Headline News

It's Your Turn to Show Your Advocacy Support!
Last week, we distributed a Pelican Politics that highlighted our first quarter advocacy efforts. The Louisiana Legislative session began Monday, April 8, and LCUL has introduced a bill to start the process of housekeeping and modification of some statues which will benefit Louisiana credit unions as a whole. 

On April 30, you have the opportunity to show your support of SB126 by being in attendance at our annual State Governmental Affairs Conference. Don't miss your chance to meet with your legislators to share your credit union story and hear from speakers with both national and state level advocacy updates.

Hood Sworn in as NCUA Chairman; Harper Also Joins Board
NCUA On April 8, the National Credit Union Administration Board announced a change of leadership that had been a closely held secret. As his last official action as chairman of the NCUA Board, J. Mark McWatters administered the oath of office to Rodney E. Hood as the 11th board chairman. Todd Harper was also sworn in as a board member. 

Hood's term will expire on Aug. 2, 2023, and McWatters will remain on the board until his term expires on Aug. 2.

The addition of the two new board members marks the first time since April of 2016 that the NCUA board has been at its full complement of three members. It also marks the first time two new board members have previously worked at NCUA.
Resources to Help Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with your members
April marks National Financial Capability Month and National Credit Union Youth Month. It is a time for credit unions to prioritize educating their members - particularly youth - about the importance of financial literacy while teaching all consumers how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits. 
 
LCUL seeks feedback on your financial literacy efforts. Do you have in-school branches or school/classroom programs? Do you offer workshops or host community events? Email our  communications team and let us know what you do at your credit union!
 
Additional resources:
FREE Webinar on CECL Tomorrow; Resources Updated
NCUAThe NCUA, along with other federal financial regulators, has posted a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document on the current expected credit loss (CECL) standard. CECL will apply to all credit unions, banks, savings associations and financial institution holding companies for which the reporting requirements conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). 

The notice makes clear that until CECL becomes effective, credit unions (and other institutions) must continue to follow current U.S. GAAP on impairment and the allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL).  Existing ALLL policy statements and guidance will not be rescinded until CECL is effective for all institutions.

Registration is also still open for the webinar tomorrow on CECL conducted by financial regulators.
YPN

Don't Forget Your Bear! YPN Workshop Donation 
This year YPN is excited to partner with Barran's Bears, which is a non-profit that provides Teddy Bears to Police Officers and First Responders to utilize at scenes where children are faced with emotional/stressful situations. 

For every bear that you donate at the YP Workshop, you will receive a ticket to win a Roomba! 

Short on time? Below are links to bears on Amazon you can order!
For more information on the YPN Workshop, click here
Professional Development

All Credit Union Volunteers to Unite in Biloxi June 16-18
Calling all Credit Union Volunteers! Whether you serve on your credit union's Supervisory Committee or as a Board Member, this local conference being held at the Beau Rivage has something for you!  This annual conference, is a prime opportunity for all volunteers to gain knowledge, build confidence, idea share through collaboration and walk away feeling empowered in your roles. 
 
Topics covered will include:  Board Governance Essentials, CECL:  Volunteers Edition,  BSA,  Mock Disaster Experience, NCUA  Hot Issues,  Ethical Leadership for the 21st Century,  Teamwork & Leadership Keynote, and  Role specific breakout sessions. 
 
Click here for full details.  
Have you Heard?

La Cap Participates in CU Exchange with Irish Credit Union
La Capitol FCU participated in a credit union exchange program recently with officials from Mullingar CU in Ireland. Their CEO Tom Allen and Board Chairman Paul Isdell made the trek to Baton Rouge to learn about La Cap's lending and digital delivery programs.
 
The group was joined by Mike Reuter, executive director of the World Council of Credit Unions.
 
During the discussion, La Cap staff came to appreciate the benefits that American credit unions enjoy while hearing about current regulations and restrictions Irish CU are attempting to change so that they can offer  checking accounts and secured loan products, such as auto loans and mortgage loans to their members. 
 
First Pioneers FCU Breaks Ground on New Branch in New Iberia
First Pioneers Federal Credit Union recently broke ground for a new branch in New Iberia, Louisiana.  The new branch will be located at 2711 Highway 14 (at the corner of Center Street and Spanish Town Boulevard).

