Headline News

LCUL's 2017 Convention Update: Early Bird Discounted Registration is Friday!
Those planing on attending LCUL's Annual Meeting & Convention are encouraged to do so by Friday, July 7 to receive special early bird pricing. Don't miss the opportunity to get an all access pass to what's going on in the Louisiana credit union movement.  

Additionally, the hotel has extended the deadline to this Friday, July 7. For more information on hotel accommodations, please contact Jody Brooks, Director of Education.

Click here to make your hotel accommodations today!
 
Additional information can be found on the League website. Questions? Contact the  League's convention team today!
Don't Miss Out! Convention Attendees Vote for Prize-Linked Savings Name, Design at LCUL's Annual Meeting
 
LCUL has been working behind the scenes on the implementation process for a Prize-linked Savings (PLS) program and is eager to roll this out.  We've accomplished quite a bit, including the completion of product design, data processing and prize administration with the Minnesota CU Network.
 
As we prepare to roll out this new initiative, there is one more piece to the puzzle: naming the product. During our annual meeting and convention, attendees will vote on which name/design they think best fits Louisiana credit unions.  Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of something exciting as we roundout the final touches on a product that is sure to touch the lives of your membership. Stay tuned for more information!
Just for Fun: 4 Things You Should Be Advising Your Millennial Members Against
If you're not marketing to millennials, you should be. As of last year, Millennials surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest living generation in the United States.

While there are many arguments as to the exact definition of the millennials age range, the majority of demographers start the generation in the early 1980's and end it in the mid 1990's.

As this generation begins to take over the American workforce, here are a few things you should advise your millennial members against, to protect their finances and keep their money in your credit union.
Compliance Corner

Compliance Corner: Get the Facts about REAL ID
You are probably aware that REAL ID documents are being issued to citizens throughout the United States, which can be a source of confusion and misinformation. Here is a snapshot of facts about REAL ID.
 
The REAL ID Act of 2005 is a cooperative effort between the federal government and states to ensure high standards for personal ID documents, such as state driver's licenses. The standards apply to both the process of verifying an individual's identity and the material quality (including security features) of the card itself. The overarching goal is to increase national security.
 
An individual will need a REAL ID document to:
  • Enter any federal facility where personal ID is required.
  • Enter a nuclear power plant.
  • Board a federally-regulated commercial aircraft. However, a standard driver's license or ID card will be accepted if the traveler also presents a valid passport or other acceptable form of ID.
 The implementation dates for these situations are being phased in gradually, with boarding aircraft as the final phase (2016, at the time of publication). See the current implementation timelines here.

Click here to continue reading.
Products & Services

JMFA: What's on your 'overdraft program' checklist?
Lists are all the rage. Grocery lists, to-do lists, bucket lists and more. On a larger scale, we use lists to define the "must-haves" for just about anything.  Love 'em or hate 'em, they work for many people. Proponents state that lists make them more organized, intentional and successful, and list-making provides purpose and structure to help achieve a sought-after result.
 
As problem-solvers in the financial services industry, we agree that having a checklist is always beneficial. Your credit union is bound by order, processes, regulations, and much more. Accordingly, a roadmap of actions can help you serve the needs of your members.  They'll appreciate a logical approach which can help them understand the value of your products and services.  And more importantly, it will strengthen your account holder relationships.  
 
The same can be said for a successful and fully-disclosed overdraft program. By answering "Yes" to these three items, and getting to "Yes" for any that remain, your credit union's program can contribute more to your initiatives' success.

Click here to continue reading.
Have You Heard?

Louisiana Well Represented During SRCUS Management School with 12 Attendees, 3 Graduates
The Southeast CUNA Management School (SRCUS) wrapped up last month in Athens, Georgia. The intensive eight-day program cultivates management and leadership skills necessary to both thrive and excel in credit union career advancement.   
 
The learning process at SRCUS is a well-rounded curriculum that goes far beyond classroom instruction.  Students also take part in outdoor physical challenge courses which stimulate their courage, confidence and problem solving abilities. Those in the graduating class also participate in a hands-on service project which reinforces the credit union principle by giving back to our communities.
 
Second year students submit in-depth analysis projects of their own credit union. The project submitted by Pegeen Singley of Centric FCU was recognized with a High Standard of Excellence award. 

