Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends : April 8, 2015
In This Issue
Headline News

Calling All CUs: Be Heard at the Louisiana GAC!

If your legislator isn't aware of the enormous value that credit unions bring to their communities, then they won't be concerned about credit unions' best interest as they craft and vote on important bills. This is why it is critical for you and your team to join us for the Louisiana Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) on May 12-13 in Baton Rouge. 

 

The state GAC is Louisiana's premier advocacy event of the year, providing the opportunity to seek and understand the political environment facing credit unions.  State GAC attendees will have numerous opportunities to meet face-to-face-both formally and informally-with legislators and some of the most powerful decision makers in Louisiana.

 

"Building relationships with our lawmakers is critical. There is no better way than one-on-one, face-to-face communication to strengthen these relationships. Last year, we made great progress with the e-signature bill and payday lending conversations, thanks in large part to our grassroots efforts. Let's continue to build on that momentum and reinforce the credit union message," said Anne Cochran, LCUL President/CEO.

 

LCUL is holding a block of rooms at the Hilton at a rate of $149/night.  Book by Monday April 20 to secure this rate!  To reserve your room, please call 1-800-955-6962 and ask for the LA Credit Union League rate or simply click on the following booking link - Hilton online booking link 

 

Your Educational Investment for this program is $229/attendee. Guest Registration is available for $129 and includes all meals and transport indicated above.

 

We are in the process of finalizing speakers. We will provide you with a full schedule in the next few weeks. For more information, contact Angela Gervais, Director of Governmental Affairs, at agervais@lcul.com. 

 

Click here to register!

Join us in Baton Rouge for a Roundtable Discussion on Building Alternative Financial 
Services

LCUL co-sponors the National Federation's Roundtable Discussion in Baton Rouge on Building Alternative Financial Services in Low-Income Communities

 

The National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge and the Louisiana Credit Union League, invite you a roundtable devoted to building the financial security of low-income communities in Louisiana.

 

When: April 15, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Where: Westerfield Conference Center (1800 S. Acadian Thruway)

Cost: $45 per person

 

You don't want to miss the hot topics that will be covered, including:

 

  • Building Blocks Overview: Developing External Resources (LID and CDFI Certification), 
  • An overview of the regulatory powers that can strengthen a credit union's capacity to serve low-income consumers and underserved communities.
  • Field of Membership expansion opportunities
  • Overview of CDFI certification requirements and the benefits it brings to credit unions
  • The role of local partnerships
  • Understanding the LMI market and the growth opportunities it represents for Louisiana credit unions.
  • Profile of the Payday Loan borrower and addressing the needs of immigrant and emerging markets
  • Determining your baseline: What services do you already have in place to meet the community's needs in a way that is both responsible to the consumer and sustainable to your institution?
  • Putting the Pieces Together: Guided discussion with CEOs of credit unions that have successfully leveraged external resources and partnerships to increase their capacity to meet the needs of LMI consumers.
  • How successful credit unions develop and deploy payday alternative loan programs, small business loan programs, used vehicle loan programs and immigration loan programs
  • The ABCs of Community Partnerships
  • Thinking Ahead: A look at state CDFI Coalitions
  • What does it take to build such a coalition? Can it be done in Louisiana?

 

For questions about this roundtable, please contact Jules Hebert at JHebert@cdcu.coop.  

 

Register today!

4th Qtr Louisiana CU Profiles & Milestones Report Available

The Louisiana Credit Union League works with CUNA's Economics & Statistics Department to analyze quarterly data submitted by credit unions to NCUA and then provides a quarterly report showing trends in various areas including loan & savings growth, risk trends, membership trends, and more. We also provide a "milestones" report that looks at top credit unions in the areas of loan penetration, share draft penetration, and average savings balances; this report also highlights credit unions that have reached and exceeded certain amounts for assets, members, and loans.  

 

The reports for the 4 Quarter of 2014 are now complete and have been posted to the League's website. You can access the reports directly by clicking on the following link: http://www.lcul.com/Research__Information_228.html. 
Educational  Opportunities

Louisiana Share Accounts Workshop Scheduled for May 5 (repeats on 8/19)

If there is one program everyone needs to attend every year it is LA Share Accounts. During this one day program Debbie Crawford of GetTechnical Inc, will cover all aspects of opening Share Accounts in Louisiana.  Every attendee will receive the newly updated manual with all the account opening procedures for every account, all the Louisiana law at your fingertips and help on all the tough questions on opening every type of share account possible. 

