Headline News

See What Louisiana CUs Have Been Up to in the Latest Issue of Membership@Work
LCUL recently distributed the latest issue of Membership@Work, a quarterly publication providing a snapshot of the activities, initiatives and services provided by LCUL and CUNA.
 
Inside this issue, we highlight our 2017 advocacy accomplishments as well as a recent digital ad campaign thanking Louisiana Senator John Kennedy for his support. We also cover the success of our recent CU Lunch Local event, which hit the $100,000 mark for total contributions since its 2013 inception.  
 
Read all about of the recent activity by clicking on the following link:

Louisiana Gets Another Extension for REAL ID Enforcement
According to Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, the deadline for states to have REAL IDs in place is January 22, but the federal government has granted Louisiana an extension. Louisiana driver's licenses will still be an accepted form of identification for boarding airplanes and entering federal courthouses until Oct. 10, 2018.
 
The federal REAL ID Act was enacted by Congress in 2005 and recommended by the 9/11 Commission. It sets higher security standards for state-issued identification cards and drivers licenses. It's an effort to crack down on the potential for terrorists and criminals to obtain state-issued IDs.
 
REAL IDs are available through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles right now. DMVs across Louisiana started issuing them in September 2016.
 
Visit the state OMV website for more information. 
New Changes to LCUL's Peer Group Program
LCUL is excited to announce changes to our Peer Group Program. New in 2018, participation will be dues-supported for member credit unions. That's right, you can join at no additional cost!
 
While each peer group will operate independently under the program, all share the same goals: provide a platform for Louisiana credit union professionals to share ideas and resources, accelerate the growth of meaningful connections with peers, and promote professional development in the respected areas of compliance, marketing & business development, member business lending, and the young professionals network.

Please encourage your coworkers to join as it offers unique training and networking opportunities you can't find anywhere else. 
 
"LCUL's Peer Group Program offers the opportunity for those who share common interests in the movement to communicate regularly. We are confident these changes will increase participation and engagement in the program," said Lacey H. Weaver, VP of Communications and Public Relations. "
 
Contact Angela Melle, LCUL Strategic Service Manager, for more information.
NCUA Releases Supervisory Priorities for 2018: D etails on the Administration's Areas of Focus for Examinations
NCUA The NCUA released Letter to Credit Unions 17-CU-09, which provides insight into the supervisory priorities of the administration for the coming year.

This year's exam focuses will be: cybersecurity assessment, BSA compliance, internal controls and fraud prevention, interest rate and liquidity risk, automobile lending, commercial lending, and consumer compliance.
 
New! LCUL Offering Surprise Friday Flash Sales on Facebook
Last week, LCUL launched our first Friday Flash Sale on Facebook. Starting bright and early, we posted the details on our Facebook page for our followers.

The first five people to register for our upcoming 'Member Service with WOW' program using the code WOW50 received $50 discount on registration.

We will be posting a Friday Flash sale on education events once a month so be on the lookout. You never know when it's coming or what it will be, so make sure to follow us today!

Reminder: First CULAC Candy Order Due Tuesday
LCUL's 2018 CULAC candy sale is officially underway. Deadline for the first order is scheduled for next Tuesday, January 16. Credit unions can place orders online through our web portal.
 
NEW! A social media toolkit will be distributed to credit unions to help promote the candy sale. Other resources such as distribution locations and promotional marketing material can also be found on the League's website.
 
Selling candy is a simple way for your credit union to support CULAC. If you did not sell candy last year and are interested to learn more, please contact Theresa Fonseca for more information.  
Professional Development

Hey Credit Unions: Get Ready to WOW your Members!
March 22, Lafayette
 
Impressing our members and solidifying our relationship with them is one skill that we can never get enough training on.  
 
Rory Rowland returns to Louisiana and this time it's to help us discover new strategies and mindsets to WOW your members! 
When you're excited about your credit union, they'll be excited about YOU!
 
Session highlights include:
  • Uncovering words and actions that signal a "ready-to- help attitude"
  • 3 simple ways to build trust with your member
  • Why "How you say it" is so important
  • Master the keys to increase value to your credit union 
  • Challenge yourself to end each transaction positively
  • Develop a member focused culture at your CU
  • Take a confidential self-audit to compare your member service skills against the pros.
Have You Heard?

