Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: October 25, 2017
In This Issue
Headline News

The Countdown is On! One Week Left to Enroll in Lucky Lagniappe, PLS Program
There is only one week left to enroll in the in the Lucky Lagniappe Savings Account program. Lucky Lagniappe is the unique, statewide prize-linked savings product that offers your members a chance to win cash prizes for saving money. With much excitement and anticipation, we encourage credit unions to be part of the inaugural group that improves money habits in a new way while making saving FUN.

Lucky Lagniappe is possible through our partnership with the Minnesota Credit Union Network, who just reported that Minnesota credit unions have opened 5,192 accounts with members saving more than $4 million dollars since the inception of their prize linked savings product.

Don't delay: Credit unions interested in participating in the January 1 launch must register as a participant by November 1. The next open enrollment will be mid-year in 2018.
 
Visit the League's website to download the product profile, which provides product description, benefits, features, prize pool, and investments. Credit unions can also access an overview webinar to introduce credit unions to the Louisiana-specific product. 

CUs See Victory as Senate Votes to Repeal Arbitration Rule

In a victory for credit unions, the Senate voted Wednesday to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's arbitration rule under the Congressional Review Act. It will now go to President Donald Trump for his signature.
FiCep Can Benefit Your Credit Union; Hear From Your Peers Why it Matters
Have you considered becoming certified in the past few years, but always found a reason to put it off? Have you wondered just how the program will truly benefit you, your credit union and your members? 
 
Sometimes, all it takes is one team member to notice the signs of a member in need of direction to help them help themselves. 

"It is so much more than just completing a course. This program will help you learn how important it is to budget, and to prepare for insurance needs, get out of debt, and recognize the signs of someone who is in need of financial help. This is what the philosophy of People Helping People is all about."

 -Tiffany Murray of Total Choice FCU, Certified since 2014

This program helps credit unions to not only retain members but also engage those members more fully in all that your credit union has to offer and solidify that relationship. 
 
"Being a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor gives me the added confidence to speak with members and potential members about all aspects, products and services available to them."

-Todd Pereira, Xplore FCU, Certified since 2014
 
Credit unions who have successfully implemented the program have experienced a reduction in charge offs, repossessions and bankruptcies and an increase in loans,  paid off accounts and member loyalty.  
 
"It is very important for us to find ways to say YES to our members.
Being a Certified Financial Counselor provides another opportunity to say YES." 

- Glenda Rushe of St. Tammany FCU, Certified since 2013
 
Who should become a Certified Financial Counselor?

Anyone desiring to become one should have the opportunity to do so, but we especially recommend this program for Lending Staff, Collections Staff, Branch Managers, Trainers and Educators. 
 
Why should you become a Certified Financial Counselor?

"It is in that moment when looking at your member and they realize that financial independence is not just a dream, it is a reality. That is when you know success as a Financial Counselor."
- James Pulse, Coast Guard Emp. CU, Certified since 2013

To see the full program description and registration information, Click Here!
Catalyst Corporate: No Recession On The Horizon, says Economic Forum presenter
catalyst Without fear of a near-term recession, credit unions can continue to count on strong loan growth - at least according to former CUNA chief economist, Bill Hampel.

Speaking in front of more than 250 credit union leaders at Catalyst Corporate's 40th annual Economic Forum earlier this month, Hampel noted that the economy is well into its ninth year of recovery - a fact that often sparks warnings that the recovery has nearly run its course, and that a recession may be just around the corner. "Not so," Hampel suggested.

Click here to continue reading.
Professional Development

LCUL, MCUA Host Coaching Workshop Featuring Honey Shelton
Earlier this year, LCUL brought you credit union trainer and motivational speaker Honey Shelton as both a breakout and keynote speaker at our annual meeting and convention. Among her sessions, she provided the closing  general session address on 'Coaching Yourself and your Rock Star Staff'.  

We received feedback that you enjoyed what you heard and wanted to learn even more.  LCUL is proud to co-host Honey's return to the region with the Mississippi Credit Union Association for a full day session of Coaching Yourself & Others on December 6 in Gulfport, MS.

 Join us to find out how to elevate your own personal effectiveness and satisfaction on the job while teaching others to do the same.  In this class, Honey will teach you to understand fundamental human needs and how they relate to workplace motivation. 
 
Click here  for full details on the program including a short video clip of Honey from LCUL's convention. Come see why financial institutions across the country have relied on Honey Shelton's 30+ years of experience as a training and quality improvement consultant.

YPN

Reminder: 
YPN Hosting State-Wide Leadership Boot Camp
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) and the League are excited to host its first state-wide boot camp. Each year, this exclusive boot camp will be offered in three locations across the state on a different topic. We're kicking off with a focus on LEADERSHIP, and Pelican State CU CEO Jeff Conrad will be our first drill sergeant.
 
Join your peers for a jam-packed boot camp featuring an ice breaker that gets you out of your comfort zone, discussions on leadership led by a CEO who has been in your shoes, tips on being an effective leader, ways to contribute to the success of your credit union from any position and more.

