Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: May 3, 2017
In This Issue
Headline News

LCUL's 2017 Excellence in Marketing Awards: Call for Entries


The Louisiana Credit Union League (LCUL) is proud to recognize Louisiana credit unions that have made outstanding contributions to the development and growth of the movement by honoring their achievements through LCUL's Excellence in Marketing Awards Program. Winners will be announced during the League's Annual Meeting & Convention, held July 26-29 in New Orleans.

 Credit unions can earn recognition in the following categories:
  • Annual Report Business/SEG Development
  • Community/PR Event
  • Complete Campaign
  • Digital Advertising
  • Direct Mail Piece
  • Electronic Marketing
  • Newsletter
  • Social Media
  • Website
Click here to download the 2017 Excellence in Marketing Entry Form. Deadline for award entries is June 9, 2017.

 For more information, visit the League's website or contact Lacey H. Weaver, Vice President of Communications & Public Relations.
CHOICE Act Markup Continues
The House Financial Services Committee markup of Rep. Jeb Hensarling's (R-Texas) Financial CHOICE Act continues into Wednesday after a day that included opening statements and several hours of the bill being read aloud to the committee. 

Yesterday, LCUL sent a special issue of Pelican Politics urging credit unions to contact congress. CUNA remains engaged with committee staff as the markup continues, and remains focused on ensuring the CHOICE Act provision that repeals the Durbin Amendment remains in the bill.

The introduction of the CHOICE Act by Chairman Hensarling included a provision for repeal of the Durbin Amendment and its price controls. LCUL/CUNA support this repeal as the Durbin Amendment price controls have been harming credit unions and their members since its passage.

The Durbin amendment was a last minute addition to the Dodd-Frank Act in 2010. This provision has cost credit unions and their members over a billion dollars since it was put in place. Though the retailers promised to lower prices in return for lower interchange fees, they have instead largely used these government-mandated price controls to pocket nearly $42 billion. 

 We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. 
Just for Fun: How to Move On After a Work Mistake
Ever heard the phrase, "Don't cry over spilled milk?" Although this was told to us many times as children, we can also apply it today to our careers. No one is perfect and sometimes we do things in the workplace that we regret. The key is figuring out how to regroup and move past it. Here are a few tips for how to get back up after falling down on the job.

Click here to continue reading.
Professional Development

Branch Manager Workshop Heading to Shreveport!
June 7th - Bossier City (Shreveport Area)

Don't miss this action and solution focused workshop to enhance your managerial skills.
 
Branches are the hub of the Credit Union, and branch managers are the hub of the branch.  Come join us to learn how to excel at your leadership and management role. We'll discuss how to build a team that works together for common goals. Hear how to coach and motivate your team to be committed to success. 

This workshop begins at 9:00 am and will conclude by 4:00 pm.   Our agenda will includes:
  • Learn techniques to effectively coach - say goodbye to "shoulda, woulda, coulda" coaching.
  • Participate in real life coaching moments in a safe environment.
  • Explore different approaches to coach for opportunities.
  • Find out the value of intrinsic motivation.
  • Discover the difference between difficult conversations to conversations that uncover and solve difficulties.
  • Prevent resistance with a simple training technique.
  • Unlock the mystery of the underperformer - what to do before you make the "I assumed error!"
  • Confront challenges before they become real problems. Ignore this at your own peril.
  • Reveal the Pygmalion effect - is it standing between you and your success?
  • Identify coaching moments that make a difference.
  • Learn How to leave a legacy - Don't miss this powerful idea of leadership
 
About the Presenter:
Rory Rowland brings a wealth of knowledge he has been the CEO of 2 Credit Unions, and coached managers for the last 30 years. Nationally recognized as an outstanding speaker, over 250 thousand managers and leaders have participated Rory's high energy, fun and humorous programs. Rory has spoken in every state of the union as well as Canada and Mexico.

When Rory joined us last September for "Selling From Credit Reports", your Louisiana peers had this to say:
  • My favorite presenter I've ever attended so far!  He keeps it interesting & entertaining and is so easy to understand.
  • Rory is very energetic about finding solutions
  • Rory kept my attention throughout the workshop with his instruction techniques.  Great Presenter!
News From CUNA Mutual

April 2017 CU Trends Report Now Available Online
CUNA Mutual Group's Credit Union Trends Report for April 2017 is now available online and can be accessed in the Compliance & Research section of our website, under the heading Research & Information.

During February, credit unions picked-up 538,000 in new memberships, loan and savings balances grew at a 12.8% and 8.4% seasonally-adjusted annualized pace, respectively. Firms hired 235,000 workers, nominal consumer spending increased 0.1%, and long-term interest rates decreased 1 basis point. Real GDP growth is expected to accelerate to 2.3% in 2017, faster than the 1.6% pace reported in 2016.
 
