August 2014
FOCUS is the monthly e-Newsletter of the Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives (OSCUI). It focuses on helping small credit unions achieve success by providing news and highlighting opportunities. Click here to subscribe to FOCUS.
topFeatured this Month (Click on a heading to go to the article.) 
HeadlinerOur 2013 accomplishments
 

 2013 Accomplishments report cover

 

To serve your credit union, during 2013 we:

  • Performed the highest number of consultations ever.
  • Invested more than 11,000 hours in credit union consultations.
  • Assisted 21 organizer groups with new charter requests.
  • Increased the number of first-time grantees by 51 percent.
  • Offered 3 grant rounds in one year, the first time ever.
  • Trained more than 20,000 CU officials and volunteers.
  • Reached more than 15,000 viewers with our videos.
  • Fielded more than 1,000 inquiries through our online search tool, FAQ+.
  • Expanded our selection of online tools and resources.

Throughout this issue, read the highlights of our delivery of services during 2013.

 

Click here to read more about our accomplishments. To learn how we can assist your credit union, email us at oscuimail@ncua.gov.

 

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OSCUI staff photo
OSCUI staff pose for a group photograph at NCUA's Central Office.
2014 OSCUI Webinar Dates

August 20: Disaster Recovery

Register

 

September 17: Mergers Best Practices

Register

 

October 15: Product Pricing

Register

 

November 19: Building a Loan Portfolio

Register

 

December 17: Internal Controls

Register

 

Webinars begin at 2 p.m. Eastern.  For more information, click here.

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inFocusIn FOCUS with Bill

OSCUI's role - 2013 reflection

      

The big news for OSCUI in 2013 was the dramatic increase in the number federally insured credit unions that became potential clients for our services. The number increased to two-thirds of all federally insured credit unions. This increase resulted from the National Credit Union Administration's change in the definition of a small credit union in January 2013 and the addition of new low-income designated credit unions throughout the year.

 

Remarkably, we grew each one of our program areas to meet the increased demand without an increase to our budget or staff. Serving a broader audience of credit unions with our existing resources meant being realistic about which credit unions we should focus on. We learned to say "yes" only to credit unions that were most likely to survive. We allotted time for follow up to ensure that credit unions adopted the measures we helped them develop.

 

We're optimistic about the future for small and low-income credit unions. Though there will continue to be shrinkage in the number of credit unions, there continues to be a demand for personalized service in smaller markets. OSCUI will continue to be there to assist small and low-income credit unions to survive and thrive.

 

In each issue of FOCUS, OSCUI Director Bill Myers offers insights to small, low-income, new and minority credit unions based on his role as Director and past experience in the credit union field.

  

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NewsOSCUI in the news

 

204 grants equaling more than $1M go to 174 LICUs

CUNA News Now

The funding was given under the second 2014 round of Community Development Revolving Loan Fund grants. The agency's Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives administers the fund, which the U.S. Congress established to provide grants and loans to credit unions serving low-income communities.

 

Tech's Role in Small CUs' Success

Credit Union Journal - Online

"A more complex array of products is connected with growth," said Bill Myers, director of NCUA's Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives (OSCUI).

 

OSCUI Study Will Measure Impact On Small CUs

Credit Union Journal

NCUA's Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives has undertaken an "impact study" to determine how effective it has been in working with small CUs.

 

Fraud-fighting advice for CUs: Now on NCUA YouTube channel

CUNA News Now

The series, conducted by staff from the NCUA's Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives in partnership with CUNA Mutual Group, discusses ways credit unions can increase internal controls to deter insider fraud and employee dishonesty.

 

NCUA releases videos on preventing employee dishonesty and fraud

CU Insight

In the video series, staff from the Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives, in partnership with CUNA Mutual Group, discusses how credit unions can bolster their internal controls to deter insider fraud and employee dishonesty. Credit union managers and volunteers will also learn how to identify potential clues that are warning signs for fraud.

 

Fraud is Focus of New NCUA Series

Credit Union Times

In the video series, staff from the NCUA's Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives, in partnership with CUNA Mutual Group, discusses how cooperatives can bolster internal controls and learn how to identify potential clues that are warning signs for fraud, the agency said.