Cost? It's FREE for active YPN members! Plus, lunch is provided.
 
There are only 30 spots available at each location - so don't wait to sign up! 
 
 
Baton Rouge - Tuesday, November 7
10 am - 1 pm
Pelican State Credit Union
3232 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
 
Lake Charles - Wednesday, November 8
10 am - 1 pm
CSE Federal Credit Union
4321 Nelson Rd.
Lake Charles, LA 70605
 
Monroe - Thursday, November 9
10 am - 1 pm
Centric Federal Credit Union
1091 Thomas Rd.
West Monroe, LA 71292

Speaker Bio:
Have You Heard?

Neighbors Employees Volunteer Throughout the Community as Part of Neighbors Day
Neighbors branches were closed October 9, for Columbus Day. However, on this holiday, Neighbors staff gave their day off back to the community. More than 250 Neighbors employees volunteered at more than 20 charity organizations in our area.

Some of the organizations Neighbors helped out include, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, Baton Rouge Children's Advocacy, Rebuilding Together Baton Rouge,  Companion Animal Alliance, St. Agnes Soup Kitchen, Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, Society of St. Vincent De Paul and many other outstanding groups.

More than 70 Neighbors employees volunteered at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Staff helped prepare more than 36,000 pounds of food to feed more than 16,000 families in need.

"Our team went out and made an impact," Neighbors president and CEO Steve Webb said. "From rebuilding flooded homes to serving up hot plates of food for those in need, I'm very proud of our efforts."


Ascension Credit Union Wins Big
Ascension CU has been voted 1ST Place in the People's Choice Awards - "Best of Ascension Parish" categories of Best Credit Union, Business with Best Customer Service, Best Mortgage Lender and Best Place to Work.
 
The Gonzales Weekly Citizen and the Donaldsonville Chief conducts this annual poll from the community regarding the overall BEST in class for a variety of business service categories. The publications stated that over 170,000 votes were cast.
 
Lloyd Cockerham, Ascension CU President/CEO stated, "As Ascension Parish's only Community Financial Institution dedicated to serving only Ascension Parish Residents; we're excited and honored to receive such important recognitions from the community we serve! We appreciate our members' support, loyalty and dedication!"

Pelican State CU Celebrates 7th Annual Kickoff at Peabody Magnet High School Branch
Pelican State CU and Peabody Magnet High School hosted the 7th annual kickoff party for their student-operated branch on October 10. At the party, students made transactions, participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony and spent time with Petey the Pelican.

The branch is open every Wednesday that school is in session. Students from Ms. Eldridge's business class are able to assist in the branch throughout the school year, giving them a leg up in the job market post-graduation. Pelican State CU is proud to be investing in the financial futures of the students. 


CSE FCU Congratulates Tammy Peloquin Consumer Lender Supervisor
CSE FCU congratulates Tammy Peloquin on her new role as CSE's Lake Charles Branch Consumer Lending Supervisor, where she will oversee CSE's Consumer Lending staff.
"Tammy is a tremendous addition to our team," said Bob Rust, CSE's Chief Lending Officer. "Her strong lending background and credit union experience will be instrumental in delivering value to our members and supporting our growth here in Southwest Louisiana."

Peloquin has more than 21 years of experience in the banking and credit union industry. Past positions include Loan Interviewer, Branch Manager, Assistant Vice President and Consumer Lender roles within the financial industry. Her hobbies include spending time with family and fishing.
Quote of the Week:
"We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are"
- Max Depree
Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:    

November 8-9: Underwriting & Collections: Understanding the Roles and the Importance of their Relationship
 
Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League

October 26: BSA Compliance Series: Job-Specific BSA Training for the Frontline: CTRs, SARs, CIP & More
October 30: Preparing for the Impact of New Prepaid Card Rules Under Reg E
October 31: CECL Loss Estimation Methodologies
November 2: Cost-Effective Strategies to Enforce Creditor Rights in Consumer Bankruptcies
November 7: CFPB's TRID Amendments: Understanding the Clarifications & New Expectations
November 9: Regulation E Series: Auditing for Regulation E Compliance
November 13: HMDA-LAR Changes Part 1: Procedures & Tools for Capturing the New Data Fields
November 15: ACH Specialist Series: Federal Government ACH Payments: Reclamations & Garnishments
November 16: Director Series: Required Compliance for the Board & Senior Management
November 28: Avoiding Employee Job Misclassification Issues: Getting It Right!
November 29: OFAC Sanctions Compliance: Update, Expectations & Best Practices
November 30: Robbery Preparedness for All Staff
December 4: HMDA-LAR Changes Part 2: Completing New Fields with No Predefined Codes
December 5: Conducting a Collections Risk Assessment
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".
  
Copyright © 2016 Louisiana Credit Union League 
824 Elmwood Park Blvd, Suite 200, Harahan, LA  70123
(800) 452-7221   www.lcul.com