Lawoka Bolden, CEO of First Pioneers FCU said, "First Pioneers FCU has been a staple of the Acadiana community for 70 years and we are excited to open a new branch in New Iberia to better serve our members in Iberia Parish. First Pioneers became community charter, or open to the public, in April of 2018 and Acadiana has responded!  As the credit union continues to grow we are looking forward to  expanding our branch locations to care for our member's financial needs."
 
Louisiana FCU Receives Diamond Awards
Louisiana FCU was recently honored with four Diamond Awards, which recognize outstanding marketing and business development  achievements in the credit union industry.
 
The awards were presented by the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council, comprised of over 1,300 credit  union professionals. Awards are given in 36 categories, and  Louisiana FCU received awards for Social Media and Annual Report. They also received Diamond Awards in the Cutting-Edge category for their Quick Savings Quiz entry and in the Diamond in the Rough category for their Boost Your Savings campaign.
 
CSE Supports Local Theatre
CSE Federal Credit Union (CSE) announces its support for the Lake Charles Little Theatre (LCLT) as a Show Sponsor for the 2019-2020 Season. The sponsorship is part of CSE's ongoing celebration of 75 years of service in Southwest Louisiana.

LCLT is moving forward with continuous efforts to improve the entertainment value and quality of life within the city by making strides toward a new Central Perfoming Arts Venue. LCLT is the oldest cultural and arts effort in Southwest Louisiana. It is operated 100% by volunteers, as led by the Board of Directors. 
 
Neighbors FCU's Clays for a Cause Postponed to May 10
Due to weather and safety concerns Neighbors has postponed its annual charity sporting clays tournament.

The Neighbors Capital Area Foundation will now host its 6th annual charity sporting clays tournament, "Clays For A Cause," on Friday, May 10, 2019 at the Bridgeview Gun Club located at 1365 Northwest Dr., Port Allen, LA 70767. Registration will open at 9:00 AM, and the shoot will kick off at 10:00 AM.

"Clays For A Cause is one of our primary fundraising initiatives for our annual Neighbors Way Tuition Assistance Award," Neighbors President and CEO Steve Webb said. "We believe that investing into the continuing education of our local students is making an investment into our own future. And, that is an investment that always yields dividends."
 
Campus Federal Volunteers at LSU Fundraiser
The Campus Federal Service Team assisted with the 33rd Jambalaya Fundraiser event held by the Kiwanis Club of LSU. Service Team members boxed 600 jambalaya lunches provided by local business, Rice & Roux. Proceeds from this event are used to fund many civic activities on the LSU campus and in the Greater Baton Rouge area, including LSU Scholarships, Special Olympics of Louisiana, Kiwanis House, and LSU International Hospitality Foundation.
 
Pelican State CU Promotes Matthew Rabalais to AVP of Information Technology
Pelican State Credit Union promoted Matthew Rabalais to the position of Assistant Vice President of Information Technology. Rabalais joined Pelican in 2006 after completing his degree in ISDS from LSU, and has been instrumental in coaching and developing the Pelican IT Team.
 
Rabalais has mentored and coached his team to be able to service one of the largest credit union branch network in Louisiana, with 16 locations spread across the state. He has worked tirelessly in streamlining the process of designing, ordering, building, and installing branch equipment to create a seamless experience for staff as we merge, relocate, or open new branch locations.
 
Quote of the Week:
"To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well "
- John Marshall

Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

April 17-18: CU Connect Marketplace and Roundtalbles
April 30: State GAC
May 3-4: YPN Workshop
June 16-18: LA/MS Volunteer Conference
June 18: Essentials of Share Accounts
June 25-26: ULend Academy

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

April 16: Loan Underwriting 101: Interviewing, Credit Reports, Debt Ratios & Regulation B  
April 17: Your Borrower Filed Bankruptcy, Now What?  
April 18: Liability with ACH Death Notification Entries (DNEs) & Reclamations
  April 23: Top 20 Questions About Completing the TRID Loan Estimate & Closing Disclosure  
April 24: Escrow Account Shortages, Surpluses & Deficiencies  
April 25: Asset Liability Management Strategies in a Rising Rate Environment  
April 29: Hacking the Weakest Link: The Role of Staff in Maintaining IT Security  
April 30: Introduction to Call Report Loan Classifications
May 2: Troubled Debt Restructuring: Identifying & Accounting for Impaired Loans  
May 7: Developing & Delivering an Effective Loan Presentation
May 9: Job-Specific BSA Training for Lenders  
May 13: Accurately Completing the SAR Line-by-Line

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