Attend Credit Union Advocacy Training!
Are you passionate about credit unions? Want to learn how to effectively advocate for the credit union movement? Then join us for one of our December advocacy trainings!

These trainings are designed to equip credit union employees with tools and resources to be advocacy champions at their credit union.

At the end of the training, you’ll walk away with:
  • A strong understanding of the policy issues facing our industry
  • A comprehensive advocacy toolkit 
  • Increased confidence in advocating for the credit union movement!
 
Two advocacy training options are being offered this year to help provide a time and location that is convenient for credit union employees. Attend a training on Tuesday,  December 4  in Des Moines, or on Thursday,  December 6  in North Liberty.

There is no cost to attend and lunch will be provided courtesy of ICUL’s Member Engagement Plan. Register today, space is limited!

Questions? Contact  Gracie Brandsgard at 515.224.8956.
Apply for the Small Credit Union Grant by November 16!
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The Iowa Credit Union Foundation is accepting applications through Friday, November 16 for the Small Credit Union Grant made possible by Veridian Credit Union. 
 
This grant allows Iowa credit unions under $35 million in assets to apply for grants in the following categories:

  • New technology investments
  • Strategic planning and consultation services 
  • Registration and travel expenses to attend the 2019 ICUL Legislative and Regulatory Issues Conference on February 19-20 

Apply now by   downloading the application

Questions? Contact Jaimie Miller at 515.221.3001.
CUNA Credit Union Board Certification School 2019 Registration Open
Now open for 2019 registration, CUNA Credit Union Board Certification School, formerly known as CUNA Volunteer Certification School, continues to provide board members with valuable education and networking opportunities.

Attendees will have the opportunity to earn their Certified Credit Union Board Member  designations onsite, provided they have met other prerequisites and can pass the onsite exams.

The 2019 school is scheduled to run from May 6-10 in San Antonio, TX. View the full press release here .
ICUL's Protect Financial Choice Campaign Wins PRSA Central Iowa Prime Award
Not only did the “Protect Financial Choice” campaign help lead to advocacy success during the tax battle, it recently won a Prime award from the Public Relations Society of America’s Iowa chapter.

Launched before the 2018 legislative session, the Protect Financial Choice campaign included earned media, paid media, digital media and event strategies. However, its success would not have been possible without the credit union champions all across Iowa that helped advocate and spread the message about the importance of a not-for-profit, cooperative choice in the marketplace.



PolicyWorks Iowa Government Affairs Manager
Gracie Brandsgard and Public Affairs Director
 Jessica Maldonado.
Convention Videos Are Available on the ICUL Convention Recap Site
This year, the keynote speakers at Convention were inspirational and encouraged change and growth. Share their messages with employees at your credit union by directing them to the Convention Recap website!

Check out Karen McCullough's "Change is Good - You Go First" opening keynote speech, or watch Eric Boles's inspirational "Moving to Great" video. The Iowa Innovation Group presentations are available as well!
The Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship Application Is Now Open
The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) has opened the Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship for applications. Scholarships totaling $11,500 will be awarded to high school seniors and graduates. The annual scholarship program honors the late Warren Morrow. Warren was the founder of Coopera and a visionary in the credit union industry who dedicated his life and career to helping the underserved.

  • High School Scholarship - Designated for high school seniors planning to enter college in 2019. 
  • First place: $3,000
  • Second place: $2,000
  • Third place: $1,500
  • Fourth place: $1,000 
  • Post-High School Scholarship - This scholarship is designated for individuals entering or attending an accredited undergraduate, graduate or vocational program in 2019. Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded. 

Applications may be found on the Iowa Credit Union Foundation website .

Questions? Contact Jaimie Miller at 515.221.3001.
CUNA Mutual Group: Simplify Life Insurance; A Winning Strategy
Life insurance offers a unique opportunity for credit unions to offer a service that may strengthen long-term relationships with members, while also helping improve their financial features.

Read this article on how CUNA Mutual Group can better provide options that meet evolving member expectations, ensuring you're there for your members - now and for many years to come.
Participate in Project Zip Code
It is more important than ever to show credit unions’ strength in numbers and we need your help to do it. In January, new members of Congress and staff will arrive in Washington, D.C. and one question lawmakers always ask is “how many credit union members are in my district?” We are able to share that information with them due to our credit unions’ participation in Project Zip Code!
 
Project Zip Code (PZC) is a secure program that matches credit union members by legislative district based on their zip code. No personally identifiable data or individual information leaves your computer. 
 
We are asking all of our credit unions to update their member information in PZC before the end of the year. To update your data, the latest version of Project Zip Code is available via download .
 
If you have technical questions or errors, please contact Gracie Brandsgard at 515.224.8963.
Apply to Crash the 2019 GAC
The 2019 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) is March 10 - 14. The Cooperative Trust, CUNA and all state leagues are joining forces to have at least one GAC Crasher from each state.

Crashers are credit union young professionals (35 & under, or "35 at heart") who are sponsored to attend a conference at a lower cost and with additional content designed especially for young professionals. Applications are easy, and the entire experience is career-changing! Crashers receive free conference registration from CUNA. Travel, lodging, and food costs are the responsibility of the Crasher and their credit union.

Deadline submissions are due November 30. Apply  here !
Register for Upcoming Education Events
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