Headline News


Cyberattack is one of the most notable threats for credit unions and the number one concern for credit union regulators; therefore, it is imperative for credit unions to go through this training to ensure they are more prepared and have another layer of protection from attacks.
 
TRGroup has partnered with Radford University (a University located in Virginia designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and US Department of Homeland Security) to offer cybersecurity training to credit union professionals.
 
Credit union professionals have access to enroll in Radford University's groundbreaking IMPACT program, a competency-based education workforce development program focused on cybersecurity.  It's an online program designed for busy professionals, is delivered in an asynchronous, self-paced manner and credit union professionals have up to twelve months to earn 18 credit hours - and helps to prepare credit union employees for professional certification exams.
 
Take a moment to watch this :90 video explaining the cybersecurity program or click here to read an overview.
 
Questions? Visit the website for more information or contact LCUL's Steven Liberto.

The Raiffeisen Group, LLC (TRGroup) is a collaboration of seven state leagues utilizing our collective strength to bring the best-of-class products, services and service to credit unions at the lowest possible cost.  

LCUL distributed June's 'Pre-Fab Marketing Toolkit', focusing on the importance of communication when combining finances. This resource provides timely, basic, and ready-to-go content to help increase member engagement via your communication channels (newsletters, websites, blogs, social media, etc).
 
NEW! We've added some new elements to the monthly toolkit like videos for digital marketing and a social media promotional calendar for the month of June.
 
Distributed the last week of the month, each toolkit includes articles, social media posts, and graphics as well as a template to share with your loca l media.

Additionally, we pull media clippings of Louisiana credit unions in the news to help spark media outreach ideas. 
Collectively, credit union received  estimated $242,816 in earned media in the May.
 
To help maximize this resource or to start receiving the monthly toolkit, reach out to Lacey H. Weaver, VP of Communications & Public Relations.
S. 2155 Officially Law
Last Thursday, President Donald Trump signed S. 2155 into law, after it passed the Senate in March and the House earlier on in the week. 

Trump's signage of the bill into law marks a monumental win for credit unions in terms of regulatory relief. While the legislation rolls back much of the Dodd-Frank Act's regulations, there is still work to be done to continue deregulating credit unions.

Although S. 2155 and its benefits are officially law, we advise that you continue conducting business as usual until the legislation is fully enacted. LCUL will provide additional information regarding finalized rules by the necessary departments and agencies.
Professional Development

Two  Opportunities  for Volunteer Training This Summer

Supervisory Committee & Director's Conference
June 24 - 26, Lake Charles

Why should you join us at the beautiful Golden Nugget Resort in Lake Charles?  This is the first year that Louisiana and Mississippi expands this conference to cover the educational needs of ALL our credit union volunteers...Supervisory Committee Members as well as Board Members! 
 
Don't miss this GOLDEN opportunity for volunteers right here in Louisiana. Click here for full details including registration and hotel booking link. 

Southeast Regional Director's Conference
July 15-18, West Palm Beach Florida
 
Directors and CEO's of credit unions from the 10 Southeastern states gather for this annual 3-day conference which features a full range of informative sessions on critical, timely issues with first rate speakers addressing issues of the economy, lending environment, innovations and much more!

Click here for more information on the full agenda and hotel information for the  SRCUS Directors Conference.

Have you Heard?

Louisiana FCU Awards $2000 Scholarship to High School Senior
Haley St. Martin, a graduating senior at St. Charles Catholic High School, was awarded the Ronald E. Thomas Memorial Scholarship on behalf of Louisiana F CU. St. Martin's outstanding scholarship submission was selected among other graduating senior student entries. Haley was named the salutatorian of her graduating class and plans to attend medical school to become a pediatrician.
 
The $2000 scholarship honors the late Ronald E. Thomas for his local and national contributions to the credit union movement. Thomas, who passed away in 2002, was a board member of Louisiana FCU for more than 65 years.

