GMIT Hosts National Credit Union Conference

A national conference titled “Sustaining the Unique Identity of the Credit Union Movement: Challenges & Opportunities” will take place in Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), Galway, on Friday, 7 October, 2011, 9.30am – 1pm.
Hosted by GMIT in association with St Columba’s Credit Union, Galway, the conference will examine the challenges and opportunities facing Irish Credit Unions and how external forces are impacting on them.

Keynote speaker is Simon Carswell, Irish Times Finance correspondent and author of the recently published best-seller, Anglo Republic: Inside the bank that broke Ireland, and Something Rotten: Irish Banking Scandals, which was released in 2006. The Irish Times journalist will address the audience on the topic of the Credit Union identity in the media.

Dr Larry Elwood, Head of the School of Business, GMIT, says: “The credit union movement has become an integral part of modern Irish society and, not surprisingly, it too faces unprecedented challenges and opportunities. This conference is opportune, presenting a platform and forum for the credit union movement to be proactive about its future direction and image.”

Paddy O'Donnell, Chairperson of St Columba's Credit Union, joint-sponsor of the event, says “We look forward to discussing the current views and challenges facing the credit union movement and are delighted to be working closely with GMIT on this Credit Union Conference, and on other education initiatives. “

Other speakers at the conference include Dr Olive McCarthy of University College Cork who will focus on the challenges facing the Credit Union movement. Ms McCarthy has taught, researched and published widely in the field of credit unions, having completed both masters and doctoral theses on the subject.

Eileen Keleghan, postgraduate researcher, GMIT, will speak about the unique identity of the Credit Union Movement and the marketing challenges facing the movement.

Conference registration takes place from 9.30am in the New Foyer, IT Learning Resource Centre, GMIT (Dublin Road campus, Galway). For more information, or to register online, see: http://www.gmit.ie/serving-the-region/conferences/credit-union-conferenc...