Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: September 18, 2019
In This Issue
Headline News

What's for  Lunch ? 2019 CU Lunch Local Material Now Available!
"We have a strong tradition at Ascension CU in supporting local businesses. We participate in Lunch Local each year to reinforce our commitment to the community. Not only does our staff participate in the week-long celebration, but we host events that extend the celebration to our members. It's just a fun time for everyone here at the credit union."

Lloyd Cockerham,
President/CEO of Ascension CU

One of our most successful initiatives is back! Join us in supporting local small businesses October 14-18 during International Credit Union Week as we celebrate CU Lunch Local.  LCUL provides everything you need to get in on the action. All we need is your participation...
  • Decide who your team leader will be and send us an email to let us know you're participating. Once you sign up, your team leader will receive an electronic participation packet with everything you need to make your CU Lunch Local a success.
  • After you receive your participation packet, use the materials to get the word out to your staff and encourage them to participate. 
  • Share your story by letting members, local businesses and your communities know about your participation before, during, and after the event.
Participating credit unions will be featured in promotional material including media releases. 

 Want to be a part of something great? Sign up and get your participation packet today!   Click here for more information .

Registration Open for 2020 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference
LCUL  and CUNA invite Louisiana  credit unions to register for the 2020 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. February 23-27.
 
CUNA GAC offers an action-packed schedule, including keynote and breakout sessions from renowned speakers, an expansive exhibit hall and numerous networking opportunities.
 
At the heart of CUNA GAC are Hill visits, which are organized by LCUL. Conference attendees go to Capitol Hill to speak to their legislators, sharing how credit unions make everyday life better for 115 million American members and having important conversations to improve the credit union regulatory environment.
 
Credit union professionals under the age of 35 will again have the opportunity to attend CUNA GAC on scholarship facilitated by The Cooperative Trust .  League-specific events will be communicated closer to the event. 

 To learn more and register for the conference, please visit www. gac.cuna.org .
Professional Development

Book your Ascensus IRA Trainings Now
Help your members prepare their IRA nest eggs with Ascensus IRA trainings on November 20 and 21 in Jackson, MS.  Whether you are a newbie to the world of IRA's or you're a veteran who's ready to tackle IRA's more complex issues, we have the optimal training opportunities for you! 
 
In our IRA Essentials class, you will learn the basics of Traditional and Roth IRAs and be able to confidently work with IRA owners.  If all you need is a general refresher or are new to IRAs, this is the perfect fit for you!

In IRA Advanced our instructor's will expand your existing knowledge and equip you to provide enhanced personal service to your members.  You'll be using real-world exercises to apply what you're learning to job related situations.  If you already have a solid IRA foundation, or you are a compliance specialist responsible for IRA procedural oversight, this is the course you are looking for.
 
Want to know more to help you pick the class or classes that best match your training needs?    Click Here to be routed to MSCUA's website for details session descriptions and registration.
Products & Services

Complimentary Webinar: Does Your Overdraft Strategy Have the Right Perspective?
Date: Wednesday, September 25
Time: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
 REGISTER

Presented by Cheryl Lawson, Executive Vice President of Compliance Review at John M. Floyd & Associates
 
After five consecutive years of year-over-year increases, credit unions experienced a drop in overdraft revenue earlier this year. Coupled with ongoing regulatory review of overdraft rules, a recent spike in Overdraft/NSF Fee demand letters alleging deceptive practices and excessive fees have targeted credit unions. Is it time to take a look at your overdraft strategy to make sure you're getting optimal results, maintaining full compliance and providing the best service for your members?
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
  • Regulatory compliance and industry trends related to overdraft services
  • Key performance indicators for more successful overdraft program results
  • The role of next generation analytics and reporting capabilities in program management, goal-setting and problem-solving strategies
  • The correlation between ongoing employee education and greater program outcomes
  • Keys to more informed member choice and better service experiences
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This informative session will benefit chief executive officers, chief financial officers, compliance officers, operations staff, member services/retail staff.
 
Have you Heard?

NCUA Awards 10 Louisiana CUs with Grants
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) has awarded $1.9 million in grants to help 155 low-income credit unions increase outreach to underserved communities, improve digital services/security, and train employees. Ten Louisiana credit unions were among those who were the recipients of the grants, which ranged from $1,900 to $100,000.

Counselor Certification 
Ascension CU
Greater New Orleans FCU
Meritus CU
Carter FCU

Digital Services & Security
Rapides General Hospital Employees CU                              
Bayou FCU

Training
Iberville FCU              
Calcasieu Teachers and Employees  CU         
Eagle Louisiana FCU       

Underserved Outreach
Pelican State  CU

Click here to view the entire press release.                   
Louisiana FCU Named One of the Top Workplaces in Greater New Orleans Area
Louisiana FCU has been named one of the Top Workplaces in the Greater New Orleans Area by Nola.com/The Times-Picayune for a fourth consecutive year. The Top Workplaces list is based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey that measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution and connection.