Additional highlights of this month's report include:
 
  • At the end of February, CUNA's monthly estimates reported 5,977 CUs in operation, 9 fewer than one month earlier. Year-over-year, the number of credit unions declined by 242, more than the 241 lost in the 12 months ending in February 2016.
  • Total credit union assets rose 1.9% in February, above the 1.4% gain reported in February of 2016. Assets rose 7.9% during the past year due to a 7.5% increase in deposits, a 28% increase in borrowings, and a 5.7% increase in capital.
  • The nation's credit unions increased their loan portfolios by 0.5% in February, faster than the 0.1% pace reported in February 2016. Loan balances are up 11.5% during the last 12 months. With loan balances growing faster than savings, credit union liquidity is tightening up as the credit union average loan-to-savings ratio reached 79.5%, up from 76.7% in February 2016.
  • Credit union memberships rose 0.49% in February, up from the 0.33% gain reported in February 2016. Memberships are up 4.3% during the past year due to robust demand for credit, solid job growth and comparatively lower fees and loan interest rates.
  • Credit union loan delinquency rates rose to 0.84% in February, above the long-run "natural rate" average of 0.75%. Expect the rate to fall in March due to tax refunds and bonuses allowing some members to catch-up on late loan payments.
 
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 Danielle Thibodeaux at (800) 452-7221, ext. 3018 or research@lcul.com.  
Condolences 

Baton Rouge Telco FCU Board Chairman Passes Away
Windom Thomas "Win" Landry, Chairman of Baton Rouge Telco FCU Board of Directors, passed away on April 28. He served as Chairman for twenty-five years and was awarded the Roy F. Bergengren award in the Credit Union National Association's Volunteer Achievement Program.

He was a native of Ponchatoula, LA and a long-time resident of Baton Rouge, LA. He served two years in WWII, receiving the bronze star for serving in the Pacific Theater. Win attended school at Gulf Coast Radio Broadcasting School in New Orleans, LA. He worked as radio broadcaster then attended Southeastern University, where he graduated Valedictorian in 1953.  He retired from South Central Bell (one of the credit union's core employee groups) with over 38 years of service. He was active in numerous community and civic organizations including the Telephone Pioneers of America, Tara Civic Association, Kiwanis, Elks, and Special Olympics.

"His dedication to the credit union movement and his commitment to serve the members and staff was commendable. It was a passion of his and it showed. We are appreciative of the many years of volunteer service Win has given to Telco," Darryl K. Long, President/CEO. 
Chapter Connection

Lake Charles Chapter Competes in Dragon Boat Races for Children's Miracle Network
The Lake Charles Chapter entered their first ever Dragon Boat Race on Saturday, April 22, benefiting Children's Miracle Network at CHRISTUS St. Patrick Hospital. 

The chapter's team, The Loan Dragons, made a strong showing with twenty rowers. Access of Louisiana FCU's Michelle Jinks's son Kade served as the drummer for the team and took home the award for "best dressed drummer".    

The chapter representatives sported t-shirts with "Lake Charles Credit Union Chapter" displayed on the back. Brian Burton, Access of LA FCU Chairman and LCUL Director, stated, "We thought it was a great opportunity to promote all credit unions while supporting a good cause in the community".

CSE FCU's Clark Yelverton grilled up hot dogs with the help of Ron Cobb and Ray Chavanne of McNeese State FCU, Many staffers brought family to either row or cheer, which made the event even more exciting.    



Have You Heard?

Neighbors FCU Hosts "Kids & Cash" Workshop
Learning to save for what you want is a crucial life skill, but it's one too few young people are learning. That's why for financial literacy month in April, Neighbors FCU focused on helping young people develop good saving habits. Neighbors FCU hosted a "Kids & Cash" workshop at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Main Branch on April 27 from 6-8pm.

In conjunction with coloring, poster and essay contests promoted in April, Neighbors FCU organized the workshop to help children and young adults learn the purpose of money, saving, spending and giving. Kim Chapman, Financial Literacy Coordinator, led 45 parents and children in human bingo game, snapped photos of attendees at a "Give A Hoot About Saving" photo booth and distributed door prizes for fun items like coin counters and water bottles.

"We love helping parents start a conversation about money with their kids at a young age," said Chapman. "Teaching children basic money concepts is essential in developing financially responsible adults. Learn more about Neighbors FCU's monthly workshops on our website. Any attendee of a financial literacy workshop in 2017 is also eligible for the "It Pays to Learn" Contest as well.
La Capitol FCU Celebrates Grand Opening of West Bank Branch
La Capitol FCU held a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate its new West Bank branch. Located at 2044 Manhattan Blvd. in Harvey, LA, the new branch hosted members, staff, representatives of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, and local business leaders. The new branch features a number of upgrades to improve the member experience, including cutting-edge teller pods, multiple drive-thru lanes with new Saturday hours, ample parking, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere.
 
"Thank you to everyone who joined us for our grand opening ceremony," said La Cap President and CEO Michael Hooper. "We are excited about our new and improved West Bank branch, and look forward to continuing to grow with the West Bank community."


Quote of the Week:
"The meeting of preparation with opportunity generates the offspring we call luck." - Anthony Robbins

Register for LCUL's 2017 Annual Meeting!

Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:    

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

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".
  
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