Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: December 6, 2017
In This Issue
Headline News

LCUL's Leadership Academy Brings in Top Notch Speaker: Listen to What Your Peers Have to Say 
January 24-25, Baton Rouge

We polled credit unions earlier this fall to ask what topics you wanted training on in 2018.  Leadership topics emerged as your top pick so we're kicking off 2018 with a little negotiation, mediation, delegation, communication and motivation. In this interactive course students will examine contemporary problems and demands that leaders face.

About the Presenter: 
Charles A. Lankau, III is an attorney, professor, and consultant in the areas of Law, Management & Leadership.  For the past 16 years he has presented courses and seminars within the Credit Union industry and highly rated presenter at the Southeast Regional Credit Union School referred to as SRCUS.

Check out what some of your peers are saying about Lankau:
 
"Must see presenter!  Dr. Lankau keeps you on your toes the entire time, engaged with relevant topics and tangible takeaways.  His interaction with the class and first-hand experience brings it all together for ease of incorporating at any size credit union."

- Michelle Jinks, CEO of Access of LA FCU
 
 "I thought I knew how to negotiate fairly well until I took Dr. Lankau's class at SRCUS.  He introduced new ideas and approaches to different situations to help me to think outside of my comfort zone and advance my career."

- Lindsay Risinger, CEO of Barton Plant Employees FCU.
 
"Dr. Lankau is a great instructor, he knows how to further break down information for greater understanding while keeping your interest with life stories and examples."

- Tobisha Bullock, CEO of CAANO Employees FCU.
 
Senate Banking Committee Passes Reg Relief Package
The Senate Banking Committee has passed S.2155, a bi-partisan regulatory relief package for community lenders. The bill will now advance to the Senate Floor with enough bi-partisan support to overcome a Senate filibuster, which means it could and should pass the Senate.

Specifics for credit unions in this bill include: parity in the banking code for non-owner occupied residential mortgages - which will alleviate pressure on the member-business lending cap; deeming all mortgages held in portfolio as qualified mortgages; provide relief from HMDA reporting requirements; and requiring the CFPB to issue a rule on underwriting standards for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) loans.

Additionally the bill requires a Treasury Department study on cyber threats, data security, and the impact of breaches on financial institutions. 
Click here to continue reading.
LCUL Submits Comments to NCUA on Proposed Accuracy in Advertising Rule
LCUL submitted a comment letter on behalf of Louisiana credit uniosn in response to NCUA's proposed Accuracy in Advertising rule.  This rule would permit a fourth short-form category for credit unions to communicate their status as "insured by NCUA," and also eliminate the need for the advertising statement to be included in radio and television advertisements between 15 and 30 seconds duration, as well as published statements of condition-the latter two provisions comprise restraints that have not been applicable to similarly FDIC-insured banking organizations since 2011.
 
LCUL and CUNA support these changes, as well as efforts to modernize provisions that address advertisements in all forms of communications, regardless of delivery mode-be it mobile, text, or social media-driven.

"The channels in which credit unions promote themselves and advertise their products and services have certainly changed over the years. The proposed language would provide regulatory and cost relief to credit unions while offering additional flexibility to operate in the current environment," commented Lacey H. Weaver, VP of Communications and Public Relations.
November 2017 Credit Union Trends Report now available online
financial trends CUNA Mutual Group's Credit Union Trends Report for November 2017 is now available online and can be accessed in the Compliance & Research section of our website, under the heading Research & Information .

 Credit unions picked up 407,000 in new memberships, loan balances grew at a 9.7% annualized pace, while savings balances rose at a 6.2% annualized pace. Firms hired 18,000 workers, nominal consumer spending increased 1.0% and long-term interest rates decreased 1 basis point. Third quarter economic growth came in at 3.0%, but only increased 2.3% from the third quarter of 2016.

 For more information, view the complete report here    . If you have problems accessing the information, or have additional questions about the research and information services provided by the Louisiana Credit Union League, please contact LCUL's research and information department.
 
Pelican Politics

Ad Campaign Shows Appreciation to Senator Kennedy for His Continued Support of CUs
Last week, LCUL sent a member update to credit unions about a digital advertisement campaign thanking Louisiana Senator John Kennedy for his strong support of credit unions. As we previously reported, Senator Kennedy introduced the Reforming Finance for Local Economies Act, exempting credit unions with less than $10 billion in assets from the regulatory burden imposed by Dodd-Frank.
 
As part of CUNA's Common Sense Regulation campaign, LCUL has been working diligently with members of congress, urging them to support legislation that provides regulatory relief. We will continue to lobby on your behalf and keep you updated with the latest information.
 
Should you have any questions, please contact the League's communications department.



Professional Development

Dues Subsidized Training: Interactive Role-Playing Simulations with NCUF
LCUL joins Ascension CU and Maple FCU in extending an invitation to all credit unions to join together on Monday, January 15 for a unique type of training you will never forget.
 