 

To see a list of topics to be covered, which includes the new proposed CDD that will impact opening procedures for both individual and business accounts, please see our event webpage. 

 

Who should make sure not to miss this program?   Member Service Representatives, Branch Personnel, Branch Managers, Branch Operations, BSA Officers, CIP Review Staff and Training

 

Your Educational Investment is $229 for this one day program.   LCUL is holding a block of rooms at the Embassy Suites a rate of $122/night. To make overnight accommodations at the Embassy Suites Baton Rouge,  please call 1-800-EMBASSY or 225-924-6566 and ask for the LCUL Rate of $122/night. 

 

Questions? Contact Jody Brooks at education@lcul.com or 1-800-452-7221, ext. 3010.

Bankruptcy & Collections Workshop Scheduled for April 21 & 22

Did you know there's an art to the Collections process?  Pierre Cardenas will not only teach you the fine art of Collections, but will also walk you through all the Do's and Don't s of Bankruptcy during this 2-day informative and highly interactive workshop.  

 

Pierre makes you and your credit union the focus by having you bring your credit union's Collection Policy and a copy of your YTD Collection Reports showing Charge Offs, Repos and Delinquencies for review and discussion.This is truly a beneficial segment of the workshop that has received excellent reviews.

 

Your Educational Investment is $429 per attendee and includes all conference materials.  For full program details, online registration,  and hotel booking information at the Renaissance Hotel Baton Rouge, click here.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Jody Brooks education@lcul.com or 1-800-452-7221, ext. 3010.
Chapter News

Chapter Meeting Updates

The Baton Rouge Chapter meeting has been moved to Wednesday, May 6 due to the State GAC being held. Jay Stovall will be on hand to discuss the  "Top 10 Most Difficult Employees and How to Handle Them". Please email reservation to Danielle Guidry at dguidry@brtelco.org. 

 

The Lake Charles Chapter will host their annual BBQ & Silent Auction to benefit the Children's Miracle Network on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:00 p.m. The Cost is $15.00 per person. Please e-mail the number of attendees by April 29 to ptheriot@csefcu.org or call 337-562-3151. Auction items may be sent to CSE FCU ahead of time or bring them with you to the auction.

 

The Monroe Chapter will host their annual BSA Training during their monthly chapter meeting. Scheduled for April 14 at the West Monroe Convention Center, join Susie Fair, LCUL VP of Member Services, as she conducts one of the most essential trainings to your credit union. For more information, please contact Lauren Hawthorne with Centric FCU at (318) 340-9656, ext. 3031. 

 

The Shreveport Chapter will host their quarterly chapter meeting on Thursday, April 16 at the Hilton Garden Inn (2015 Old Minden Road). Guest speaker will be Brian Crawford, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the city of Shreveport. Brian oversees the day to day operations of the city and its various departments.  Please RSVP by April 10 to Jeanne McClung at jmcclung@nwlafcu.org
Have You Heard?

12 Louisiana CUs Awarded NCUA Grants

Twelve Louisiana credit unions are among the 153 low-income credit unions that were awarded grants from NCUA last week to support student internships and staff/volunteer training.

 

The following credit unions have received a grant from NCUA:

 

  • Avoyelles Parish School Board Emp FCU
  • Feliciana FCU
  • Firestone Lake Charles FCU
  • Internal Revenue FCU
  • Louisiana Catholic FCU
  • People's CU
  • Red River Mills Emp FCU
  • River Cities CU
  • St. Landry Parish FCU Terminal CU
  • Total Choice FCU
  • Valex FCU

 

"These grants focus on the future of credit unions," NCUA Board Chairman Debbie Matz said. "They will help train staff and volunteers to provide even better service and introduce the next generation of leadership to the credit union system. NCUA works hard to help credit unions succeed, and investing in current and future staff is a good way to help them do what they do best: serve members and their communities."