Attached Picture: Left to right: Louisiana FCU Marketing Associate, Lyndsey Delatte and Branch Manager, Joey Cambre present a $2000 check to scholarship recipient, Haley St. Martin.

University of Louisiana Federal Credit Union Celebrates 60th Annual Meeting
University of Louisiana FCU celebrated its 60th Annual Membership Meeting on Wednesday, May 2 at the UL Lafayette Student Union Atchafalaya Ballroom. Members enjoyed a complimentary lunch, door prizes and a photo booth. The 2017 annual report was unveiled with the theme of "Your Financial Goals, Our Priority". Oliver Blanchard, Albert Glaude and Loretta B. Tauzin were re-elected to three year terms on the Board of Directors. Debbie Kidder, President and CEO was recognized for 40 years of service and Melanie Riedl, Vice President-Development & Strategic Initiatives was recognized for 10 years of service.


 
Meritus Credit Union  Supports Hospice of Acadiana Foundation
Meritus CU recently partnered with Hospice of Acadiana Foundation as an outlet for their 18th annual "Hit the Road" raffle ticket sales. The raffle sales were available through all four of branches located throughout Acadiana, March 28 through May 18. 

In addition to ticket selling, Meritus CU donated on behalf of its members $1500 to assist with fundraising. "We are so pleased with the phenomenal success with the sale of tickets this year for a wonderful cause!  Thanks to all" said Connie Roy, Meritus CU President/CEO.

Pelican State CU Grants $13,000 in College Scholarship Awards
Pelican State CU granted $1,000 scholarship awards to thirteen college-bound Pelican members in its branch communities across Louisiana as well as one out-of-state member this year.
 
The winners were announced LIVE on Pelican's Facebook page. Click here to watch the announcement.
 
2018 Pelican State CU Scholarship Award Recipients:
  • Alyssa Bradford - Pineville High School
  • Olivia Davis - Caddo Magnet High School
  • Taylor Guillory - Opelousas High School
  • Haley Hill - Dutchtown High School
  • Madison McGehee - Barbers Hill High School
  • Zach Mercy - Alfred M. Barbe High School
  • Kaleb Morgan - Denham Springs High School
  • Emily Otken - Denham Springs High School
  • Kiswayla Scott - Zachary High School
  • Kylie Shows - Lafayette High School
  • Myles Simmons - Silliman Institute
  • Michael Villordon - Neville High School
  • Noah Williams - Ponchatoula High School
A volunteer committee made up of Pelican employees scored the scholarship applications based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership, community service and letters of recommendation. This year the committee received 62 applications from students with a combined 1,000 hours of volunteer service.
 
In 11 years, the credit union have awarded $69,000 in scholarships to 102 Louisiana high school graduates.

Quote of the Week:
"To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone."
- Reba McEntire
Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

June 8-15: SRCUS CUNA Management School
June 12-14: University of Lending
June 24-26: Supervisory Committee Conference: Plus new Director's Track!
July 15-18: SRCUS Director's Conference
August 1-4: LCUL Annual Meeting & Convention
August 22-23: Branch Manager Forum 2.0

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

May 31: Job-Specific Compliance Training for Lenders
June 5: Red Flags in
Residential Appraisal Compliance
June 6: Call Report Advanced
Lending Schedule
June 7: Forgeries, Counterfeits, Fraudulent EFTs & More: Who is Liable?
June 12: Overdraft Disclosure Requirements: Regulations, UDAAP & Legal Risks   
June 13: Beginning IT Officer Training
June 14: Understanding Employee Leave Policies
June 19: Safe Deposit Box Issues      
June 20: Reg E Requirements for Debit Card Error Resolution
June 21: Advertising Compliance for Electronic, Website, TV & Radio Promotions
June 26: Notary Essentials, Legalities & Best Practices
June 27: Opening Trust Accounts
June 28: Maximizing Social Networking Platforms
 
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".