Headline News

LCUL's 2017 Annual Meeting & Convention Grants Attendees an All Access Pass

The Louisiana Credit Union League invites you to attend our 2017 Annual Meeting & Convention, July 26-29 in New Orleans, where we are issuing backstage passes to experience some of the day-to-day operations at LCUL. No need to call into a radio station or win a contest. Just by registering, you'll discover who we are and what we do for you. Our main goal and the ultimate headliner: getting you to learn about our initiatives to protect Louisiana credit unions.
 
You know what LCUL's convention is all about: making the environment fun for networking and learning. That's why we are introducing a great addition to the lineup: Rock n' Bowl. In keeping with the theme, LCUL will be hosting a social event on Wednesday evening to kick off our event at the world famous Rock n' Bowl venue. Enjoy a night of networking, bowling, food (and an open bar). Not a bowler? Not a problem. Come join the fun and excitement as you cheer on your peers.  
 
This year's set list includes some of our newest hits like our panel discussions, best practices sessions, and financial sound checks. As always, be prepared for our Friday Night Social Event as we encourage concertgoers to "dress and reflect" your favorite music genre.
 
New Louisiana CU Difference Video Unveiled as Advocates Head to the State Capitol
Credit union advocates visited the state Capitol yesterday during the Louisiana Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) to lobby for their issues and thank lawmakers for their support on pro-credit union legislation. Attendees captured the attention of Louisiana's legislators with a strong message about the structure, value and impact of credit unions. 

Let's build on this momentum and continue to spread the credit union d ifference.  Share our latest video with your members and let them know what Louisiana Credit Unions are all about.

Special thanks to those who took the time to attend the Louisiana GAC. CU advocacy is a vital part in making sure the movement stays alive and well in Louisiana!

Louisiana CU Difference
Louisiana CU Difference

April Dividend, Loan Pricing Guidelines Available
LCUL  is pleased to provide affiliated credit unions with monthly dividend and loan pricing guidelines, as well as Money Market Trends, available via our website at ( www.lcul.com ). 

Guidelines for April 201 7 have just been posted. Click here to access the link. These guidelines are provided by Dr. Charles R. Idol, ALM Consulting & Research. Dr. Idol can be reached at (423) 212-0690 or cridol@charter.net.

Just for Fun: How to Have a Healthy Debate in the Workplace


Decipher if debate is needed
If there's one particular employee you have issue with, it's best to handle concerns directly with that person in a more private setting. If you critique the employee when others are involved, they may end up feeling attacked and embarrassed. A team with opposing views is never a bad thing so a professional debate in the office should never be discouraged. Innovative ideas frequently stem from valuable debate, so as a leader, it's important you nurture healthy opposition, while keeping it constructive and focused.

Listen closely. Remember the conversation isn't all about you. Make sure you are actually listening to what else is being said. Here are a few tips on how to be a better listener. While others are speaking, don't just use that time to prepare your rebuttal in your head; take in and digest what they are saying.

Be ready to be wrong. Don't go into the debate with the idea that your ideas are the only correct ones. What others will bring to the table is beneficial to the organization as it represents their stance based their own experiences in the company. If what they have to say is unexpected, take it to heart and be ready to admit that your preconceived ideas or opinions may be wrong. Look at healthy workplace debate as a chance for you to grow as a leader


Professional Development

Join Us in Lafayette to Learn What Makes Louisiana Share Accounts Different
In Louisiana, its no secret that we have our own way of doing things, and that includes  the way we open and handle our member's Share Accounts. 
It takes a Louisiana expert to make sure we have all the nuances covered so we are in compliance with the Louisiana law and regulations. 

Debbie Crawford of GetTechical Inc. is the go-to guru for Share Accounts, the Louisiana Way. Time is running out to join her for her 2-day program.
Join her on May10 in Cajun Country as we bring Share Accounts Basics to Lafayette. This program is designed for those employees with three or fewer years experience. 

Are you a seasoned professional with more than three years experience who wants to kick it up a notch? Then join us May 11 and take your knowledge to the advanced level. 
 
Come find out why your peers have this to say about Debbie: 

"Debbie Crawford knows her stuff and makes sure that you are confident in your knowledge when you leave her workshops"

"Debbie is so detailed in her presentation skills yet somehow never makes me feel overwhelmed with information."
 
Click here for full details and registration information.
 

Products & Services

Remember when summer meant swimming pools, cookouts, staying up late, vacations, and bare feet? Those three sunny months were the most carefree days of most of our lives.

You can't give your members a time machine to relive their summer fun, but you can take some of the stress out of this summer. Encourage them to transfer their existing credit card balance to a credit union credit card.  LSC is introducing another balance transfer campaign starting in June: "Soak up the Summer and SAVE" promotion.

