Register today for this unique and inspirational event presented by the Carolinas Credit Union League, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, and Credit Union Development Educators in the Carolinas

What makes the Principles & Philosophy Conference unique?

• The conference is produced and presented by volunteer CUDEs from the Carolinas;
• Conference earnings fund scholarships to attend Credit Union Development Education; and 
• The curriculum connects credit union staff with our purpose and passion. 

What the Conference Delivers:

• A deep discussion of the Eight Cooperative Principles and the social purpose of credit unions.
• Knowledge of our history and the Credit Union Heroes that sparked the movement.   
• A walk in the shoes of people living paycheck-to-paycheck through the Missouri Community Action Network Poverty Simulation.
• Statistics on the scope of the struggles members and communities face in the Carolinas.
• Tools that can help you solve these challenges.

Share in the core principles and values that make credit unions great

The conference is a deep dive into the cooperative business model and the Cooperative Principles that differentiate credit unions in the marketplace. 

In addition to the operating principles, attendees learn the social purpose of co-ops and credit unions. Additionally, the casual and fun, interactive conference format encourages dialogue and exchange of ideas and programs working to make a difference in the lives of credit union members. Participants leave with a greater understanding of just how special credit unions are, and why the Eight Cooperative Principles are at the heart of good business practices.

Who should attend?

The Principles & Philosophy Conference appeals to a wide range of professionals, including:

• Young professionals who wish to learn more about credit unions.
• More seasoned professionals from banks and other industries wishing to learn about the credit union model.
• Longtime credit union employees who wish to deepen their appreciation for the uniqueness of credit unions.

No matter where you are in your credit union career, the Principles & Philosophy Conference will deepen your appreciation of the credit union movement!

Location

The 2026 conference will take place at the Caraway Conference Center near Sophia, North Carolina. Set in the Uwharrie Mountains of central NC, Caraway provides modern day comforts in tranquil surroundings that will offer a stimulating learning environment. Please note that the conference center is owned by the NC Baptist Assembly and observes a strict no alcohol policy. Further, the conference center staff provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. There are religious symbols incorporated into the overall structure and design of the facility.  

Cost

Per-person tuition of $700 is all inclusive (conference registration and materials, two nights' lodging, all meals and snacks).

Scholarships

Staff and volunteers at credit unions of up to $100 million in assets may apply and be considered for a scholarship to attend the conference each year. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship for the 2026 conference, please click here.

Conference Agenda

This year's conference agenda is in development and will be published soon. 

For general informational purposes only, the 2025 agenda is below:

11:30 am – 12:45 pm – Arrival and Lunch

12:45 – 1:00 pm – Conference Welcome

1:00 – 2:00 pm – Credit Union History

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Inspirations of the Credit Union Heroes (Small Group Work)

3:00 – 3:30 pm – Credit Union Hero Debriefs

3:30 – 4:15 pm – CU System Philanthropy/Mission & Programs of the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation

4:15 – 5:00 pm – Room Check-in

5:00 – until       -- Dinner and Tour at Victory Junction Camp

Wednesday

7:30 – 8:15 am – Breakfast

8:15 – 8:30 am - Welcome + Day Ahead

8:30 – 9:00 am – Eight Principles Introduction 

9:00 – Noon –    Eight Principles Interactive Discussion & Debrief

Noon – 2:00 pm – Extended Break and Lunch

2:00 – 5:00 pm – Missouri Community Action Poverty Simulation

5:00 – Until  – Dinner and Evening Social

Thursday

 8:15 – 8:30 am - Welcome +  Day Ahead

8:30 – 9:30 am – Meeting Member Needs through ALICE and the Development Issues

9:30 – 11:30 am – Using What We've Learned to Help Members Thrive

11:30 – Noon – Presentation of Certificates and Adjourn 

Cancellation

For more information, please contact:

SAVE THE DATE

Tuesday, February 9 - Wednesday, February 10, 2027

LAUNCH is truly a unique opportunity to find out how to meet tomorrow’s challenges today and will propel your credit union's operations and service success with the latest industry trends, products, services, and strategies.

Event Features

An invaluable resource for the region’s credit union community, LAUNCH features keynote and breakout sessions, an extensive trade show (open both days), pre-conference workshops, the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Awards Gala, sprint sessions, the Protégé Competition finals, and more. Stay tuned to learn more about all activities in conjunction with this premier event.

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for all levels and most departments within your credit union, including specialists, managers and directors in the areas of operations, compliance, security, IT, communications, and more.