Students in their third year work in teams to write a whitepaper on current industry trends and topics.  The team that included Theresa Wolff of Greater New Orleans FCU won the top award for Outstanding Whitepaper titled "The Not-So Secret Ingredient for Marketing Success" based on the subject of Content Marketing.  The team with Michelle Jinks of Access FCU & Jill Zeringue of Louisiana FCU also won top honors in a vote by classmates for Best Presentation of a Whitepaper on the topic of  "Credit Union Service Organizations: Collaboration takes Action."    
 
Louisiana was proudly represented by twelve students this year from all corners of the state with three of the twelve graduating from the program. B e sure to check out our League Facebook page to see some photos of our Louisiana students in action last month. A follow up article with additional details, photos and features will be highlighted in our next issue of our online publication, Membership@Work.  
 
First Year Students:
Dishawn Richard (Orleans Parish Criminal Sheriff's Office CU)
Kim Murphy (Monroe Telco FCU)
Mary Jordan (ASI FCU)
Stefanie Lux (Ascension CU)
Tara Breaux (Maple FCU)

Second Year Students:
Angela Baker (Heart of Louisiana FCU)
Ashley Neal (Valex FCU)
Pegeen Singley (Centric FCU)
Yolanda Whitmore (Neighbors FCU)

Third Year Graduates:
Michelle Jinks (Access of Louisiana FCU)
Theresa Wolff (Greater New Orleans FCU)
Jill Zeringue (Louisiana FCU)


Pelican State CU Hosts University of Lending in Baton Rouge
Pelican State CU hosted Rex Johnson's University of Lending in Baton Rouge for over sixty attendees from twenty-one different credit unions across the state.
 
Ed Swanson, Vice President/Consultant at Lending Solutions Consulting, Inc., is the charismatic speaker who delivers the 3-day course that helps credit unions of all sizes learn how to increase loan volume and boost return on assets while fulfilling the credit union mission of serving individuals of modest means.
 
In the spirit of the credit union movement in Louisiana, Pelican covered over 50% of the costs to give smaller credit unions affordable access to this training opportunity. Credit unions who are under $30 million in assets received an additional discount.
 
"If we all adapt these lending practices together and make a larger impact in the lives of our members and communities, it will increase awareness of the credit union difference," said Pelican CEO Jeffrey K. Conrad.
 
The lending philosophies taught through this course emphasize that bad things happen to good people and credit unions need to focus on the relationship with each member rather than their credit score.
 
"Ed is the Lending Authority and continues to bring value to our credit union year after year," said Conrad. Attendees agreed with this sentiment as 100% of those who responded to the survey said that they would recommend the training to a colleague and would attend the training again next year.
 
"It was a privilege and an honor to present the University of Lending school to this very enthusiastic group of credit union lenders and leaders who were very eager to learn more ways to assist their existing members and potential members with their borrowing needs," Swanson said. 
 
"Many thanks to CEO Jeff Conrad and his amazing team at Pelican State CU for turning this great idea into a reality," said Swanson. 
 
Pelican State CU and Ed Swanson have already made plans to repeat this training experience in Baton Rouge next summer.
Quote of the Week:
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." 
- Walt Disney
Learn about the program that earns both you AND your members rewards!

Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:    

July 26-29:  LCUL's Annual Meeting & Convention
 
Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League

July 6: Director Series: Effectively Assessing Credit Risk & Defining Credit Risk Appetite for Directors
July 10: Wire Transfer Security Issues: Regulatory Guidance, Risk Management & Monitoring
July 12: Regulatory Requirements When Employees Work from Home: Overtime, FMLA, ADA, Safety & More
July 13: Call Reports: Financial Statements & Schedules B-E
July 18: Creating an Effective Suspicious Activity Program: 
July 19: Regulation E Series: Regulation E Fundamentals: Back to Basics
July 20: Working with Troubled Members: Loan Extensions, Deferments, Re-Aging, Refinancing & Incentives
July 25: 20 UCC Provisions You Must Know When Cashing or Depositing Checks
July 26: E-Compliance Rules, Policies & Best Practices for Email, Web, Mobile & Social Media
July 27: Risk Management Series: Conducting a Fair Lending Risk Assessment
     
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".