Neighbors FCU Sponsorship of Pat's Coats For Kids Helps Set New Campaign Record
WBRZ's 2017 "Pat's Coats for Kids" raised $100,251, setting a record for the campaign. In addition to the money raised, 7,000 coats were collected. All money and coats collected go toward providing warm coats to children in need.

This was Neighbors 9th time partnering with Pat Shingleton and WBRZ as a sponsor for the campaign. In addition, Neighbors team members gave a helping hand for Pack the POD day and a very snowy Distribution Day at WBRZ's station. Neighbors collected coats and donations at all locations throughout the holiday season and raised $3,500.

"Neighbors is so proud to be part of this annual campaign which highlights the generous spirit of our community." Neighbors President and CEO Steve Webb said. "2017 will be remembered as the year that we generated in excess of $100,000, and the year that it snowed on Distribution Day! Nothing highlights the need for coats more than subfreezing temperatures and snowfall in South Louisiana. "

Heart of Louisiana CU Names New VP of Lending
Heart of Louisiana CU introduces Darrin Magee, Vice President of Lending. Darrin, a native of Leesville, is excited to be back home in Central Louisiana after his most recent position as a Regional Bank President in North Mississippi.
 
Darrin earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Louisiana Tech University in 1996, then completed his studies at the Graduate School of Banking at LSU in 2010.
 
Darrin has over 20 years of experience in the banking industry and is excited to build upon the strong foundation of Heart of Louisiana Credit Union's commercial, consumer, and mortgage lending programs.
ASI FCU Hosts Fundraising Drive for "Forgotten Angels" Across Greater New Orleans Area
ASI Federal Credit Union (ASI FCU) held its First Annual Holiday Fundraiser, where credit union members and employees made monetary donations which purchased toys to benefit Ozanam Inn's Annual Forgotten Angels Christmas Party on Saturday, December 16.

The annual program was created for local children living in homeless shelters during the holidays. The month-long fundraiser was developed as a part of ASI's focus on creating strong community partnerships throughout the greater New Orleans area.

Collectively ASI FCU members, staff, and community partners donated more than $4,000 during the Holiday Fundraising Drive.

Each year, Ozanam Inn hosts the Forgotten Angels party for children who live in homeless shelters, who rarely experience the joy that the holiday season brings. "Seeing the smiles on the children's faces as they opened their gifts brought joy to my heart. I love my job at ASI and the impact we make on lives in our community," said Elizabeth Politz, IT Support Supervisor for ASI Federal Credit Union.

In addition to the monetary collection, ASI staff and their families also donated their time and assisted Ozanam Inn with the Christmas party - serving food, and running the "candy shop" table for more than 225 kids. Shanda Smith, Admin Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator of Ozanam Inn expressed, "This is always an exciting time for us. It's amazing, yet heartbreaking how much our party grows each year." Each child received a jumbo-sized gift bag, filled with toys on the festive day. "Thank you ASI, for all of your support!" continued Smith.

Quote of the Week:
"The way your employees feel is the way your customers will feel. And if your employees don't feel valued, neither will your customers."
- Sybil F. Stershic
Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

January 14-15:
Dues Subsidized: NCUF Simulations Training
January 24-25:
Leadership Academy
February 25 - March 1:
CUNA GAC
March 22:
Member Service with WOW

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

January 11:
Board Secretary Training: Documenting Minutes, Corrections & Disagreements
January 17: Consumer Debt Series: Credit Reporting & Delinquent Accounts: Disputes, Revisions, Recent Guidance
January  18: Navigating Compliance Issues for Promotions, Bonuses, Contests & Sweepstakes
January  23: IRA Series: 2018 IRA & HSA Update & Hot Topics
January 24 : Preparing for a Military Lending Act Audit
January 25: Same Day ACH Final Phase, Effective March 15, 2018
January 30 : Compliance Series: Job-Specific Compliance Training for the Frontline
January 31: Understanding Personal Tax Returns Part 1: Schedules A, B, C & D
     
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".