Bank Club Directors Mix Business with Pleasure at 2012 Heritage Peer Group Conference
Delegates enjoy a reception and dinner at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
A
ttendees at the annual Peer Group conference for
Rapid City, S.D., and a night at the ballpark sponsored by
Heritage Clubs International, the nation’s original
Globus family of brands. Sightseeing tours showcased Eu-
bank loyalty program, were treated to top-notch edu-
reka Springs, Bentonville and Rogers with a pre-fam taking in
cational sessions and spectacular culture and entertainment.
additional sites throughout Arkansas.
The late March conference, hosted by the A-team from
But Heritage Clubs isn’t just fun and games. Education is a
Arkansas Parks and Tourism, took place in Northwest
priority, as articulated by the conference’s top-notch speakers
Arkansas, specifically Rogers and Bentonville. At the kick-off
and presenters. Keynote speaker and workshop facilitator
event attendees were treated to a private reception and dinner
Stacy Sporrer of Mills Financial Marketing explained how to
at Bentonville’s magnificent new Crystal Bridges Museum of
better market services to Boomers. Additional sessions cov-
American Art, the most significant art museum that’s opened in
ered topics ranging from creating reporting tools and metrics
a generation. The museum’s permanent collection spans five
for management to best practices for creating regional peer
centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial
networks, succession planning and closing the sale.
era to the current day. And because of generous support of
The event also featured a lively trade show – one of the few
hometown resident Walmart, admission to the architecturally
industry events that maintains an open trade show format.
stunning museum is free.
Over 50 CVBs, attractions, hotels and cruise lines shared prod-
Other entertainment and themed events included a ’60s dance, Western hoedown sponsored by next year’s host city, 16 June 2012
uct information with bankers during the half-day trade show. Reviews of the conference were excellent. “Peer Group LeisureGroupTravel.com
was the best yet,” said Patty Paul, First Citizens National Bank of Mason City, Iowa. “One of the best,” echoed Don Ruhde of Iowa Falls State Bank. The 2012 Peer Group conference also marked the end of an era with George Aker as HCI president. It was June 2007 when George announced his five-year leadership
“We are proud to be able to finally recognize our members for their learning achievements and industry expertise as members of our organization.” —Ted Nelson, President of HCI
succession/retirement plan and the completion of this milestone was recognized in Rogers. George and his wife Mary were honored with a special ceremony on the final evening of the conference including a commemorative video shown on the scoreboard at Arvest Ballpark. The 2013 Heritage Clubs Peer Group Conference is scheduled for Feb. 27 in Rapid City. For more information about the events, contact 877-881-0229 or visit heritageclubs.com. LGT
Heritage Clubs Creates Certified Bank Club Director Program
H
eritage Clubs International (HCI) has introduced the first professional certification program for bank club directors in North America. In partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College, HCI directors will now earn recognition for the unique education received throughout the year. The Certified Bank Club Director (CBCD) program demonstrates the continued standard of excellence in programming and innovation that HCI has become known for. Bank club directors receive credits for coursework, essays and continuing educational sessions at live HCI events throughout the year. Along with a certificate of completion, they receive a letter explaining accomplishments, peer recognition, press release and the use of “CBCD” initials.
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June 2012 17