"The Open Solutions Member Business Services Forum exceeded my expectations," said Mathy Hogan, senior vice president, Business Services at FAIRWINDS Credit Union, Orlando, Fla. "Having the opportunity to meet and network with other credit union executives, specifically in the small business/commercial arena, was very informative. In particular, I found the roundtable discussions to be the most beneficial. Listening to multiple credit union perspectives on both small business/commercial lending and deposit strategies as well as how they leverage the Open Solutions system in delivering successful business solutions was highly beneficial. I walked away with not only future business contacts but with contact information from a group of individuals who were willing to share their experiences, something I might not have learned through traditional methods."
"It was a great opportunity to meet other Open Solutions business services users," said Larry Accola, senior vice president, Business Loans and Services, Royal Credit Union, Eau Claire, Wis. "I am looking forward to many more of these mutually beneficial networking opportunities in the future."
Presentations included:
* An Insider's Perspective of the Credit Union Movement at a Crossroads by Dennis Dollar, principle partner, Dollar Associates and former NCUA chairman
* Due Diligence in Business Services Planning by Scott Hodgins, senior director, Cornerstone Advisors
* How to Tiptoe Not Stumble into Business Services by Jeff Stone, EVP, Business Services, Loan Participations, North Island Credit Union
* An Introduction to Commercial Loan Participations by Paul Valdez, SVP and CFO, Texans Credit Union
* One Vendor's Approach by Esther D'Albero, director, Financial Product Management, Open Solutions
* Paths to Business Lending Success by Jay Johnson, EVP, Callahan & Associates
* Roundtable discussion featuring representatives from Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Three Rivers Federal Credit Union, Royal Credit Union and Evangelical Christian Credit Union
"More and more credit unions are interested in offering business services to their member business owners," said Gary Daniel, SVP and general manager, Open Solutions Credit Union Group. "Small businesses represent a significant growth opportunity for credit unions, and as their business partner, Open Solutions is working to offer knowledge and technology tools to best support these efforts. Open Solutions organized this two-day business meeting for credit union executives to interact with each other, industry experts and our staff to share experiences and best practices. The informative sessions, roundtables and networking opportunities provided an excellent environment in which to exchange ideas and solve problems."
Due the success of the first Member Business Services Forum, Open Solutions plans to offer additional forums throughout the remainder of 2006.
About Open Solutions Inc.
Open Solutions Inc. offers a fully featured strategic product platform that integrates core data processing applications built on a single centralized Oracle relational database, with Internet banking, cash management, CRM/business intelligence, financial accounting tools, imaging, Check 21, interactive voice response, network services, Web hosting and design, and payment and loan origination solutions. Open Solutions' full suite of products and services allows banks, thrifts, credit unions and financial services providers in the United States and Canada to better compete in today's aggressive financial services marketplace, and expand and tap their trusted financial relationships, client affinity, community presence and personalized service.
For more information about Open Solutions or its financial product line, contact Mickey Goldwasser by email at mgoldwasser@opensolutions.com by phone at 860.652.3153 or via fax at 860.652.3156. Visit Open Solutions' Internet site at www.opensolutions.com.