CU Advocates Rally in Baton Rouge to Meet with Legislators During State GAC
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Credit union advocates throughout the state gathered in Baton Rouge yesterday to kick off LCUL's 2015 State Governmental Affairs Conference. The two-day event includes timely updates, important networking, and several opportunities to meet with state lawmakers and regulators.
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Jay Dardenne and Anne Cochran
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Yesterday started with Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne taking center stage. A friend to the credit union movement, Dardenne addressed the audience with a special presentation titled 'This is Louisiana'. Following Dardenne was credit union favorite Jeff Rendel. With experience as a federal banking regulator, financial services executive, and Congressional lobbyist, he understands the balancing act of safety, soundness, sales, and strategy. Rendel discussed the value in face time with legislators, importance of 'hiking@home' on a daily basis, and provided examples of those using effective advocacy tactics. Like Rendel suggests: "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu."
Following the state legislative briefing with Adams & Reese, nearly 90 credit union advocates visited the state Capitol to lobby for their issues and thank lawmakers for their support on pro-credit union legislation. Attendees captured the attention of Louisiana's legislators with a strong message about the structure, value and impact of credit unions. The day ended with the annual legislative reception where credit union advocates had the opportunity to meet informally with influential lawmakers.
Today, the program included updates from LOFI and Jeff Brooks, our lobbyist in Washington, D.C. Also on the agenda is Stacy Augustine (CDFI Politics & You) and Ryan Donovan, CUNA Chief Advocacy Officer. Ryan will discuss an advocacy agenda for 2015, which consists of Protecting the Tax Status, Removing Barriers, and Stopping Merchant Data Breach.
We would like to thank those who took the time to attend this event. CU advocacy is a vital part in making sure the movement stays alive and well in Louisiana!
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Cochran Offers
Tips from the Pros in Daily Biz Minute Video
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LCUL's Anne Cochran was featured in an online video for the Daily Biz Minute. Titled "Tips from the Pros: Why credit unions are great options for millennials", the short video discusses how consumers can find the right credit union that offers the services they need. Cochran stressed that credit unions continue to be a consumer-friendly option for those of all ages: "As you think about where to entrust your hard-earned money, small business or family car, take the time to find the financial institution that will best meet your individual financial needs".
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Branching Out Distributed to CUCB Participants
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The latest issue of CUCB's Branching Out was distributed earlier this week. Participants who did not receive the newsletter or would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact Courtney Miceli.
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LCUL is pleased to provide affiliated credit unions with monthly dividend and loan pricing guidelines, as well as Money Market Trends, available via our website at (www.lcul.com). Guidelines for May 2015 have just been posted. Click here to access the link.
These guidelines are provided by Dr. Charles R. Idol, ALM Consulting & Research. Dr. Idol can be reached at (423) 212-0690 or cridol@charter.net.
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What Matters Now to Middle Americans
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62 percent of middle-income Americans worry about the financial stability of their family on a daily basis.
CUNA Mutual Group believes that by listening to members and sharing insights with customers, they can improve their collective ability to serve credit union members. One very rich area of focus was how middle-income Americans define success. The answers may not be what you expect.
Access the What Matters Now™: Insights from the Middle generational report plus a recorded webinar featuring additional insights at www.cunamutual.com/whatmattersnow.
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Hooper Elected to Catalyst Corporate Board of Directors; Taylor Sits as Vice Chair
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At Catalyst Corporate FCU's Annual Meeting April 30 in Las Vegas, members elected three candidates to serve three-year terms on its eleven-member Board of Directors. One of the three elected to the Board was Michael Hooper, President/CEO of La Capital FCU in Baton Rouge.
"We are grateful for the dedication and service of all our board members," said Kathy Garner, president and CEO of Catalyst Corporate. "Board members, along with those who serve on Catalyst Corporate's committees, provide great depth of experience. Their insights will be invaluable as we look to the future and assess ways to serve our member credit unions best," Garner added.
In addition to board elections, board officers for the coming year are: Rod Taylor, Barksdale FCU, (vice chairman); Ayn Talley, Houston Police FCU (secretary); and Rick Hein, Oregon State CU (treasurer).
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Helen Godfrey Smith Elected NCBA's Board of Directors
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Helen Godfrey Smith, President/CEO of Shreveport FCU, has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA) CLUSA. The announcement was made during the NCBA annual meeting held on May 6th, 2015 at the National Press Club in Washington, DC.
The National Cooperative Business Association CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA) is the trade association for cooperative businesses in the United States and an international development organization. NCBA CLUSA provides cross sector advocacy, education, and technical assistance that helps cooperative businesses thrive.
"I have accomplished much for people through the 'cooperative' known by brand as Shreveport Federal Credit Union. I am proud to say our credit union has experienced constant growth, from approximately $1.9 million in 1983 (when I arrived) to over $106 million today serving over 25,000 members and there is strength behind the numbers," according to Godfrey-Smith.
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Access of Louisiana FCU Celebrates Milestones
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During Access of Louisiana FCU's annual meeting, the credit union recognized two employees celebrating special milestones. Camy Courville and Janey Langley, loan officers at Access of LA FCU, are both celebrating twenty years of service.
Additionally, Access of Louisiana FCU celebrated their 60th anniversary. The credit union was
founded in 1955 by employees of the Olin Corporation as Olin Employees LC FCU. With over 6,100 members and $25 million in assets, the credit union has made
exceptional progress over the years in expanding their services and keeping up with the demands of technology.
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Pelican State CU Celebrates Youth Month with Over 160 Students
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Pelican State CU team members shared Pelican's financial education coloring book to over 160 students at six schools across the state during CUNA Youth Month. To support this year's theme, "Wild About Savings," students colored animal masks of their favorite animals then acted like them for 30 seconds! The best animal imitations were awarded a gift certificate to a local zoo or children's museum. Team members had a great time teaching the students about the importance of saving and spending.
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