Headline News

LCUL 2020 Excellence in Marketing Awards Program Now Accepting Submissions
Did you create a fresh and innovative marketing program that you're really proud of? Then we want to see it. The call for entries is officially open for the LCUL's 2020 Excellence in Marketing Awards Program.

Covering every medium from print to digital to in-person events, focusing on strategy, distribution, editorial, and design, credit unions are recognized in eight categories.

NEW! LCUL has transitioned to an online platform to simplify the submission process and provide a user-friendly mechanism for participants. With more than 200 entries submitted last year, this new software will allow us to optimize both the submission and judging experience. Remember...
  • Entries will be judged by a panel of leading industry influencers and experts in respective fields.
  • Only one entry per category can be submitted (NEW)
  • Entries must have been created during January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019 to qualify
  • Supply as much data as possible about the success of your project(s)
  • Individual category finalists and winners will be announced in August 2020.
Click here to submit your entries!

Deadline: July 10, 2020. 
For more information, contact communications@lcul.com.         
FinCEN Issues Advisory on Medical Scams Related to COVID-19 and Companion Notice Providing Filing Instructions for FIs
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) yesterday issued an advisory to alert financial institutions to rising medical scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This advisory contains red flags, descriptions of COVID-19 related medical scams, and information on reporting suspicious activity. This is the first of several advisories FinCEN intends to issue concerning financial crimes related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
FinCEN also issued a companion notice that provides detailed filing instructions for financial institutions, which will serve as a reference for future COVID-19 advisories.
 
FinCEN analyzes COVID-19-related information obtained through public reports, Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) data, and law enforcement partners. FinCEN will issue financial analyses and intelligence, as appropriate, to financial institutions to help them detect, prevent, and report suspected illicit activity.
 
Read the medical scam advisory here .
 
Read the reference notice here .
Professional Development

FiCEP Recertification Opportunities
If you earned your Certified Financial Counseling designation in 2017, you are encouraged to recertify this year. CUNA has made some big changes to simplify the process for you, including the elimination of the recertification exam.

To learn more about the two options CUNA is providing, click here.  

If you have any questions, feel free to contact ficep@lcul.com.
Business Solutions

Three Reasons You Have Leverage to Negotiate Vendor Contracts Right Now
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Thinking your bank or credit union isn't large enough to negotiate major savings on your vendor contracts-especially now with the COVID-19 crisis? Think again. Here are the truths about negotiating that you can't afford to ignore.  

Have You Heard

Campus Federal Helps Celebrate Silver Anniversary of OLOL Children's Hospital's Fundraiser
To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of its annual fundraiser, "Driving the Future," Campus Federal's partner, Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, is raffling off the chance to win one of five Silver Lexus vehicles. 100% of the proceeds from the raffle benefit Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital, and the 100,000 patients treated there annually. 
 
The cars will be parked outside of the Campus Federal Perkins location through May 20, 2020 to help increase visibility and generate community awareness of the fundraiser. Tickets for the raffle may be purchased online at https://foundation.ololrmc.com/drive for $50 per ticket. 

The drawing will be televised live on WAFB-TV Channel 9 on June 24, 2020 and winners will be notified the same day.
Louisiana FCU Raises Thousands for Cancer Research
Louisiana FCU staff members and their families rallied together to raise funds and awareness for American Cancer Society (ACS)'s 2020 Relay for Life of St. James Parish.

In addition to being a gold sponsor for the event, Louisiana FCU raised money throughout the year by holding raffles, selling t-shirts with the phrase "not today cancer," and hosting numerous fundraising events. In total, the credit union raised $12,497 for the cause.

To ensure the health of the public and its participants, organizers of the St. James Relay for Life adapted the ceremony to a drive-by luminary trail in Lutcher on Saturday evening. Lutcher Avenue was lined with luminaria bags and signs to give attendees a chance to celebrate cancer survivors and honor lost loved ones at a safe distance.
La Cap Offers $50 for First 100 Graduating Seniors to Open Checking Account
As part of its sponsorship of the Louisiana's Teachers Rock virtual concert, La Capitol FCU is offering $50 to the first 100 graduating seniors who open their first checking account with the credit union.

"Graduating seniors are just starting their financial journey," said Michael Hooper, President and CEO of La Capitol FCU. "We want to help them start out right by offering them a checking account that will fit their needs now and that can grow with them as they mature and establish good financial habits."

The $50 offer is available to those first 100 students if they maintain the account in good standing for at least 60 days. All checking accounts offered by La Capitol Federal Credit Union are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

The Louisiana's Teachers Rock virtual concert festival is to be a unique streaming experience meant to laud Louisiana's teachers through musical performances, cameo appearances, and positive messages. Tickets and the list of performers can be found on the concert website, LouisianaTeachersRock.com.

The virtual concert will take place on the Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, May 23 and 24.
Neighbors FCU Announces 5th Annual May We Pay Your Mortgage Contest
Neighbors FCU will be paying one month's mortgage to a lucky winner as a part of its fifth annual "May We Pay Your Mortgage" contest. Anyone with a mortgage in the Neighbors service area may enter. Membership is not required for this contest.

The entry period will be the rest of May. The winner to be announced before July 31. The contest will be facilitated through Neighbors FCU's social media pages (@NeighborsFCU). Entries to the contest will be granted by following Neighbors on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter There are additional entry methods listed at https://www.neighborsfcu.org/maywepayyourmortgage2020/.

"We are delighted to provide a bit of of relief for a lucky winner during these uncertain times," Neighbors President and CEO Steve Webb said. "This contest is always a fun way to engage with our community through social media while raising awareness for our full suite mortgage services we provide."
Quote of the Week:
"For success, attitude is equally as important  as ability ."
- Walter Scott

Educational Calendar

Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

All in-person events have been postponed until July 1.

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:
 
May 21: Call Report Advanced Lending Schedules
May 27: Branch Manager Guide to Success
May 28: Growth & Transformation Series: Driving Engagement with Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
June 1: Deadline July 1, 2020: HMDA Final Rule on Closed-End Loan Data Collection & Reporting
June 2: TDRs: Defining, Examples, Financial Reporting & Best Practices
June 3: Consumer Loan Underwriting Fundamentals: Interviews, Credit Reports, Compliance & Debt Ratios
June 4: UCC Article 9: Perfection Pitfalls & Proper Enforcement
June 9: Three Key Risk Assessments in Enterprise Risk Management
June 10: Debit & Prepaid Card Compliance: Disclosures, Fee Changes & More
June 11: Completing the TRID Loan Estimate Line-by-Line

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