

The second day was dedicated to educational opportunities and peer recognition. Attendees benefited from various breakout sessions that focused on compliance, technology, and operational best practices, including a special focus on digital transformation.

The Celebration Lunch honored outstanding service by recognizing both the 2025 state-level America’s Credit Unions Awards winners and the esteemed ICUL Award winners for their exemplary work in the movement. The Illinois Credit Union Foundation proudly presented its 2025 Commemorative Awards, honoring individuals whose lives embodied the “people helping people” spirit of the credit union movement. This year included one returning award—1st MidAmerica Credit Union’s memorial to George G. Burnett—and several new recognitions. Two new Perpetual Memorial Awards were established in honor of industry leaders Billy Cerwin and Kellie Jurick, whose lifelong dedication, service, and community impact will now be remembered annually. The Foundation also introduced two new memorial awards recognizing longtime contributors Louis “Lou” McMurray and Cornielius “Con” O’Mahoney for their decades of leadership and service. Finally, a Tribute Award was created in honor of Keith Sias, following his receipt of the national Eugene H. Farley League Leadership Award for his outstanding advocacy on behalf of Illinois credit unions.

Attendees were also introduced to ICUL’s new storytelling initiative, Credit Unions in Action, that will measure and share the many ways Illinois credit unions give back. This project will help legislators, media, and the public see the full scope of what credit unions do for their communities, fuel awareness and advocacy, and shine a light on projects that make a difference. The day concluded with the prestigious Chairperson’s Reception, allowing leaders to connect and reflect on the day’s learning.

A major feature of the event was the future of the movement, which was highlighted by the success of the CU Reach CRASH program. This initiative brought dozens of young professionals to the convention for specialized networking and learning opportunities, fostering the next generation of credit union leadership.

The 95th Annual Convention reinforced the essential role credit unions play in the Illinois economy and community, ensuring the movement remains strong, adaptable, and focused on its "people helping people" mission.

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