"Just knowing there are others in the same boat as me is priceless." (2007)

"We spend so much time re-inventing the wheel when credit unions are there to help each other. Being able to share our programs with one another is part of the philosophy of 'people helping people.'" (2007)

"I am rejuvenated and ready to take on 2008. The fire was starting to go out and this is what I needed to have it relit." (2007)

"I had no idea of how to start putting a training department together. Now I have the resources and contacts to successfully begin our program." (2007)

"The ELL conference is the best place to meet other credit union trainers, to network, and share ideas." (2007)

"I learned techniques for presentations not only from the speaker's content but from the speakers themselves. What great presenters! Time flew by." (2007)

"This was my third ELL conference and it keeps getting better and better! I walked away feeling more empowered than ever. I went to this year's conference with specific goals for myself and my organization. My expectations were certainly exceeded. Thank you for providing an avenue for trainers to work together and share in the credit union philosophy!" (2007)

"I walked away this year with at least a dozen ideas of things I'd like to integrate into my current training programs, or changes I'd like to make to make training more meaningful." (2007)

"The overall experience at ELL was wonderful. I never thought a conference could have such a great balance of learning and fun! I especially enjoyed learning from those a few steps ahead of us in the ELLy Award Showcase. All too often conferences are filled with speakers preaching "buzz words" and nothing substantial. I was pleasantly surprised that the information I received was practical and things I could actually return and implement. Great job CUNA and all those individuals that made it happen...I will be spreading the word." (2007)

"Each year seems to get better and better! You walk out of this experience with so much information, it almost seems like there isn't enough room left in the sponge! I highly recommend attending! A+ A+ A+"

Amanda Swartz, Christian Community Credit Union (2006)

"At every session a little morsel of gold was uncovered or refreshed to take and apply back on the job"

"Benefits...wow, hard to sum up...I walked away with increased motivation and inspired creativity. I heard some wonderful reminders about training structure and public speaking, and some new ideas about making training more exiciting and benficial to the participants. I also was privileged to see a few fabulous training role-models!"

"In my short time as a trainer, I have been sent to many conferences and seminars. I felt as though ELL was the best. The information that I obtained from the presenters as well as from fellow trainers who were there to network with was outstanding!"

"I have taught in a public high school for 30+ years and have a masters degree in curriculum design. I found enough sessions to give me 'credit union' background and noticed several other sessions on curriculum and training. I plan to try and send both of my trainers next year as they are not professional educators and would really benefit from some of this."

"This program changed my outlook on training. I am more confident now with ideas that can make a difference at my credit union. I am also refreshed with a better outlook and feel I understand my role in the credit union as a trainer."

"It has made me more confident in my abilities as a trainer. It allowed me to recognize challenges a trainer faces not only from the outside, but also internally. The program then provided me with tools to overcome the challenges. The techniques and skills were used the first day back at the office. The other trainers I met have become an essential element of my new "tool kit." It was exceptional."

Jennifer Pullen, NRL FCU (2006)

"I learned how to make a training session an educational, effective, and fun activity. I also learned how to be a better speaker when I am doing training sessions. It was great to hear input from other trainers from different credit unions."