Headline News

FREE LCUL Partner Webinar: State of Cyber Security for CUs, Predictions for 2019
LCUL, in conjunction with LEO Cyber Security,  is pleased to offer Louisiana credit unions a timely webinar on the state of cyber security and security-related predictions for 2019 on February 20 at 9:00 a.m. This webinar will provide credit unions with detailed information related to:
  • What credit unions are doing right in cybersecurity and what needs to improve,
  • Cyber security changes in 2019 that all credit unions need to prepare for, including NCUA regulations and the new Automated Cybersecurity Examination Tool (ACET), and
  • The common and emerging cyber threats LEO security analysts are seeing specifically targeting credit unions.
There is no charge to attend the webinar for affiliated credit unions. To register, please email Shannon Morneault, Director of Partner Services. A link to the webinar and login instructions will be emailed to registrants a few days prior to the webinar broadcast date.
Louisiana CUs Gain Significant Media Coverage in Short Period, Bring Awareness to the Reasons They Exist

LCUL strives not only to help you better serve your members, but to make it a priority to bring awareness to the good work you do. From January 18 through January 23, LCUL pushed out media advisories and releases around the state regarding credit union assistance during the government shutdown as well as the surprise check presentation for the year-end Lucky Lagniappe winner.
 
 
Thank you to those who submitted information. We encourage credit unions to continue sharing information such as this so that we can gain as much exposure as possible.  Take a look at some of the highlights:
Get Your Copy of LCUL's 2019 CU Planning Calendar!
LCUL distributed our 2019 Louisiana Credit Union Planning Calendar earlier this year. Designed to be a valuable resource tool for the busy credit union professional and/or volunteer, the calendar contains a wealth of useful information.
               
Additional copies of the 2019 Louisiana Credit Union Planning Calendar are available for your board and/or staff. If you would like to purchase additional copies, please contact Jason Swint, at [email protected] or (800) 452-7221, ext. 3020.
NCUA Board Approves Flood Insurance Rule
In Louisiana, the  topic of flood insurance never goes away. Last week, The National Credit Union Administration Board unanimously approved  a final rule  allowing federally insured credit unions, under certain conditions, to accept private flood insurance policies in addition to National Flood Insurance Program policies.

The Board approved the rule by notation vote on January 31. It will take effect July 1. The NCUA is one of five federal regulatory agencies issuing the rule.
Pelican Politics

Looks Like We've Got Ourselves a Full NCUA Board on the Way: What Does That Mean for CUs?
Yesterday, League partner Dollar Associates, LLC distributed a client update regarding the President's nominations to the NCUA Board. 

In the update, Dennis Dollar provides an interesting perspective on what this means for credit unions. He is optimistic that both nominations will be confirmed by the Senate, but presumably not until late May.  In regards to field of membership, Dollar is optimistic that this new NCUA board will be a very solid bipartisan leadership panel at NCUA on this crucial issue.

LCUL distributed a special issue of Pelican Politics with a link to the update. To access this information, please contact LCUL's Communications Department
Professional Development

Share Accounts: Prevent Costly Errors & Loss
Two Dates, Two Locations to Choose From!

We all know that even the tiniest errors can hit our bottom line in a BIG way.  Protecting your credit union starts with knowledge of the most essential Share Account details.

Back by popular demand, Kristen Tatlock returns to Louisiana for to keep you one step ahead. 

What will you learn? 
  • All the Do's and Don'ts of account cards
  • Avoid confusion with opening and titling your accounts.
  • Ensure your member's rights at death are accurate.
  • Understand your account card disclosures and be able to explain them to members
  • How to complete the W-9 and W-8BEN
  • She'll touch on Business account titling too
  • And she navigate you through accounts for Minors
This topic is one that is so vitally important, we scheduled it twice this year.  Pick the Date & Location best for you, or split up the team so everyone gets fully trained.  Registration is now open for both dates:
Business Solutions

How Negotiating with Vendors Can Be Easier Than You Think
jmfa Taking a comprehensive look at existing service contracts can yield unexpected savings and improve the quality of the services you provide account holders - without ever changing vendors.  Learn what to take into consideration and the best timing to get more savings.

Have you Heard?

Pelican State CU Offers Two New Scholarship Awards
Pelican State Credit Union announced two new $1,000 scholarship awards designed to benefit students who have excelled in specific areas outside of their scholastic record, bringing the total awarded to 2019 high school graduates to $15,000.
 
The Heart for Service Award will be granted to a student who exhibited outstanding service and dedication to their community. Also being offered for the first time is the Pelican Perseverance Award. This award will be granted to a student who exhibited strength and commitment to overcome adversity and challenges during their high school career.
 
In addition to the new awards, Pelican will continue to grant $1,000 college scholarships to 11 college-bound members in its branch parishes across Louisiana, one member living out of state and one member related to a Pelican employee. More information regarding scholarship criteria along with the application link can be found on  Pelican's website.
La Capitol FCU Launches February Food Drive in New Orleans Area
New Orleans area branches of La Capitol Federal Credit Union, in cooperation with the New Orleans area Salvation Army, will host a food drive to benefit needy families. The drive will last from February 1 to February 28.
 
Members of the public are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to the West Bank branch on Manhattan Boulevard, or the Metairie branch on Veterans Memorial Boulevard. Donation boxes are set up in the lobbies of both branches.
 
Every Thursday, area families come to the Salvation Army Center of Hope for food assistance from the Community Pantry. Families or individuals in need of assistance should contact the Salvation Army at (504) 899-4569 or visit the Center of Hope at 4500 South Claiborne Avenue.
 
Anyone who wishes to give a monetary donation can do so directly to the Salvation Army by clicking here.
Quote of the Week:
" Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower "
- Steve Jobs

Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

March 10-14: CUNA GAC
March 22:  Essentials of Share Accounts
April 11: Preparing for the BSA Exam
April 17-18: CU Connect Marketplace and Roundtalbles
April 24-25: ULend Academy

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

February 7: ACH Tax Refund Exceptions, Posting & Liabilities
February 12: Risks & Precautions for Endorsements & Other Negotiable Instruments
February 13: Board Secretary Procedural & Compliance Responsibilities
February 14: Your CU's Responsibilities Under the New Rules, Effective April 1
February 19: Determining Cash Flow from Personal Tax Returns After 2018 Tax Reform Part 2: Schedules D, E & F
February 20:
Debt Service Coverage Calculations in Underwriting
February 21: The New NIST Digital Identity Guidelines: Impact on Passwords, Security Questions & Account Lockouts
February 25: Debit Card Chargebacks Part 1: Understanding Visa Rule Changes
February 27: ACH Dispute Resolution
February 28: Flood Insurance Compliance Update & FAQs
March 5: Strategic Decisions Regarding CECL Methodologies, Processes & Governance
  March 6: Essential Board Reporting: Requirements, Timing, Delivery Options, Risks & Concerns
  March 7: Federal Requirements for Tech-Based Marketing: Websites, Social Media, Robo Calls & More
  March 11: Cross Selling: The Key to Accountholder Satisfaction & Retention
  March 12: Synthetic ID Fraud: What It Is, How It Works & Real-Life Scenarios
  March 13: 2019 ACH Rules Update  
March 14: Debit Card Chargebacks Part 2: Understanding Mastercard Rule Changes

For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website.