 

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Filene Research Institute logo   
AdvisoriesWANTED: Your input 
  • What has been your credit union's experience with OSCUI?
  • How can OSCUI better assist your credit union?

As previously reported, we've engaged the Filene Research Institute to analyze our services. We will use the results to help NCUA better support small, low-income and new credit unions.  Filene is conducting interviews with and an online survey of credit unions as part of the study. Whether or not your credit union has used OSCUI's services, please complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7LRQG3Z  by August 29.

 

Contact Filene researcher Dave Grace at dgracehome@gmail.com or OSCUI at oscuimail@ncua.gov, if you have questions.

  
 

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ConsultingThe highest number of consultations ever!
 

During 2013, through the Consulting Program we:

  • Nearly doubled our consulting capacity by introducing two enrollment periods per year.

  • Invested more than 11,000 hours in credit union consultations.
  • Assisted 21 organizer groups with new charter requests. 

 

As a result, we helped credit unions:

  • Comply with a new requirement to file Call Reports electronically.
  • Strengthen their operations.
  • Receive guidance on opportunities for income.
  • Better use their low-income designation status.
  
Here is how we helped one credit union through our Consulting Program:

 

Empowerment Community Development FCU - Houston, TX

Chartered in 2006 as Mid-Town Community Development FCU, by late 2007 the credit union faced possible liquidation. Its officials lacked the expertise to successfully operate the credit union. With assistance from OSCUI and the credit union's examiners, a partnership was formed with a group from Windsor Village United Methodist Church that was in process of organizing a credit union.

 

NCUA facilitated a change of officials and volunteers to provide the credit union needed expertise. Management then renamed the credit union, expanded its membership, relocated, increased the offering of products and services and secured support from church, community leaders and members of Congress. As a result, the credit union reported improvements in membership, share and loan growth.

 
Click here for more highlights of the consulting services we provided.  Email us at oscuiConsulting@ncua.gov 
if your credit union needs consulting services.

  
GrantsandLoansThe most grant rounds ever!
  

Last year, through the Grants and Loans Program we:

  • Conducted three grant rounds - our most ever.
  • Increased the number of first time awardees by 51 percent.
  • Introduced a new collaboration grant initiative.
  • Offered grants for implementation of eBanking products and services.

 

As a result, we helped credit unions:

  • Convert to electronic Call Report filing.
  • Provide much needed or additional services to the communities they serve.
  • Find opportunities for growth while controlling their expenses.
  • Respond to evolving technology and membership demands. 

 

Here is how we helped a credit union through our Grants and Loans Program:

 

Fannin FCU - Bonham, Texas

This community-chartered, low-income credit union opened in 1966 to serve employees of the local VA hospital. It has added new products and services steadily over the years to improve operations and member services. In 2006, it relocated to a new building obtained through a $300,000 CDRLF loan with the assistance of an Economic Development Specialist. The loan also financed the expansion of the credit union's products and services. The credit union has grown through the addition of new products while maintaining its financial performance.

  
Click here for more highlights of the grants and loans service we provided.  Also, visit our website at www.ncua.gov/oscui/Grants or email us at oscuiApps@ncua.gov to learn more about this service.
PartnershipsExpanded resources for CUs
  

During 2013, through the Partnerships & Outreach Program we:

 

As a result, we helped credit unions:

  • Access an expanded selection of online tools and resources.
  • Receive on-demand answers to frequently asked questions.
  • Identify new opportunities for them and their members.
  • Stay informed of relevant events (training, conferences, and funding deadlines) by NCUA or external organizations.

 

Below, two credit unions describe having the work of their credit union profiled in the FOCUS e-newsletter:

 

Thank you so much for sharing our story. We didn't know we were doing anything special except helping each other.

Dr. Joronda Crawford

Israel Methcomm Federal Credit Union

 

We are thrilled that you have contacted us to share our story. We are very passionate about serving our communities and especially the youth! Mahalo!

Mary Ann Otake

Hawaii First Federal Credit Union

 

Click here for more highlights about the partnerships and resources we provided.  Also, view our webpage at www.ncua.gov/OSCUI/Resources.
TrainingMore than 20,000 officials and volunteers trained

 

Last year, through the Training Program we:

  • Trained 224 CEOs through new Boot Camp format.
  • Reached more than 15,000 viewers with our videos.
  • Attracted nearly 9,000 participants to monthly webinars.
  • Improved our video format to make them more user-friendly and effective.