*Balance transfers completed 06/01/2017 through 08/31/2017 will receive 1.99% promotional APR for 9 months from the date of first balance transfer. After the promotional time frame expires, remaining balances will migrate to standard APR applicable on your account. No balance transfer fee. Please call 1-888-415-6154 or visit http://mycucard.com for complete details. APR=Annual Percentage Rate.
Have You Heard?

Leadership change at Southern Teachers & Parents FCU
The Board of Directors of Southern Teachers & Parents FCU (ST&PFCU) has named Ms. Jama R. Haynes as the new CEO. She will assume full authority by month end as Eldridge Etienne transitions out for retirement.

Haynes' experience in management within the credit union industry will be a valuable asset to the credit union. Her passion for credit unions, staff development, and process improvement will help ST&PFCU continue to provide quality and convenient services to meet the financial needs of its members while enhancing relations within the community.

Haynes comes to ST&PFCU from Faith Community United Credit Union in Cleveland, Ohio, where she served as senior vice president, finance. Prior to this, Haynes was the chief operations officer at Faith Community United.  Haynes was responsible for all credit union operations including planning, implementing programs & policies, and providing operations direction.

Haynes holds a BA in economics from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. She also holds an MBA in management from Indiana Wesleyan University in Independence, Ohio.  Haynes is actively involved in the community and is currently the President of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College - Cleveland Chapter.  She is also a member of the National Black MBA Association and a member of the Cleveland Council of Black Colleges Alumni Association.
Access of LA FCU Brings CU Awareness to Southwest LA
Access of Louisiana FCU was featured in a recent issue of The Voice of Southwest Louisiana, a local monthly multicultural publication that provides facts, resources and links to the people of Southwest Louisiana. In an article titled "How Credit Unions are the Moms and Pops of the Financial Industry", President/CEO Michelle Jinks discussed the credit union difference and the impact they have on the communities they serve.

The article outlined the obvious benefits of credit union membership (how credit unions help people control their money and have a better financial experience). Most importantly, Jinks addressed many of the misconceptions consumers have. She reminded readers that credit unions offer the same products and services as other financial institutions and that it is just as easy to access your accounts via the shared branching network, but with a different approach.  With the "people helping people" philosophy, members are their top priority

Click here to view the featured article.
 
Neighbors CC App adds TouchID for Apple Users
Neighbors CC App adds TouchID for Apple Users The latest update of the Neighbors CC app includes the ability to use TouchID for Apple device users. The Neighbors CC app is a mobile credit card management app that allows members to: 
  • Make a payment.
  • Report a card lost or stolen. 
  • Raise a dispute on any transaction. 
  • Activate a card. 
  • View recent transaction history. 
  • View real time balance information. View payment history. 
Instructions for enabling TouchID once App is updated can be found here.
Armand Parvazi Selected for National Advisory Board
Armand Parvazi from Xplore FCU has been selected from marketing leaders across the country to serve on the Sprint Credit Union Advisory Board. This board is designed to build and enrich the value of Sprint and the Love My Credit Union -- Sprint Member Cash Rewards program.

Sprint's goal is to develop a deeper understanding of what credit unions, of different sizes and shapes, need to easily market the program and determine how to create win-win situations. Board members will play an active role in enhancing the Sprint partnership and offerings, while elevating both the credit union and the member experience.

"It's an honor to represent Xplore and Louisiana credit unions," said Armand. "The opportunity to serve in an advisory capacity that rewards credit union members for their loyalty is a welcomed opportunity."
Quote of the Week:
   
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill

Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:    

April 26: BSA Officer Training
May 10-11: Louisiana Share Accounts Basics & Advanced
June 7: Branch Manager Forum
June 9-16: Southeast CUNA Management School
June 21-22: Underwriting & Collections: Understanding the Roles and the Importance of their Relationship  
 
Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League

April 27: Securing Collateral
Part 2
May 2: Security Officer Reports to the Board: Annual Requirement
May 3: Revisiting TRID Line-by-Line Part 1: Loan Estimate
May 4: ACH Specialist Series: Complex ACH Origination Issues for ODFIs
May 9: Director Series: What the Board Needs to Know About Vendor Management
May 10: Communicating in a Crisis: How to Protect Your Reputation & Brand
May 11: Surviving an FFIEC IT Security Exam
May 16: Securing Collateral Part 3: Legal & Compliance Issues in Obtaining Priority in Collateral
May 17: Risk Management Series: Conducting an RDC Risk Assessment
May 18: HMDA Data Collection Rules: Preparing for the January 1, 2018 Changes
May 23: Reg E Series: How to Handle Unauthorized Electronic Fund Transfers Under Reg E
May 25: 12 Key Elements of an Effective Digital Marketing Strategy
May 31: Mastering Escrow Compliance: Analysis, Rules, Forms & Accounting
     
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".