Celebrating Community at UT Federal Credit Union's 57th Annual Meeting

On Friday, March 6, UT Federal Credit Union members, employees, and leadership gathered for a special evening at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum to celebrate the credit union's 57th Annual Meeting. Nearly 150 attendees joined us upstairs in the Coliseum Ballroom for an evening that combined official business with connection, celebration, and a little hockey.

Opened in 1961, the Knoxville Civic Coliseum has long been a centerpiece of entertainment and community events in East Tennessee. The venue has hosted concerts, performances, sporting events, and community gatherings for decades and is home to the Knoxville Ice Bears.

For UTFCU, it was the perfect place to bring together the people who make the credit union what it is—our members and employees.

A Reception to Kick Off the Evening

Before the formal meeting began, members and employees gathered for a reception filled with great conversation, food, and plenty of fun.

Guests enjoyed a nacho bar while connecting with one another, visiting the selfie booth, and picking up exclusive member swag created for the event. Attendees received co-branded UTFCU and Ice Bears items, including a t-shirt, hat, puck, koozie, bracelet, and more.

The evening also featured a special appearance from Mike Murray, President, CEO, and Owner of the Knoxville Ice Bears, along with several Ice Bears players and Chilly Bear. They spent time with members, posing for photos and adding to the evening's excitement.

Moments like these reflect what makes credit unions unique: our ability to bring people together beyond everyday financial transactions.

Official Business and Looking Ahead

Chief Marketing Officer Hanna Gomez welcomed attendees and kicked off the meeting before Board Chair Mike McNeil called the 57th Annual Meeting to order.

During the meeting, members heard updates from leadership, including:

• Mike McNeil, Board Chair
• Anita Lane, Vice Chair
• Kenyon Warren, President and CEO

Leadership reflected on a year of continued growth and progress for UT Federal Credit Union, including surpassing $560 million in assets and successfully completing a leadership transition.

Throughout the presentations, one message remained clear: UTFCU's focus continues to center on its members and the communities we serve.

That focus reflects UTFCU's mission:

To improve lives, financially and beyond.

Celebrating Our Partnership with the Ice Bears

The evening also highlighted UTFCU's growing partnership with the Knoxville Ice Bears. Mike Murray shared remarks about the collaboration and how the organizations are working together to strengthen the community through financial education, fan engagement, and shared experiences.

Members even had the chance to take home a piece of the excitement. Those who attended the meeting were entered into a giveaway for an Ice Bears jersey, and four lucky winners were selected during the event. Young volunteers helped randomly draw the winners—and were rewarded with youth Ice Bears jerseys for their help.

Hockey Night with the Ice Bears

After the meeting concluded, members and employees headed downstairs to enjoy the evening's game as the Knoxville Ice Bears took on the Evansville Thunderbolts.

For some attendees, it was the first Ice Bears game ever, making the experience even more memorable.

The night began with a special moment when Board Chair Mike McNeil performed the ceremonial puck drop to start the game.

UTFCU members and employees also had the opportunity to ride the Tennessee Highway Fanboni during the game. 

And the night ended on a high note—the Ice Bears secured a 3–0 victory.

A Night to Remember

Following the game, members and employees were invited down to the ice for a center-rink group photo, capturing the spirit of the evening. Many stayed to take photos with loved ones or snap a quick selfie on the ice to remember the experience. 

Events like the Annual Meeting are about more than governance and updates. They're about celebrating the people who make UT Federal Credit Union possible.

Because at UTFCU, our members aren't customers—they're owners.

And opportunities like this remind us why our mission matters.