Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: January 30, 2019
In This Issue
Headline News

CUs Needed: CUNA to Quantify CU Impact During Government Shutdown
An estimated 800,000 families across the country faced financial uncertainty during the government shutdown that began on Dec. 22, 2018, and lasted for four weeks. During this time, America's credit unions embodied their structure and mission, providing assistance for members, eligible members, and other organizations supporting those affected by the shutdown.

Now, the credit union community needs your help. Through use of a brief  online survey, CUNA is collecting data on how many loans, loan extensions, skip-a-payment waivers, and other financial solutions your credit union extended to members.


Your answers will help us build a local, statewide, and national narrative on how well credit unions serve their mission and structure in times of crisis and help all of us better advocate the CU difference! 
Lucky CU Member Wins the $5,000 Grand Prize for Prized Linked Savings Participation
Elizabeth "E.B." Brooks was shocked when University of Louisiana FCU presented her with a $5,000 check last week as the  first annual winner of LCUL's Lucky Lagniappe Program, an incentive-based savings program that rewards members across the state by entering them into a statewide drawing to win cash prizes .

Brooks had no idea why she was asked to come into the branch. Out of the 771 people at 13 credit unions statewide who opened Lucky Lagniappe savings accounts last year, Brooks was randomly drawn to win the annual grand prize.
 
"I'm ecstatic and I'm so happy I opened up that savings account with the credit union," Brooks said. "They explained it to me, and it seemed like a great incentive to save, so I told them to sign me up. I terrible at saving. This is a great incentive to save."

Launched last January, Lucky Lagniappe rewards credit union members for saving on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. At the end of each year, a winner is drawn for the $5,000 grand prize.
 
The check presentation was an opportunity to recognize the 2018 winner as well as to celebrate the program's successes throughout 2018. Lucky Lagniappe program participants have collectively saved nearly $300,000 in the first year!
 
Brooks said she is going to save most of the money but noted she would donate a portion back to Moncus Park, which is currently under construction on Johnston Street at the old Horse Farm.
 
Click here to check out the video segment on the local news station!

Rebecca Law Selected to Represent Louisiana as CUNA GAC Crasher
The Louisiana Credit Union League is pleased to announce that Rebecca Law of Neighbors FCU has been selected to attend Crash the 2019 CUNA GAC. 

"I am honored to attend the GAC. While I am there, I will be educated on real concerns, issues and hear real stories of how credit unions effect the lives of working Americans. I cannot give enough thanks to CUNA & Filene Research Institute for working hard to make this happen & Neighbors FCU, & LCUL for making this a possibility for me to attend!",commented Law. 

Crash the GAC is a career-changing program for credit union young professionals that allows them to participate in the industry's largest advocacy conference, exclusive networking opportunities, leadership development tools, and mentoring sessions with industry leaders. 

CUNA provides Crashers with a complimentary registration fee to attend the conference, while the Louisiana YPN covers the transportation. 
Professional Development

Don't Miss Out on February Trainings; Topics Selected by YOU!
You don't want to miss these upcoming Professional Development opportunities. Registration is open but filling up fast. Reserve your spot today! 

CU's on the Grow
What do Louisiana credit unions want most?  You told us that GROWTH in all aspects (membership, assets, loans, and market share) is YOUR top priority.  We heard your request and found the answer for you!  Watch this brief video below to hear how to position your credit union for growth in 2019!

Ready to register your team for this February 6 & 7th program?

Then, keep the education momentum going to keep up with your new growth...
 
Increased growth for your credit union will mean increased need to update and train your staff. LCUL joins with Mississippi Credit Union Association to ask the question, "Who's training your trainer?" Make sure they have someone to support them with the tips and techniques necessary to help others to learn, retain and excel in their job duties! 

Make sure your trainer attends our Train the Trainer Bootcamp in Jackson, Mississippi on February 20th.   Click Here to register.

News from CUNA Mutual

January 2019 CU Trends Report Now Available
CUNA Mutual Group's Credit Union Trends Report for January 2019 is now available online and can be accessed in the CU Products & Services section of our website, under the heading Performance and Data Resources.

