Consulting
Strategic Planning – Rory has conducted scores of strategic planning sessions all over the United States. His experience and knowledge of credit unions will allow you to focus on the big picture while he guides you through the process with his easy and fun manner. References are available upon request, or visit www.top100cu.com for a complete list.
View Rory's article for CUNA's Director's newsletter on Picking Your Strategic Focus
Rory has facilitated hundreds of strategic planning sessions over the past 10 years. He has a new and interesting angle to his planning sessions. He asks credit unions what is their shark fin? What is that one thing that you are good at, that makes you different from other credit unions. That makes your credit union stand out or perform differently, then he has the credit union work on a tag line such as "We help families in our home town achieve the American Dream." or "300 seconds to savings." So that they become in their members minds the mortgage credit union of choice or the refinance credit unions of choice.
Then he will take you through the 4 quadrant exercise to determine your most important area of focus, and then help the credit union work on that area of focus.
NEPA Community Federal Credit Union Strategic Planning Session |
||
 |
 |
 |
| Click On the Thumbnail to view the full size counterpart. | ||
CEO and Executive Compensation Review – If your board has struggled with the amount of CEO compensation, you are not alone. Rory helps guide the board through the process. When you get done you will have a way to analyze the CEO's performance and have reviewed the wages and benefits to ensure a good decision. The challenge for boards is the “salary” discussion with the CEO and the process to determine what is fair. Rory takes the anxiety out of the situation and makes the process easy to follow, When the process is complete you will have reviewed the CEO's salary and benefits package, compared yourself to your peers, and if you wish, installed a plan where you can establish a long term relationship with your CEO. One tool he can help you implement is a 457 (f) plan, and he can help you get competitive quotes from a variety of vendors.
Loan Review Process – Rory has worked with credit unions all over the United States who have high loan to share ratios. He can look at your entire process and determine where you can streamline to increase your loan speed and increase your loan to share ratio. He can give you practical, proven methods to improve your credit unions lending operation.
Data Processor Consultation – Rory can help you select your next core data processor. He can write the request for proposal (RFP), and assist you with the vendor demonstrations. He can help you ask the best questions and give you a comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of each system. He will help you select your next DP system.
Visionary Board Process – Would you like to have your board of directors see the big picture, rather than getting caught up in micro-management? By using the visionary board process, the CEO and board work on defining exactly their roles and responsibilities. Rory will guide you through the process, and help you with the policies so that when you are finished you will have a clear understanding of the role of the board and CEO.
Bay Wind Credit Union Annual Strategic Planning Session |
||
 |
||
| Click On the Thumbnail to view the full size counterpart. | ||
Happy Birthday Row Your Boat Linn Area Credit Union
Rory Rowland
Phone 816-478-3249
e-mail rory@top100cu.com
References of Credit Unions for Rory Rowland
TruStar Credit Union, Dale L. Johnson, President, 218-283-2000, 65 million in assets. www.trustarfcu.Com
Deere Community Credit Union, Denny Skelton, President, P.O. Box 319 Ankeny, IA 50021, phone 1-515-289-1822, $65 million in assets
Michigan Credit Union League Directors and one also for staff. David Adams, President of the League, 1-800-262-6285.
Laclede Credit Union, Alton, IL, 30 million dollars in assets, Paul Smith, Vice-President 1-618-465-2504.
U. S. Employees O.C. F.C.U. in Oklahoma City, Debbie Morman, Vice-President, 1-405-685-2524. Approximately $67 million in assets.
USE FCU, St. Paul, MN, Theresa Malone, President, 1-800-782-5767 Approximately $20 million in assets.
USA FCU, P O BOX 7092, TROY, MI 48007-7092, assets $482 million 248-322-9800, Mary McDonald, President
Partial Client List
Microsoft
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Environmental Protection Agency
Timberline Software Corporation
Bank Holding Company Association
Charles Schwab and Co Inc.
Nebraska Bankers Association
Kansas Bankers Association
CUNA
“The response to your presentation was amazing. You have become a part of Idaho Credit Union League history. You're our first presenter to achieve a perfect 5! The participants adored you, Rory! That is simply outstanding!”
Deborah Zastrow
Education Specialist
Idaho CUL
“The humor you injected kept everyone listening, learning and laughing! You made our meeting an outstanding one and I would enthusiastically recommend you as an interesting, humorous and educational speaker!”
Naomi Hosack
Chairman
Crown Realty
“Your lively presentation was fantastic! Everyone enjoyed your enthusiasm and insight into the power of listening.”
Rick Hemmingsen
President
Independence Chamber of Commerce
“As usual you've outdone yourself. Your session was the highest rated session at the conference. Thanks for making us look good.”
