Headline News

Credit Union Backed SB 126 Clears Louisiana Commerce Committee Today; HB 528 Scheduled for Next Week
Wynter Roy, Bob Gallman, Rob Rieger, and Jeff Conrad at the State Capitol
The new legislative session kicked off April 8 and LCUL is already in the trenches. Earlier today, Senator Ed Price and credit union representatives introduced Senate Bill 126, which was voted favorably from the Louisiana Commerce Committee.
 
The League distributed a special issue of Pelican Politics yesterday urging credit unions to contact members of the Commerce Committee in support of two credit union bills being introduced within the week.

With the help of Adams & Reese, and KRP, LCUL drafted Senate Bill 126: Safety Deposit Abandonment, Beneficiary Deposit Cap, Expelling Members with Cause. Wynter Roy (EFCU Financial) and Jeff Conrad (Pelican State CU) testified on behalf of Louisiana credit unions earlier this morning along with Bob Gallman, LCUL CEO, and Rob Rieger with Adams & Reese (pictured above). 
 
The other piece of legislation that we are keeping our eyes on is House Bill 528, introduced by Representative Edmond Jordan, which addresses unfair lending practice. We are hoping HB 528 will be brought to the floor next week during our state GAC and will notify credit unions as information becomes available. 
 
View SB 126 and HB 528 in its entirety. A summary of the present and proposed laws can be found at the end of each draft.
 
A special thank you to all of those who reached out to committee members in support of the proposed legislation. For more information, contact Angela Gervias, VP of Advocacy. 

LCUL Awards $8000 in Management School Scholarships
In our continuing efforts to ensure that exceptional training programs are readily available to Louisiana's credit union leaders, LCUL is proud to award partial scholarships to the Southeast Regional Credit Union Management School (known as SRCUS) held annually in Athens, Georgia.  
 
This year's scholarship winners are being awarded $1000 toward their tuition at this 8-day management school.  Join us in congratulating 2019's recipients who proudly represent credit unions from all across the state:
  • Stefanie Lux,  Ascension CU
  • Derrick Chambless, Centric FCU
  • Jill Brazzle, Eagle LA FCU
  • Tara Breaux, Maple FCU
  • Kim Murphy, Monroe Telco FCU
  • Evelyn Parker, NODA FCU
  • Olivia Arceneaux, People's CU
  • Amy Kidder, University of Louisiana FCU
Scholarships are awarded based on many factors indicated in their applications and accompanying letters of recommendation including the applicant's commitment to continuing their education,  years of service in the credit union movement and the leadership skills they display to their credit union and community. 

"SRCUS is so much more than a typical conference or a workshop.  This immersive experience more closely resembles a condensed college semester in management & leadership studies - all in just 8 days a year, for 3 straight years," commented Jody Brooks, VP of
Professional Development

Professional Development

Need Training for your Lending Team? We've got you covered and then some!
What type of training environment do you prefer?  An interactive group collaborative workshop?  A multi day/multi-presenter conference setting?  A singular instructor/multi day deep dive?  Whatever your preference, LCUL has your lending training needs fully covered with a wide variety of options available this summer...
 
ULend Academy - This customized capacity controlled lending experience was previously sold out but now just ONE seat remains for June 25 & 26 in Baton Rouge. Transform your lenders into consultants at this hands-on, group workshop where lenders of all skill levels are guided as teams through all stages of the loan process -origination, underwriting, closing, cross selling & consultation. 

With only one seat remaining, registration is first come first served through email ONLY at [email protected] - after that spot is claimed, all other submissions will be added to a waitlist. 
 
Southwest Lending Conference - Coming to New Orleans on May 22-24 this conference includes Keynote Speakers, General Sessions, Breakout Tracks for Consumer, Mortgage and Business Lending and a Vendor Exhibit Hall. Early bird pricing has been extended until May 1st! (Plus join the Member Business Services Council for FREE and earn an additional registration discount!)  
 