During November, credit unions picked up 227,000 in new memberships, loan balances grew at a 9.6% seasonally-adjusted annualized pace, while savings balances grew 8.1%. Firms hired 176,000 workers, nominal consumer spending increased 0.4% and long-term interest rates decreased 3 basis points. Third quarter economic growth was revised down to 3.4% and rose 3% over the last year. 

 For more information, view the complete report here . If you have problems accessing the information or have additional questions, please contact Jason Swint at (800) 452-7221, ext. 30 20 or [email protected] .
YPN

LCUL's YPN Calls for New Steering Committee Members
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) is our statewide initiative that provides networking, development and growth opportunities for credit union professionals age 40 and under. YPN is led by its Steering Committee, which is charged with setting the overall goals and direction of the network.
 
YPN is searching for members to fill two committee seats in the Baton Rouge area and one committee seat in the Shreveport area.
 
Committee members are asked to attend up to six committee meetings across the state of Louisiana, hold at least one 'YPN Meet-Up' per quarter in their area, attend conference calls, be the go-to for questions from the area's current/potential members, and participate in and lead special events in their area as needed (ie: ICU Day Financial Education Reading Initiative and YPN Boot Camp).
 
All current YPN members in the Shreveport and Baton Rouge areas were recently emailed this information. Those interested in serving on the committee should submit a completed application with essay responses and a recommendation letter from immediate supervisor and/or credit union CEO by Monday, February 18, 2019. Click here for the fillable application!
 
Not a member of YPN but want to join? Click here!
Have you Heard?

Joseph C. Battaglia is retiring from POECU
On January 31, 2019, Joseph Battaglia will retire from his position as Executive Vice President of Post Office Employees CU (POECU).

On February 1, 1990, Battaglia became the CEO of Homeland FCU (formerly known as US Customs FCU). There, he spent almost two decades serving the employees and families of Homeland Security. In October of 2016, Homeland FCU merged with POECU, where Battaglia became the Executive Vice President.

"The most rewarding part of the job has always been interacting with the members. I know that the future of this credit union is in good hands, and will always be an institution that puts its members first."
La Capitol FCU Announces Promotion of Amy Welch to VP of Indirect Lending and Collections
La Capitol FCU announces the promotion of Amy Welch to Vice President of Indirect Lending and Collections. With 14 years experience in indirect lending and collections, and 22 years in the banking industry, Welch brings valuable experience and leadership to the indirect lending and collections teams.
 
Welch has been with La Cap for six and a half years. Previous to her promotion, she was Indirect Lending Manager.
Pelican State CU Vice President Michelle Ford Featured in Business Report
Pelican State CU recently promoted Michelle Ford to the position of Vice President of Human Resources. Ford served as the Assistant Vice President of Human Resources since 2012, and in this role she drove positive change for the constantly-growing Pelican team. She is a trustworthy resource for promotions, new hires, job descriptions, payroll questions and everything that falls under the Human Resources umbrella.
 
Ford researched, proposed and implemented new employee benefits such as the 5% match on 401K contributions and increased vacation accruals. Under her leadership, the Human Resources department has helped cultivate a culture that has earned Pelican a spot on the Best Places to Work list for five consecutive years.   
 
Get to know Ford as she talks about her daily routine, changes in the human resources profession and her favorite spot for a lunch meeting in this interview with the Business Report. 
Quote of the Week:
" Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill

Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

February 6-7: CUs on the Grow: Create Preference, Deliver Excellence, Sustain Relevance
March 10-14: CUNA GAC
March 22:  Essentials to Share Accounts
April 11: Preparing for the BSA Exam
April 17-18: CU Connect Marketplace and Roundtalbles

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

January 30: Analyzing Financial Statements for the Credit Analyst
January 31: Frontline Fraud Prevention: Stopping Fraud at the Teller Line
February 5: Right of Setoff on Deposit Accounts & Loans: Legal Issues
February 6: CAMELS Rating for Executives
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

For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website.
Copyright © 2018 Louisiana Credit Union League 
824 Elmwood Park Blvd, Suite 200, Harahan, LA  70123
(800) 452-7221   www.lcul.com