Cookie Dorsey
Texas Credit Union League
“Rory, thanks again for helping us with the Technology Symposium, it would not have been successful without your help and participation. Great job as always.”
Comments on evaluation forms from the conference
“Always will attend Rory's sessions on anything.”
“High energy, very interactive presentation.”
“Fun and Creative”
“Best Speaker I have heard in 25 years.”
Virginia Cosgriff
Assistant Vice President
Education/Professional Development
Pennsylvania Credit Union Association
“It is my pleasure to share with you the summary of the evaluation sheet distributed to the participants. The content of your presentation on your general session, “Coopetition” scored 9.07 out of a possible 10. Your breakout on the “Top 100” scored a 9.44 and the session on Board and Management scored a 9.15. Some of the comments pertaining directly with your sessions were: “Rory was an excellent, inspirational leader!,” and ”Rory Rowland – a great speaker, with full and positive points. He shared some thoughtful-thinking information. Enjoyed this session!” These scores should be viewed as a valuable tool to assist you with future presentations.”
Barbara Lehew
Director of Conferences and Training
South Carolina Credit Union League
“Thank you for your outstanding presentation at our 66 th annual meeting and convention. As usual, we received nothing but the highest remarks on your delivery and your message. Your enthusiasm was catching and provided our convention with great momentum.
I appreciate the time and consideration you gave to prepare for our convention. Judging by your boisterous presentations, we know that a sound system won't be needed for your future presentations to Mississippi credit unions!"
Charles Elliott
President
Mississippi Credit Union System
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Based on the various responses received from approximately 280 attendees, I am convinced that your two excellent general session presentations helped to make this one of our most successful seminars yet."
Dennie Emmans
Executive Director
Bank Holding Company Association
“…We would like to thank you for your contribution to the 2002 Volunteers' Forum……The conference received a 4.52<5 overall rating and you were instrumental in the success…Your lending session was the highest rated of the conference! Thanks for making us look good!”
Cookie Dorsey
Training Director
Texas Credit Union League
“Rory, you certainly wowed our group this year! These are exceptional marks. My hand was getting tired of punching in 7 after 7 after 7." (on a scale of 1 to 7)
Kari Myers Endres
Program Developer
Illinois Credit Union League
“Rory, thanks again for helping us with the Technology Symposium, it would not have been successful without your help and participation.”
Virginia Cosgriff
Assistant Vice President
Education/Professional Development
Pennsylvania Credit Union Association
“Despite being the smallest CU in attendance, I saved a bunch of money by networking with peers who use the same operating system software. I was given tips on how to save money when upgrading software and hardware. Rory's presentation was excellent and provided workable tips on how to grow our business.”
Terry Shoemaker
CEO
Schuykill Federal Credit Union
“Oh behalf of the Hawaii Credit Union League, I would like to extend a sincere appreciation for your presentations at the HCUL Credit Union Volunteers' Institute on July 18-19, 2003 . It has been our pleasure to work with a true professional in both the planning and implementation of your presentation.”
Dennis K. Tanimoto
President
Hawaii Credit Union League
“The Jackson County Inter Agency Council would like to thank you for the excellent program you presented at our annual meeting. This is usually a quiet, conservative group and the energy and response you got was wonderful! You truly brought us laughter and a break from our daily routine.”
Susan Laitner
Jackson County Inter-Agency Council
“Your delivery style is delightful, Rory, and as you will see from the attached conference comments, the other participants agreed. Oh, how I love it when a session goes well!”
Mary Jaros
Education Program Developer
Illinois Credit Union League
“It was great to see our community bank CEOs and senior management really participate! You came with the highest recommendation and we were not disappointed.”
Cary Dingman
Education Director
Idaho Bankers Association
“Rory, thank you again. We would not have been successful without you dropping everything and coming to our assistance. We'll never be able to thank you enough for jumping in at the last minute, and with a smile.”
Virginia Cosgriff
CAE Director
Education and Training
Pennsylvania Credit Union League
“I have to say, I've never attended a session where a participant actually stood up and thanked the speaker for giving him new ideas….I can always count on you to make me look good.”
Marian Kenworthy
Education Specialist
Idaho Credit Union League
“…..Your work with us in this endeavor was invaluable. You brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the project and kept the focus going in the right direction.”
Debra Jackson
Vice President
Boise Employees Federal Credit Union
“Your knowledgeable and professional manner was well-received, and your ability to incorporate First Educators' products and services into the technology theme was perfectly orchestrated.”
Mark Hail
Marketing Manager
First Educators Credit Union
“The participants were still referring to some of your comments during the remainder of the convention. The evaluations were the best ever and I know you were an integral part of the overall success of the meeting. Thank you again for your wonderful enthusiasm and spontaneity.”
