Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: August 30, 2017
In This Issue
Headline News

Foundation Activates CUAid Fund for Texas; LCUL Stands Ready to Assist Louisiana CUs in Tropical Storm Harvey Aftermath
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) has activated the online disaster relief system CUAid.coop to raise money for credit union people in Texas affected by Tropical Storm Harvey. 

Click here to make a donation.
 
As Tropical Storm Harvey moved through Louisiana, credit unions in the southwestern part of Louisiana were hit hard. LCUL has remained in contact with Louisiana credit unions and will continue to do so. We urge credit unions to report closures or operational challenges to [email protected]. (even if you are not on the shared branching network, we ask that ALL credit unions contact us via this email address)

Louisiana CU's Make Bandaid Drive a Huge Success
Anyone who has been around kids under the age of 12 can attest to how important the right bandaid. At last month's convention, LCUL asked attendees to donate boxes of character bandaids to benefit Children's Hospital of New Orleans.  

The outreach was started after Rene Guilbeau, hospital Director of Child Life and Creative Therapies, was looking for small ways to bring joy into the patient experience.  "Kids have very few opportunities to make their own choices while they are patients, and something as small as picking out your own bandaid can mean a lot", said Guilbeau. 
 
Thanks to the generosity of our credit unions, LCUL delivered 235 boxes of bandaids to the hospital earlier this month.  Hospital volunteers made bandaid binders and delivered them to the nurses' stations on each floor.  



Are You Ready? Test Your Cybersecurity Preparedness!
Two sessions to choose from: 
September 12-13 or September 19-20

How would your financial institution respond to a cyber-attack? Find out by participating in the 2017 Financial Services - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC) Cyber-Attack Against Payment Systems (CAPS) exercises in September. Participate from your own premises in a virtual, confidential two-day, tabletop exercise that simulates an attack on payment systems and processes.

 The CAPS exercises present a robust, real-world cyber-attack designed to challenge incident response teams practice mobilizing quickly; work under pressure; critically apprise information; and connect the cyberdots to defend against an attack.

 Click here to find out more and to register.
Professional Development

Last Chance: Train Your Team by Sending Them to 'Basic Accounting for CU Professionals'
financial_accounting.jpgEvery credit union, no matter the asset size or number of branches, needs to have staff with a good solid foundation of the Basics of Accounting.
 
Join us in Alexandria for this one day program taught by one of our own credit union leaders.  Beverly Alwell, CEO of River Cities CU is also a professor of Accounting and is eager to share her knowledge with all of us.  She stands in your shoes and does the same job you do...which means she knows what you need to know!  
 
Topics will include:
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
  • NCUA Accounting Manual 
  • Corporate Account Balancing
  • Accruals
  • Fixed Assets and Depreciation 
  • Allowance for Loan Loss and lease
  • End of the month Analysis
  • Trial Balance and Closing entries
  • Balance Sheet
  • Income Statement
  • Budgets and Budget Variance report
  • Accounting practices for  Asset Liability Management 
Hurry, space is filling up and our room block rate of $97 at the Alexandria Holiday Inn closes on September 7.

Click here for more information.
Pelican State, Ascension CU Team Up to Host 
'Out of This World' Member Service Training
Pelican State CU and Ascension CU are hosting Rick Olson's "Out of this World Member Service" training program in Baton Rouge from November 13 - 16. Rick Olson is passionate about training and motivating staff to improve and enhance the member's experience with their credit union.
 
Pelican's COO Annette Thames and Ascension's COO Susan Curtis both came away from Olson's training with fire to improve their team's behavior and many practical ideas that they put to work immediately. They have seen these methods boost their culture and spill over into their membership. Now, they are sending their entire team through the program, and they want to also invite your credit union to enjoy this curriculum at a discounted cost.
 
The 1-day course option will teach your team how to embrace and drive change along with techniques to blend sales and service. The two-day course option is also a wonderful opportunity to help managers and supervisors learn how to foster a culture of personal accountability and create a learning environment.

Click here learn more about this opportunity and register online.
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Chapter Connection

East/West Orleans & Tri-Parish Chapters Host Timely Meeting on BSA Changes
The East/West Orleans and Tri-Parish Chapters will be hosting a meeting on Thursday, September 14.  A detailed presentation will be provided to all participants relative to the new Customer Due Diligence (BSA) regulations which was effective July 11, 2016 and go into full implementation and compliance on May 11, 2018.

