Headline News

S. 2155 Passes House in Historic Win; See How Louisiana Delegation Voted
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 2155, bipartisan legislation, which will provide common sense regulatory relief to credit unions and other small financial institutions. 
 
The majority of our delegation voted in support of the bill. All voted yes except for Representative Cedric Richmond. Representative Clay Higgins did not vote on the bill.
 
Our aggressive lobbying efforts and constant communication with our delegation has paid off. This historical progression not only displays a more normalized approach to dealing with regulation, but solidifies the strength of our relationships in Washington, D.C.

Click here for full coverage.

Hurricane Season is Around the Corner; Review the League's Latest Resources

With June 1 being the start of hurricane season, the League wants to remind credit unions about important disaster preparedness information and resources available on our website.

New to the list of resources are recovery case studies and a hurricane preparedness digital toolkit

Click here to access LCUL's Disaster Preparedness Resources.
 
Additionally, we encourage credit union to review their disaster preparedness procedures and conduct any testing to ensure there is no interruption should a disaster take place.

In the event of a disaster, your League will be there to assist you in the recovery process. We will continue to update our website as well as social media platforms, making sure credit unions have the latest information made available.
 
Should credit unions need League information to include in their disaster preparedness plans, please contact Steven Liberto.

How many times per month do your members use mobile banking? Did you know that when it comes to mobile app usage, banking apps are in the top 3? Only social media and weather apps are used more.

Last month, Citi released the results of its 2018 Mobile Banking Study, which also revealed that 46 percent of consumers surveyed, including 62 percent of Millennials, have increased their mobile banking usage in the last year. One major reason is convenience: study respondents estimate they save 9 hours per year with mobile banking.
Professional Development


Don't miss this GOLDEN opportunity for premier education sessions, peer to peer learning and valuable networking for ALL volunteers.

Our volunteer conference kicks off on Sunday afternoon June 24 with afternoon pre-conference sessions that serve as primers for both volunteer roles; after which you will be fully equipped for new information coming your way designed to keep you updated and prepared for the most relevant issues affecting your credit union.
 
General Session topics for both volunteer roles include:
  • Determining your Credit Union's Risk Appetite is the Common Thread In Decision Processes
  • Cybersecurity: The Key to Protecting your Credit Union's Reputation
  • Preparing for the impending CECL (Current Expected Credit Loss model) deadline
  • Recognizing NCUA Examination Hot Spot & How to Avoid Them
  • Peer to Peer Share of common issues, best practices, useful forms, and helpful processes
 
NEW! We have one full afternoon of role-specific breakout sessions. Although both groups of volunteers are ultimately charged with duties to keep the credit union running efficiently and fiscally sound, we know that executing the functions are quite different.  Breakout sessions will dive deeper into the how-to's and processes while allowing for specific Q&A and group discussion.
 
Book your room at our special group rate of $149/night at the beautiful and amenity filled Golden Nugget Resort in Lake Charles by June 6.  Click here for full details including registration and hotel booking link. 

News from CUNA Mutual

CUNA Mutual Group Executive Benefits Program Passes $3 Billion in Assets Under Management
CUNA Mutual Group's Executive Benefits Program for credit unions continues to enjoy rapid growth and recently reached the $3 billion milestone in assets under management.

Click here to continue reading.
Products & Services

JMFA: Don't Sign That Contract Without a Second Opinion
jmfa Before you buy a used car, you take it to a mechanic. When you're under the weather, you go to a doctor. When you face a dilemma, you consult a trusted friend. We're all accustomed to getting a second opinion for the simple reason that we don't know what we don't know.

So, when it comes to negotiating vendor contracts for your bank or credit union, looking for a second opinion should absolutely be part of the process. A third-party review by experts who know the ins and outs of vendor contracts will give you reliable advice, along with confirmation for a number of significant concerns.

Click here to continue reading. 

Have you Heard?

Ouachita Valley FCU Joins Forces with State Police for Child Passenger Safety Event, Supplies Free Car Seats
On Friday, May 11, Ouachita Valley FCU hosted an event with Louisiana State Police and St Francis Medical Center.  The Louisiana Safety Passenger Task Force conducted free car seat inspections and answered car seat questions to those in need.  

This free child passenger safety check event was a great opportunity for caregivers to ensure their child is in an age and weight appropriate child restraint and to have that child restraint checked and/or installed free of charge.  

Ouachita Valley FCU supplied car seats to those who were in need at no charge. 

The credit unions also partnered with one of their SEG groups, St Francis Medial Center, where the staff performed blood pressure and BMI evaluations for anyone interested at no charge.  