"We are thrilled to be named a Top Workplace for the fourth year running," said Rhonda Hotard, President/CEO of Louisiana FCU. "We take great pride in creating an environment where employees can work alongside enthusiastic, like-minded people in a vibrant atmosphere that provides real opportunities for growth."

Louisiana FCU embraces the philosophy that employees should work together to benefit members financially while achieving their own personal and professional fulfillment along the way. They call it "living their WHY." The approach has proven to be a win-win for staff and members alike.

"The truth is, people can buy financial products anywhere, but what they can't get elsewhere is the talent from a team that pays attention to the little things, demonstrates pride, and lives our tagline: 'Helping you get there.' Our employees are the core of everything we do right," said Hotard.

Jefferson Financial Donates Over 300 Backpacks Filled with School Supplies to Families in Need
Jefferson Financial FCU hosted its inaugural Back to School Bash in Baton Rouge and Livingston as well at its branch in Selma, Alabama. The Credit Union created the Back to School Bash as a means to provide students with the supplies needed to start the school year off right. Jefferson Financial gave out over 300 school bags containing essentials such as pencils, crayons, loose-leaf paper, folders, notebooks, calculators, and more.
 
Beginning with a successful kickoff event on August 3, at Livingston Parks, the Back to School Bash had a great turnout among local residents. Livingston Branch Manager Dacia Delacerda said, "The weather was great, and it was a joy to see the kids sporting their school bags."

The credit union followed its successful launch by hosting a second giveaway at in Batn Rouge on August 9. "It was truly humbling to see how thankful the parents were to get their kids a brand new school bag to start the year off right," remarked Baton Rouge Branch Manager Vicky Gaudet.
 
Jefferson Financial marks its inaugural Back to School Bash as a huge success and looks forward to hosting more giveaway events on a larger scale in 2020. "We know not every parent can afford all the schools supplies on their list or a new school bag," said Business Development Representative, Carl Duplessis. "We want every kid in our community to start the year off feeling confident, and we hope this event will help them do that."
Campus Federal Assists with LSU College of Agriculture Burger Bash
Campus Federal assisted with the LSU College of Agriculture Burger Bash as part of the Welcome Week for the college. Campus Federal volunteers served more than 600 burgers (beef and veggie) to students, faculty and staff. The members of LSU College of Agriculture Alumni Association grilled the hamburgers and several departments within the LSU College of Agriculture donated various desserts for event attendees to enjoy.
Neighbors FCU Promotes Westmoreland as Vice President of E-Commerce
Neighbors is proud to name Kelly Westmoreland of Walker as the Vice President of E-Commerce at Neighbors FCU. Westmoreland started with Neighbors in 2008 as a teller. In 2010, she was part of the team that launched Neighbors FCU's Walker High School branch, which is still open nine years later.

She was later promoted to the Back Office Operations department as a Card Specialist and was shortly promoted again to Fraud and Forgery. From there, she moved into Project Management as the Project Analyst before being named AVP of Project Management.

In 2018, Westmoreland completed the Project Management Preparation program with LSU's Continuing Education Program obtaining her PMP. Westmoreland is a member of the Baton Rouge Chapter of Project Management Institute Incorporated and the Young Professionals Network.

"I could not be more thrilled for this opportunity," Westmoreland said. "At Neighbors, I know everything I do ultimately helps build a stronger community around us."
Quote of the Week:
"Be brave to stand for what you believe in even if you stand alone."
- Roy Bennett

Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

September 18-19: Marketing & Business Development Conference
October 9-10: New Laws & Compliance Conference
October 29: Financial Counseling Next Steps
November 7: Financial Counseling Next Steps
November 20-21: IRA Essentials/Advanced with Ascencus

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:
 
September 19:  Emerging Trends & Developments in Online, Mobile & Digital Channels
September 24:   Mitigating a Data Breach: Forensics & Incident Response
September 25:  Hiring in the Digital Age: What Every HR Manager Needs to Know About Social Media
September 26:  What Directors Should Know About CECL, ALLL & the New Credit Impairment Standards
October 2:  New BSA Officer Training Part 1:
Compliance, Risk Assessment, CTRs, Exemptions, Forms & Regulator Expectations
October 3: SAR Hot Spots & New Guidance: Email Compromise, Hemp, Elder Abuse & More
October  8:  Head Teller Training: Maximizing Teller Performance
October  9:  When a Depositor Dies: Legal Requirements, Practical Issues & FAQs

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