Julian Hester
CEO
Community Bankers Association of Georgia
“You were a hit! Our staff keeps talking about how much they enjoyed your presentation. You definitely were up-beat and high energy. No one had a chance for an afternoon snooze. You provided a good mix of humor, information, and interactive fun. Your advice was exactly what we needed to hear.
Some of the comments I've heard include:
“Anytime that you come away with two new things you can use to improve yourself, the presentation was a good one! Mr. Rowland was funny, energetic and knowledgeable.”
“I have never known a speaker to come beforehand and spend time to meet the staff. That was a great tool to help the audience feel more comfortable.”
“Rory was great. He had a lot of good ideas and exercises. It was fun to be able to interact with everyone and learn in a fun way.”
Thank you for making our 4 th annual training day our most successful one yet.”
Monie Hamilton
Vice President
Caltech Employees Federal Credit Union
“Rory, as always, you did a terrific job. I echo one of the evaluation comments: “You need to bring back Rory Rowland every year-He's excellent!” I really appreciate that you are able to address such a wide range of topics and are willing to research even more.”
Kari Myers Endres
Communications Specialist
Illinois Credit Union League
“I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you and express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding presentation you gave in last month. I have enclosed a copy of your evaluation composites, and the marks and comments were wonderful. It's so refreshing to hold a conference where all the participants came out feeling it was worthwhile, and would come back again!”
Karen Tucker
Education Coordinator
New York Credit Union League
“As always, it was a pleasure for us to have you on another one of our programs and we enjoyed the opportunity to work with you again. Your consistent ability to present information with humor and energy is very much appreciated by our group of bankers. Your session was the perfect ending to a very successful program. On an endnote Rory, make sure you don't hurt anyone with your newfound hypnosis abilities.”
Ron Arrigo and Dann Nelson
Nebraska Bankers Association
“Talk about energy – what a way to start a morning!! If any of our bankers thought they could catch a few zzz they quickly learned otherwise. Rory, you were absolutely outstanding. Your message and your enthusiasm was excellent. We know that our bankers are still talking about you.”
Becky S. Tongish
Director of Education
Kansas Bankers Association
John Allen
VP, Education
Missouri Bankers Association
Karen K. Miller
Director of Education
Nebraska Bankers Association
“Thank you for your presentation at the Warehouse Examiners Conference sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma . Several attendees said your presentation was one of the most beneficial and positive parts of the conference. Your level of enthusiasm and energy was particularly impressive. You had a hard audience to work with, but based on the positive feedback from the evaluations, you had their attention and succeeded in your presentation.”
Nancy Toler
CMP
United States Department of Agriculture
Kansas City Metropolitan Library & Information Network
TRAINING EVALUATION FORM
Managing Multiple Priorities
Rory Rowland
( 3/2/04 )
1. What is your overall evaluation of today's training?
- Very good – (3 answered with this statement).
- Excellent. This is the best workshop I have been to.
- Excellent workshop.
- Much more practical than I thought it would be.
- Great – (4 answered just “great”).
- Excellent – (4 answered just “excellent”).
- Enjoyed.
- Good – (2 answered just “good”).
- Informative and entertaining.
- Very good. Not a dull moment. Lots of information.
- Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!
- Excellent. I think this is one of the best I have attended.
- Good information, well presented.
- Well worth it!
- Wonderful.
- As close to perfect as can be.
2. How would you rate the instructor in terms of knowledge and presentation style?
- Very good, enthusiastic.
- Excellent – (4 answered just “excellent”).
- Great energy, focus, organized, easy to understand.
- Experience and research style wonderful.
- A+.
- 10.
- Very knowledgeable and probably one of the most entertaining.
- Great – (3 answered just “great”).
- Good – (3 answered just “good”).
- Extremely charismatic and knowledgeable.
- Very talented. Should do stand-up comedy. Great knowledge of subject.
- Very good. Well prepared; lively presenter; good pacing of material.
- Very knowledgeable. Fun, interactive presentation style.
- Wonderful.
- Excellent. Funny and informative.
- He kept class going, very energized. He had lots of experience in the field.
- Very good. Entertaining.
- High in terms of knowledge and infectious.
3. Was there enough opportunity for interaction and participation?
- Yes – (16 answered just “yes”).- More than enough opportunities for both as a group.
- Much.
- Lots.
- Yes, lots.
- Very much so.
- Definitely – (3 answered just “definitely”).
- Could have been more participation.
4. How could your training experience been improved?
- More interaction, introduction to each other.
- Don't think it could be improved. Good job Rory.
- Great. None.
- I don't think it could have been improved. One of the best workshops I've been in lately.
- I don't think it could be.