Through an interactive Life Simulation "game", you will walk in the shoes of your low income members.  You will experience the emotional and financial stresses of trying to live paycheck to paycheck.  The lessons you will learn in debriefing from this  eye-opening simulation will stay with you for years to come and transform your mindset and approach to your members. 
 
You will also participate in a 'Retirement Simulation' where your choices about the type of lifestyle you envision for your retirement are linked to decisions to plan best plan for that retirement.    
 
There is also a pre-conference option on Sunday afternoon to discuss implementation and enhancement of existing Financial Counseling Programs and Sub Prime Auto Loan programs plus other idea sharing.

Click Here for More Information & Registration.

Transaction Talk

CSCU: Keeping Fraud Losses To Minimum


It's time for credit unions to begin declining more fallback transactions in order to reduce growing fraud exposure, according to CSCU. 

Dave Chojnacki, Senior Portfolio Consultant for CSCU, stresses to credit unions that they need to pay attention to fraudulent fallback transactions to ensure fraud losses remain minimal.

Click here to continue reading.
Have You Heard?

3 Louisiana CUs Awarded NCUA Grants to Help Reach Underserved Members
Twenty-three federally insured, low-income credit unions in seventeen states have been awarded $536,000 in grants to support outreach to underserved members, NCUA said. Congratulations to three Louisiana credit unions awarded with grants:
  • Greater New Orleans FCU
  • University of Louisiana FCU
  • UNO FCU
The grants, funded by the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund, will help these credit unions provide financial literacy coaching for members in low-income communities and enhance economic opportunities in underserved communities in several ways:
  • Providing micro-loans to small businesses,
  • Providing payday alternative loans,
  • Supporting workforce development training,
  • Supporting the use of innovative technology, and
  • Encouraging credit union partnerships with community organizations.
Grants ranged from $15,000 to $25,000. The agency received applications from 87 low-income credit unions requesting more than $1.9 million in grants. A complete list of 2017 NCUA grantees is available online here.
Pelican State CU Completes Two Mergers In 31 Days
Pelican State CU merged with St. Landry FCU and St. Jules CU on November 1 and December 1, 2017, respectfully.
 
St. Landry FCU, established in 1962 in Opelousas, sought mergers from larger credit unions with a presence in its area in order to provide enhanced products and outreach to its 3,665 members. The credit union chose Pelican State CU due to its current presence in Opelousas and its long-time commitment to serving the underserved.
 
St. Jules CU in Lafayette, interviewed several credit unions in order to find the right merger partner to continue serving its 2,627 members. The credit union, established in 1968, selected Pelican State CU because of its commitment to providing financial education in schools and its ability to maintain strong relationships with members and businesses in Lafayette without previously having a physical branch in the area.
 
"Our team is honored to welcome the members and employees of both credit unions and their Select Employer Group partners into the Pelican State CU family. We are excited to continue to serve the Opelousas and Lafayette areas on an even deeper level and plan to continue to invest in both communities," said Pelican State CU CEO Jeffrey K. Conrad.
 
St. Jules CU's branch will remain open as Pelican State CU and will continue serving all members in the area. Additionally, Pelican State CU has plans to open a second branch in Opelousas next year.
First Pioneers FCU Celebrates the Holiday Season by Volunteering at LARC's Acadian Village
First Pioneers FCU staff volunteered at LARC's Acadian Village for Noel Acadian on November 26, 2017. The staff helped out in Santa's Kitchen Concession, serving food and drinks to festival guests. All proceeds from Noel Acadian directly benefit LARC's Acadian Village and the residential, vocational, and community supports and services at LARC. 

LARC's mission is to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in reaching their goals of self-sufficiency, quality of life and self-worth.

Zellco FCU Helps Make Thanksgiving a Little Brighter for Those in Need
In November, Zellco FCU put the credit union philosophy into action. Carol Nobles, CEO/President of Zellco FCU, presented Mr. Hayman with a $500 check to "The Help Center" of Bogalusa, LA to help families in need during Thanksgiving.
Quote of the Week:
"A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course to victory."
- Arthur Golden
Educational Calendar
Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League

December 6: BSA Compliance Series: Job-Specific BSA Compliance for Lender
December 7: New Security Officer Training: Responsibilities, Best Practices & Skill-Building Tools
December 11: Critical HMDA Issues for HELOC Applications & Coverage Changes for Commercial Lenders
December 12: All About 1099 Reporting Part 2: Forms 1099-INT & 1099-MISC
December 13: Risk Management Series: ACH Risk Management & Assessment: Risks, Controls & Ratings
December 14: Real Estate Series: Mortgage Loan Disclosure Timing Issues
December 19: The ALLL with TDRs & Foreclosed Assets
December 20: Preparation Plan for CDD Changes to Beneficial Ownership Rules
     
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".
  
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