Conference marks retirement of HCI peer group director

Heritage Clubs International, the peer group marketing organization for community bank clubs, hosted its annual conference March 21-25 in Rogers, Ark..The conference brought together bank club directors from 13 states, along with tour operators and travel suppliers from around the country..HCI hosted two speakers from Mills Financial Marketing of Storm Lake, Iowa. Senior Account Executive Stacy Sporrer discussed trends in customer demographics, with a focus on baby boomers. Mills Financial President and Founder Becki Drahota focused her presentation on "Closing the Sale" for membership growth and cross-selling success. .There were breakout sessions on measuring the value of a bank club and on succession planning for club directors. Heritage Clubs also used the meeting to introduce its professional certification program for bank club directors. In partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College, Heritage Club directors will receive recognition for the unique education they receive each year..HCI President George Aker completed his transition to retirement at the meeting. Five years ago, it was announced he would transition out of the leadership position. In a heartfelt ceremony at the ARVEST Ballpark, Aker and his wife Mary were honored by conference attendees and long-time friends with an achievement plaque, flowers and a commemorative video (broadcast on the ballpark score board).