 

As a result, we helped credit unions:

  • Receive quality training, regardless of asset size.
  • Access free or low cost training for new CEOs, volunteers and Board members.
  • Reduce travel expenses associated with training.
  • Smooth the transition for new managers.

 

Here is what some participants said about the training we offered during 2013:

 

Just a note to say how much I enjoyed and learned from the CEO Boot Camp... the information was timely and informative...being able to network and get ideas that I can carry back to my credit union is very helpful.

Eunice Johnson Rogers

NRS Community Development Federal Credit Union

 

I had the opportunity to see first-hand the level of commitment that NCUA is providing to small credit unions... Our League was glad to partner with OSCUI in an effort to bring crucial and timely information and resources to the new CEOs and managers in our region.

Lorri Gaither

Cornerstone Credit Union League

 

Click here for more highlights of the training we provided.  Also, view the 2014 training schedule and register to attend an event at www.ncua.gov/oscui/Training.

 

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happeningHappening in OSCUI

 

Outreach

  • OSCUI Director Myers attended the NCUA Listening Sessions in Chicago and Alexandria, VA.  NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz hosts such events throughout the country as "an opportunity for NCUA Board members and senior staff to hear directly from credit union officials about how we can further improve regulations, the exam process, and any other NCUA initiatives." 
  • Director Myers, Training Manager Diane Rector and EDS Malia Peel attended the African-American Credit Union Coalition Annual Conference. Director Myers and Training Manager Rector gave presentations during the conference.
  • Director Myers was a presenter at the Credit Union National Association Small Credit Union Committee meeting and the National Association of Federal Credit Unions Annual Conference. 

 

Training: There are still opportunities to attend our FREE training sessions this year in the locations below. Use this link to register.

 

Leadership Development Boot Camps

  • 8/23/2014        Albuquerque, NM      Albuquerque Marriott
  • 9/13/2014        Baltimore, MD           Baltimore Harbor Hotel
  • 9/16/2014        Miami, FL                  Embassy Suites Miami Int'l Airport
  • 9/20/2014        Chicago, IL                Double Tree Chicago - Alsip
  • 9/20/2014        Philadelphia, PA        Renaissance Phila. Airport Hotel

OSCUI Exhibits at League/Association Annual Meetings: Visit our exhibit booth at the New Jersey Credit Union League Annual Meeting - Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ, September 21-22, 2014.

   

Our appreciation to the talented details who've recently assisted us.

  

Detail-Stephanie Potter
Examiner Stephanie Potter of NCUA Regional Office II assisted our Grants and Loans Program. Stephanie has been an examiner almost four years and is stationed in Baltimore, Maryland. She works with many small credit unions. Her reason for requesting a detail to OSCUI was "to learn about the many tools NCUA has to offer small credit unions."
  
  
  
  
  

Detail-Fay Wengsler

Examiner Fay Wengler of NCUA Regional Office V assisted the Partnerships and Outreach Program. Fay began her NCUA career in 2011 and is stationed in Honolulu. She works primarily with small credit unions. Fay requested the detail to, "better understand the needs of the small and low income designated credit unions, and how we can not only help them to survive, but also empower them to thrive stood out as important and essential to my role as an examiner."

 

 

 

 

 

Recent Comments About Our Services

The Pittsburgh workshop was incredibly worthwhile...I learned a lot that I can put to use... The auditor report explanation made a lot of sense and told me how to find the parts I need to worry about with highest priority. Marketing is always a concern, and one learns from every presentation.

Ann Pfaff, Vice President

Bradford Area School Employees Federal Credit Union

 

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announcementsAnnouncements
  

The Center for Financial Research's 14th Annual Bank Research Conference will be September 8-9, 2014 at the L. William Seidman Center in Arlington, VA. To register or for more information, click here.

 

Federal Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data analysis is available click here. The analysis compares mortgage lending patterns in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and among low- and moderate-income borrowers with their middle- and upper-income counterparts.

 

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Pamela L. Williams
Editor
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION ADMINISTRATION
The Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives
1775 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
     

Website: www.ncua.gov/oscui   

Email: oscuimail@ncua.gov