G reater New Orleans FCU Announces 2018 Enola M. Fee Scholarship Winner
Greater New Orleans FCU (GNO FCU) has selected Derrick Graham, Jr. as the recipient of their 8th Annual $1,000 Enola M. Fee Scholarship Award. Their scholarship program was designed to promote the credit union philosophy, "Not for Profit, Not for Charity, but for Service," and foster volunteerism in high school seniors. Derrick is graduating from Ben Franklin High School and will be attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia where he will study law and political science.
 
The Enola M. Fee Scholarship was established in honor of a distinguished board member who devoted many years of volunteer service to GNO FCU. The scholarship is given annually to a qualified graduating high school student to assist in the expenses for college. This year's winner, 
 
Selection criteria included academic performance and essay presentation on the topic, "How Do You Hope to Deliver the Philosophy - not for profit, not for charity, but for service - Throughout your Life's Journey and What this Philosophy Means to You".


 
Pelican State CU Celebrates St. Jules Branch & Lafayette Community
The line wrapped around Pelican State CU's St. Jules branch in Lafayette, Louisiana, as the credit union gave away 500 pounds of free crawfish to members on Wednesday May 9, 2018.
 
Along with free crawfish, guests enjoyed games, refreshments and a 55-inch TV giveaway at the Grand Opening Celebration. Local business leaders, residents and representatives from One Acadiana Chamber showed their support for the credit union at a ribbon cutting ceremony and branch blessing led by Pelican CEO Jeffrey K. Conrad and St. Jules Deacon Reggie Bollich.
 
The credit union also hosted a free Financial Wellness Workshop at the St. Jules Church Meeting Hall the night before the celebration. Pelican's Director of Financial Outreach shared everything the 64 guests needed to know about understanding credit reports and scores.
 
Pelican merged with St. Jules Credit Union in December 2017, welcoming four new team members and many long-time St. Jules CU members to its financial family. Knowing St. Jules CU had a vibrant history, Pelican sought to preserve and celebrate the credit union's story.
 
Pelican installed a branch mural along with composing a booklet and blog post reflecting on its rich history. Guests also dined on the traditional meal of St. Jules CU's Annual Meeting, a spaghetti supper, at the Grand Opening Celebration.

 
Campus Federal Participates in LCMC Hospital Week at New Orleans East Hospital 
Following their mission of community service and 'people helping people', Campus Federal employees participated in LCMC's Lagniappe Employee Rewards Program as part of Hospital Week at the New Orleans East Hospital.  As a business partner, Campus Federal employees provided information on products and services and the many benefits available to employees of the hospital.


Neighbors Supervisory Committee Member, Jim Carroll Retires After 34 Years
After 34 years of service on the Board of Directors and the Supervisory Committee, Jim Carroll has announced his retirement from Neighbors FCU. Carroll was elected to the Baton Rouge Teachers FCU Board of Directors in 1974 before it became Neighbors FCU and has served the credit union since then.

Before serving with Neighbors, Carroll worked for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System from 1966. He retired from the school system in 1997 as the Director of Purchasing.

During Carroll's time at Neighbors he has overseen tremendous growth of the credit union. When he was elected to the Board of Directors, BRTFCU had less than $65 million in assets. Today, Neighbors has more than $833 million in assets.

"I've enjoyed my whole time with Neighbors," Carroll said. "The staff has done a wonderful job throughout the years, but I'm looking forward to spending more time with my church and family."

Quote of the Week:
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."
- Benjamin Franklin
Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

June 8-15: SRCUS CUNA Management School
June 12-14: University of Lending
June 24-26: Supervisory Committee Conference: Plus new Director's Track!
July 15-18: SRCUS Director's Conference
August 1-4: LCUL Annual Meeting & Convention
August 22-23: Branch Manager Forum 2.0

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

May 24: Consumer Loan Documentation
May 30: Increasing Fee Income Without Raising Fees
May 31: Job-Specific Compliance Training for Lenders
June 5: Red Flags in
Residential Appraisal Compliance
June 6: Call Report Advanced
Lending Schedule
June 7: Forgeries, Counterfeits, Fraudulent EFTs & More: Who is Liable?
June 12: Overdraft Disclosure Requirements: Regulations, UDAAP & Legal Risks   
June 13: Beginning IT Officer Training
June 14: Understanding Employee Leave Policies
June 19: Safe Deposit Box Issues      
June 20: Reg E Requirements for Debit Card Error Resolution
June 21: Advertising Compliance for Electronic, Website, TV & Radio Promotions
June 26: Notary Essentials, Legalities & Best Practices
June 27: Opening Trust Accounts
June 28: Maximizing Social Networking Platforms
 
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".