Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: March 20, 2019
In This Issue
Headline News

Louisiana Recognized for PAC Fundraising at CUNA GAC 
CUNA recognized credit unions around the country for outstanding advocacy and fundraising efforts during the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C. last week. The Louisiana credit union system was awarded the 2019 National Vanguard Award for exceeding its CULAC goal in 2018.
 
Louisiana credit unions didn't just meet its goal for the year- they more than tripled it by raising 359% percent of our original goal.
 
"Now more than ever, the credit union movement depends on legislators' understanding the credit union difference. Legislative bills designed to add taxation or increase regulations are presented to Congress each year, so the work CULAC does is vital. The Vanguard Award shows that Louisiana understands the importance of CULAC and is committed to investing in the future of this industry. I couldn't be prouder to represent such a strong PAC with an even strong grassroots participation. Louisiana credit unions have certainly earned this award as well as the national recognition that comes with it," commented Sidney Parfait, Louisiana CULAC Chairman.
 
In addition to Louisiana winning the Vanguard award, Kraftman FCU was recognized as runner up for the CULAC Pinnacle Award for credit unions under $250 million in assets. They raised a total of $10,997 for CULAC!  

Keep the Momentum Going: Register Today to Attend the State GAC!
Last week during the hill visits at CUNA GAC, Bob Gallman, told attendees, "We can make phone calls, we can send in comment letters, we can fill up email inboxes, but none of that comes even close to the difference we make when we are walking these hallways, filling these meeting rooms and looking our elected officials in the eye while representing our 1.2 Million credit union members back home!" 

Make sure you are in attendance  at our upcoming State  Governmental  Affairs conference on April 30th in Baton Rouge to connect with our elected officials and share your credit union story. 

Agenda at this year's conference will Include:
  • Welcome/League Advocacy Update
  • Attorney General Jeff Landry discussing current status of ADA
  • Regional Director Keith Morton with an Update on current climate of NCUA
  • Jeff Brooks, Adams and Reese, with a National Legislative Update
  • Eli Jospeh, Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer, with a CUNA Update
  • Rob Rieger, Adams and Reese, with a Louisiana Legislative Update
Governmental Affairs

Louisiana League Instrumental in CRA Provisions
Through the collaboration over the last four months between the Louisiana Credit Union League, MD|DC Credit Union Association, Cooperative Credit Union Association, and CUNA, suggestions were provided on alternative language to Senator Elizabeth Warren's American Housing and Economic Mobility Act. 

The bill was reintroduced in Congress last week and included some of the suggested language from the leagues and CUNA.  This is a great example of your League's advocacy in action and reinforces the benefits of building strong relationships with our legislators. 
Professional Development

You Have Questions, We Have Answers: 
CU Connect 
Watch the video below as Jody Brooks, VP of Professional Development, answers her most asked questions about our new event, CU Connect!

2019 CU Connect Questions

Business Solutions

The 5 "P's" of an Excellent Overdraft Service

jmfa The biggest form of flattery for a community bank or credit union? A positive recommendation.  A Temkin Group report stated that 77% of those who had an excellent service experience were likely to recommend an institution. 

With so many social media and online review sites, it's easier than ever for people to spread their satisfaction to the masses. And the masses are listening: according to a 2018 BrightLocal Consumer Review Survey, 78% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations. When it comes to your overdraft program, how do you define excellent service?

Have you Heard?

Wymar FCU Recognized for Member Benefits at CUNA GAC
While attending the 2019 GAC Conference in Washington, D.C., Wymar Federal Credit Union ranked 3rd in CUNA Benefits of Membership Award in the "$100 Million to $1 Billion in Assets" category. Many credit unions across the nation submitted their fees, rates and dividends in 2018 to CUNA to see just how much money they save their members. While CUNA utilized this date to compare it to local banks in each credit union's area, the end result showed that Wymar Federal Credit Union saves their members an average of $699 per household by choosing them as a financial partner over a bank!
 
"This recognition is a testament to what Wymar FCU is all about. Our goal is to always embody the credit union difference by putting the needs of our members first saving them as much money as possible, educating them on the importance of financial literacy, and providing exceptional service day in and day out. We are immensely honored and proud to have received this award!" stated  CEO, Ronnie Stephens. 
Meritus CU Partners to host Parents Financial Literacy Lunch and Learn
GEAR UP, Iberia Bank, Meritus, LPSS, and UL partnered with the Dave Ramsey Group and Keynote Anthony O'Neal, the author of "The Graduate's Guide, 5 Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make in College," to host a Financial Literacy Summit on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The summit focused on living a debt-free life through the keynote's presentation, student/banker dialogue, and an interactive web video featuring "Miss Be Helpful" with Next Gen Personal Finance Group.  Parents were treated to a lunch and learn that focused on preparing financially to support their students while in college. 