This regulation applies to all covered financial institutions, including Credit Unions. Presentation will cover required changes to the CU's AML Program, CIP, identifying and verifying beneficial owners of legal entities, who is a beneficial owner, collection of information, and other key provisions of the regulations.

When: Thursday, September 14
Networking: 6:00 PM
Buffet and Program: 6:30 PM
 
Where: Clearview Room
(next to Semolina near rear entrance of mall)
4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd
Metairie, LA 70006  

Click here for more information including registration information.
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Have You Heard?

Lake Charles Municipal FCU to merge with Access of LA FCU
The membership of LC Municipal Federal Credit Union (FCU) approved a merger with Access of Louisiana Federal Credit Union (FCU) effective September 1, 2017. This merger offers members of LC Municipal FCU an expanded branch network as well as market-leading products and services, including online and mobile banking platforms. 

Opening their doors in 1956, LC Municipal FCU currently serves more than 700 members with assets totaling $1.23 million.
 
"Access of Louisiana FCU has made exceptional progress over the years in expanding our services and keeping up with the demands of technology. With a proud legacy of financial strength, we are excited to serve the members of LC Municipal FCU," commented Michelle Jinks, President/CEO of Access of Louisiana FCU.
               
Brian Burton, Access of Louisiana FCU Board Chairman, says, "Our vision is to represent what our name already signifies - a credit union that gives consumers access to the financial resources they deserve. We will continue to carry LC Municipal FCU's tradition of serving members while providing the latest innovative financial tools. "
 
Founded in 1955 by employees of the Olin Corporation as Olin Employees LC FCU, the credit union re-branded itself and changed their name to Access of Louisiana FCU in 2009. The credit union currently has three branches with over 5,100 members and $29 million in assets. 
Xplore FCU Partners with Jefferson Dollars for Scholars
Xplore FCU is pleased to announce a new partnership with Jefferson Dollars for Scholars. The mission of Jefferson Dollars for Scholars is to expand access to educational opportunities for Jefferson Parish Public School students through scholarships and academic support.
 
Xplore has agreed to donate a college scholarship and a summer academic enrichment scholarship. The Xplore FCU college scholarship will be awarded to a Senior in the Jefferson Parish Public School system who has high moral character and a strong desire to succeed. The scholarship will be spread out during all four years of the recipients academic career.  The scholarship also includes a laptop that ensures he / she is fully prepared for college.
 
The Xplore FCU summer academic enrichment scholarship will provide one deserving student the opportunity to attend an education based summer program such as space or computer camp.
 
CEO, Rafael Rondon has been asked to join the Jefferson Dollars for Scholars Board of Directors. This will give him an opportunity to promote Xplore and improve their footprint in the Jefferson Parish Public School System.
 
CEO for Jefferson Dollars for Scholars, Lisa Conescu and her Development Director, Tricia O'Hara joined Business Development Coordinator, Todd E. Pereira for a quick photo during the check presentation.
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ASI FCU Hosts Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Mid-City Marketplace Branch
On August 24, ASI FCU hosted the Grand Opening of its newly-designed Mid-City Marketplace branch located at 411 N. Carrollton Ave., Ste. 3. The new branch signifies ASI's customer-centric strategy that will extend beyond standard banking transactions and activities. Customers as well as community members will be invited to participate in educational workshops designed to expand their knowledge of financial concepts and success strategies.
 
During the ceremony, Sonya Jarvis, ASI President and CEO commented on the significance of the new branch. "While this branch is full service and can accommodate a wide range of banking needs, we are most excited about this being our first step in reinventing the way we serve our customers. By redesigning the branch process and leveraging technology to reduce transaction times, ASI's financial advocates will spend more time offering expert financial advice and education"..
 
Per the 2016 National Report Card on Adult Financial Literacy, Louisiana is one of the least financially literate states in the U.S. Jarvis stated, "there is a great need in our community for financial education as many individuals lack the understanding to successfully navigate our complex financial system. This lack of understanding is a primary barrier to economic and social empowerment". The Mid-City branch will not only focus operations on finding customized financial solutions and opportunities for every customer, but serve as a catalyst to bring much-needed financial education to customers and the broader community.
 
The first financial workshop, Financial Fitness Bootcamp, will be held on September 13, 2017 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. This two-hour workshop offered through ASI's affiliate nonprofit A Shared Initiative, Inc., will educate individuals on: identifying spending habits, analyzing household cash-flow, demystifying credit, and implementing a savings strategy. For more information, email [email protected].
 