University of Lending- This lending program (known to many as the Rex Johnson program) is a popular model that many Louisiana credit unions follow. This session was offered last June and is back for an encore presentation on June 24-27 but this year there's an newly added element.  A single day session designed just for CEOs and Board Chairs precedes the standard 3 day University of Lending program.
 
Mortgage lenders, fear not, we didn't forget about you! We have Mortgage Loan Origination Training with Michael Christians scheduled for August 22nd in Baton Rouge. Save the date, registration will be opening soon!
 
Special Discount to MAC for Louisiana CU Professionals!
The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (or MAC, to the cool kids) is hosting their annual conference May 28-31 in New Orleans. The annual event allows attenedees to experience networking with top marketers, world-class general sessions, workshop-style breakout sessions, and events to help you think outside the box.

Louisiana credit unions can gain access at a special discounted rate.  Visit www.macnetwork.org site and use THANKYOU19 in the promo code.
Have you Heard?

3 Louisiana Professionals Join 42 Graduates from Foundation's DE program
Forty-two credit union leaders were certified as Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) after completing the National Credit Union Foundation's  Credit Union Development Education (DE) Training. Three Louisiana professionals now join the ranks of those who hold the special designation:
  • Crystal Abshire, Campus FCU
  • Misti Gravouia, Maple Federal CU
  • Jessica LaRocca, Southwest Louisiana CU
The April DE Training was held April 3-8 at the Lowell Center in Madison, Wis. and was attended by employees and volunteers from credit unions and system partners across the United States and the globe.
 
DE Training is a unique experiential training program that provides lessons in credit union structure, purpose and the "why" that differentiates credit unions from other financial institutions. During the Foundation's signature program, participants are involved in group exercises, field visits and interactive speaker sessions that provide insights into how credit unions can leverage their unique business model to help their members and communities overcome the financial and developmental issues they face.
Pelican State CU Gives Away 500 Pounds of Crawfish to Members 
On March 28, over 200 members of the St. Landry Parish community joined Pelican State CU to celebrate the Grand Opening of its  St. Landry branch's new location. Members, Pelican employees, dignitaries, and special guests in attendance all enjoyed free food, games, and music. 
 
After the ribbon cutting ceremony, Pelican team members served 500 pounds of boiled crawfish to members. The credit union also gave away a 50-inch TV!
 
To honor the history of St. Landry Parish FCU, Pelican created a printed booklet and  blog post of its history, and a special framed photo collage, which now hangs proudly in the branch. 
Campus Federal Sponsors Match Day
Campus Federal participated as a sponsor of the recent annual Match Day celebration, which is when the students and their families find out what school they will attend to complete their graduate-level medical education.

Envelopes revealing the number of new doctors who will train in Louisiana were opened at the LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Match Day Ceremony at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
3 CSE Team Members Earn IRA Specialist Certification
Andrea Sam, Chrisy Schiro and Michelle Leger, team members of CSE FCU, completed their certification to become Certified IRA Specialists. They join Judy Morrissey, Rebekah Gieger and Sherry Woods with this achievement, giving CSE a total of six IRA specialists with a grand total of 65 years of certification.

CSE IRA Specialists tested with Ascensus, the largest independent retirement and college savings service provider in the United States. To remain certified, IRA Specialists require extensive annual training, giving CSE competitive advantage with certified expertise. CSE commits to having a well-versed staff in this area. The knowledge gained in order to stay current on IRAs and retirement concerns is invaluable when assisting CSE Members.   
Quote of the Week:
"Anyone can find the fault; it's hard to find a cure."
- John Zenger


Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

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 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
May 15: Teller Training Series: Managing Dual Control & Cash Limits
May 16: Hot Issues in Cyber Compliance
May 20: Top 10 Ways to Mitigate ACH Payment Risk
May 21: Evaluating Collateral & Personal Guarantees for Loan Repayment
May 22: Repossession Practices, Compliance & Limitations
May 23: Supervisory Committees:  Understanding Expectations & Avoiding Landmines
May 29: ACH Stop Payments vs. Unauthorized Extended Returns: Know the Difference
May 30: Military Lending Act & SCRA: Compliance & Lessons Learned  

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