Meritus Credit Union has provided financial literacy and counseling since its beginning in 1954.  "We were very pleased to partner with Gear Up to provide parents information about how they may support their student with financial planning for their ongoing education," said Connie S. Roy, President/CEO of Meritus. In addition to Connie's presentation, UL VP of Enrollment, Dr. DeWayne Bowie and Financial Aid Executive Director, Cindy Perez, provided step by step financial aid guidance to increase their student's success while going to college.  Lafayette Schools Student Placement and Counseling Services Coordinator, Tonya Hebert also provided insight to parents regarding what their students should do now while they are sophomores and juniors to ensure that they qualify for scholarships, TOPS and other financial assistance.

Traci Aucoin, LPSS Gear Up Program Director said, "By partnering with GEAR UP, Meritus is able to bring financial literacy programs to high school students and their parents.  Learning these concepts at an early age can help students manage their finances now and in their future. Parents participating in financial literacy and counseling programs sponsored by Meritus have already seen success in preparing to support their student financially while in college."
 
GEAR UP is a college access grant. Federally funded by the US DOE. Administered by the Lafayette Parish School System.
Campus Federal Leads Financial Education Course in the LSU Community

Campus Federal facilitated a four week long financial education curriculum to a select group of 15 LSU graduate students as part of a PhD dissertation program. The Money Management course offered information on the importance of credit, including how to build and improve credit and credit scores. Budgeting, the stock market and steps to homeownership were also covered.
La Cap FCU Designated "Best of the Best"
MemberXP, a credit union member experience measurement platform, has designated La Capitol Federal Credit Unionas one of 2019's "Best of the Best" credit unions.
 
La Cap won the honor in three categories this year: Outstanding Member Experience, Outstanding Member Transaction Experience, and Outstanding Member Loan Experience.
 
The MemberXP Best of the Best designation is awarded to credit unions that consistently provide exceptional levels of member service during a calendar year. This prestigious award is given to fewer than one in five of the high-performing credit unions using MemberXP's service evaluation platform. A credit union cannot apply for this award. It is independently granted by MemberXP based on specific criteria including member service and ease of use.
 
MemberXP is a platform that allows credit union members to provide immediate feedback on the service they receive. The platform utilizes mystery shops and member surveys to gauge the overall member experience across multiple delivery channels and specific experiences such as getting a loan or opening a new account.
 
"The team should feel proud of the feedback we get from members through MemberXP. This feedback lets us know we are accomplishing our mission, which is to promote the financial well- being of our members," said La Capitol CEO Michael Hooper. "Our more than 47,000 members at our 16 branches across Louisiana deserve to do business with a financial institution that respects them and works in their best interest. I am proud of the team at La Cap for making that possible for our members.
 
Constance Anderson, founder of MemberXP, said, "La Capitol Federal Credit Union's top scores indicate a real commitment to doing what is right for members."
Quote of the Week:
"Hope is not strategy. Hope fits with vision, but we must have a strategy and a process to make our vision become a reality. "
- John C. Maxwell

Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

April 11: Preparing for the BSA Exam
April 17-18: CU Connect Marketplace and Roundtalbles
April 30: State GAC
May 3-4: YPN Workshop
June 18: Essentials of Share Accounts
June 25-26: ULend Academy

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

  March 21: Required Compliance for Commercial Loans Secured by Real Estate
  March 25: Handling Power of Attorney & Living Trust Documents on Deposit Accounts & Loans
  March 26: Board Reporting Series: Red Flags in Board Reports
  March 27: Global Cash Flow Analysis for Underwriters & Credit Analysts
April 1: New Private Flood Insurance Rules Effective July 1, 2019
April 2: Mobile Device Risks, Records & Compliance Rules: Managing Your BYOD & COPE Policies & Procedures
  April 3: UDAAP: Consumer Complaint Monitoring & Avoiding Harm
  April 4: Enterprise Risk Management: Three Key Risk Assessments
  April 8: Notary Essentials & Legalities
  April 9: Board Reporting Series: Security Officer Reports to the Board: Fulfilling Your Annual Requirement
  April 10: Teller Training Series: Accurately Completing the CTR Line-by-Line


For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website.
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(800) 452-7221   www.lcul.com