In attendance were Mayra Pineda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ben Johnson, as well as several ASI, A Shared Initiative, Inc. (ASII), and Chamber board members. 
Lafayette Schools CU Sends Ten Teachers on Back To School Shopping Spree
Ten lucky teachers were the winners of a $250 Back to School Shopping Spree hosted by Lafayette Schools Credit Union. To enter the giveaway, teachers had to register on the credit union's website and tag three of their teacher friends on Facebook.

"It's no surprise that teachers will often spend their own money to make purchases for their classrooms so it was very rewarding to give back and help reduce some of those expenses," said Connie Roy, President/CEO of Lafayette Schools Credit Union.

The giveaway was very well received by the teaching community and there were over 1,300 entries by the end of the registration period. Once the ten winners were randomly drawn, each were given $250 to spend on whatever items they needed for their classrooms. "I am super excited to stock up on things that I was unable to buy for my classroom," said Ashley Saintes, a teacher at Caneview Elementary School in Iberia Parish.


Click here to check out the video highlighting the event!


La Capitol FCU Sponsors Dream Teachers Finalists and Semi-Finalists
La Capitol is proud to announce its continued sponsorship of Dream Teachers, a non-profit organization that recognizes and rewards educators who model instructional excellence and dedication to serve the needs of their students. This year, La Cap sponsored four finalists and semi-finalists for the Teacher of the Year and Principal of the Year awards: Principal of the Year Finalist Twainna Calhoun of Good Hope Middle School in Ouachita Parish; Principal of the Year Semi-Finalist Dewayne Vines of Buckeye High School in Rapides Parish; Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist Tameka Star of East Natchitoches Elementary & Middle School in Natchitoches Parish; and Teacher of the Year Finalist Sarah Butler of Caroline Dormon Junior High School in Rapides Parish.
 
In addition to providing sponsorship support to Dream Teachers for the ninth consecutive year, La Cap President and CEO Michael Hooper also sits on the Dream Teachers Board of Directors, which is comprised of prominent business and non-profit leaders from around the state. Founded in 2008, the goals of Dream Teachers are to raise public awareness of the social and economic impact that teachers have upon Louisiana and to advance the cause of having a quality teacher for every child.
 
For more information about Dream Teachers, visit: http://www.dreamteachers.org/. 
Quote of the Week:  

"Individual commitment to a group effort--that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." - Vince Lombardi
Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:    

October 3-4:  LA/MS Marketing & Business Development Workshop
November 8-9: Underwriting & Collections: Understanding the Roles and the Importance of their Relationship
 
Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League

September 6: Understanding & Processing IRA Rollovers & Transfers
September 7: Responding to Official Demands for Member Funds
September 11: Preparing for Reg CC Rule Changes Part 1: Impact, Detailed Changes & Action Plan
September 12: Regulator Issues for the Credit Analyst
September 14: Director Series: What Directors Should Know About Risk Management
September 19: Managing & Mitigating Data Breaches: Fraud, Forensics & Incident Response
September 20: Supporting Documentation for the ALLL: Current Rules & Future Expectations Under CECL
September 21: ACH Specialist Series: RDFI Returns: 2 Day vs. 60 Calendar Days
September 26: Financial Literacy for Directors Part 1: Introduction to Key Risk Components
September 27: Step-by-Step SAR Completion: Dos & Don'ts
September 28: Record Retention & Destruction Rules: Compliance & Best Practices
October 2: Preparing for Reg CC Rule Changes Part 2: Operations Systems, Audit & Reporting Implications
October 3: Surviving a TRID Compliance Exam
October 4: Countdown to the New HMDA Rules Effective January 1, 2018
October 5: Keys to Effective Employee Recruitment, Onboarding & Retention
October 11: Proper Repossession, Notice & Sale of Non-Real Estate Collateral
October 12: Real Estate Series: ARM & Balloon Payments: Clarifying the Confusion
October 16: Planning & Compliance Considerations for the New Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Uniform Residential Loan Application
October 17: The Only Guide to Understanding Share Insurance You'll Ever Need
October 18: Beyond EMV: Trends in Payments & What It Means for CUs
October 19: Financial Literacy for Directors Part 2: How to Interpret Key Ratios & Financial Statements
October 24: All About 1099 Reporting Part 1: Forms 1099-A & 1099-C: Foreclosures, Repossessions & Debt Settlements
October 25: Risk Management Series: Establishing or Maturing Your Vendor Risk Management Program
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
     
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".
  
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