 

Low-income-designated credit unions interested in applying for the second grant round of 2015 are encouraged to participate in the agency's April 15 webinar to learn about the initiatives that will be offered. Register Today!

Louisiana CUs Shine Bright at CUNA's 2015 Marketing & Business Development Conference

7 credit unions recognized for marketing efforts

 

Congratulations to the following Louisiana credit unions who were recipients of a 2015 Diamond Award. The Diamond Awards, representing the pinnacle of credit union marketing and business development, features categories ranging from direct mail and Web site marketing to public relations and social media. Judges evaluated entries based on strategy, design and production, creative concept, copy and communication, and results.

 

ANECA FCU

Diamond, Diamond in the Rough 

"Swagger Boost Spoof Music Video"

Category's Best/Cut Award - Most Edgy,Digital Advertising 

"Swagger Boost Spoof Music Video"

Category's Best Award, Social Media 

"Swagger Boost Spoof Music Video"

 

Bossier FCU

Diamond Award, Complete Campaign 

"Drive It Like You Stole It Campaign"

Category's Best Award, Direct Mail 

"Drive It Like You Stole It Campaign"

 

Dow Louisiana FCU

Diamond Award, Annual Reports

Diamond Award, Community/PR-One-Time Event 

"Louisiana Sportsman Show VIP Lounge"

Category's Best Award, Diamond in the Rough

"Louisiana Sportsman Expo Reel VIP Lounge"

Diamond Award, Membership Packets, Brochures or Booklets 

"New Member Welcome Brochure"

 

E FCU

Diamond Award, Community/PR-One-Time Event 

"Summer Food Truckin'"

 

Louisiana FCU

Category's Best Award, Brand/Corporate Identity 

"Norco Heritage Branch Project"

Diamond Award, Point of Sale Display & Retail Merchandising 

"Crazy Busy?"

Category's Best Award, Social Media 

"#HIDEANDCU"

 

Neighbors FCU

Category's Best Award, 2013 Annual Report

 

Pelican State CU

Diamond Award, Brand Awareness 

"#PelicanPays"

Category's Best Award, Community/PR-One-Time Event

"Grocery Store Giveaway"

Diamond Award, Membership Packets, Brochures or Booklets

"Merger Packet"

 

Winners were acknowledged during CUNA's Marketing & Business Development Conference, which took place last week in Las Vegas. Click here more information on CUNA's Marketing & Business Development Council.

Xplore FCU Holding an 'Adopt a Pet' Event on April 24

Once again, Xplore FCU is proudly supporting Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), the only non-kill animal shelter in our region. This volunteer-run organization's mission is to save and accommodate lost and abandoned animals in the New Orleans area. For the 5th year, the credit union is hosting an Adopt a Pet event on Friday, April 24 from 11 AM to 2 PM at their 1201 Veterans Memorial Blvd. branch. Animals will be present and available for adoption through ARNO.

 

Snacks and refreshments will be provided at the event, and if you would like to contribute to this great cause you may stop by any of their three branches (One Shell Square, 5500 Veterans Memorial Blvd., or 1201 Veterans Memorial Blvd.) or visit them online at www.xplorefcu.com for more information.
Quote of the week: 
 " The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself."

- Mark Caine

CRASH the GAC!
 
Educational Calendar
  Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:  

 

April 10-11: YPN Workshop

April 21-22: Bankruptcy & Collections Workshop

 

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

                              

April 9: Current Issues in Physical Security Risk

April15: CFPB Real Estate Loan Collection Rules for Mortgage Servicers

April 21: HR Series: Monitoring Employee Work-Related & Personal Social Media: Should We? How? Is it Legal?

April 22: TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosure Line-by-Line Part 2

April 23: Current Trends in Cyber Crime & Payments Fraud

April 28: Required Compliance Series: Red Flags, Privacy & Ethical Considerations

April 29: EMV & Debit Cards: Preparing for the October 1, 2015 Liability Shift

April 30: BSA Compliance Series: Updating Your Credit Union's BSA/AML/OFAC Risk Assessment

 

For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".
Copyright ? 2015 Louisiana Credit Union League 
824 Elmwood Park Blvd, Suite 200, Harahan, LA  70123
(800) 452-7221   www.lcul.com