Keeping you connected to key credit union news and trends: February 3, 2021
Headline News
Professional Development
I'll Just Watch the Archive... or Will I?
How often do you find yourself saying, “That looks like a great session. I’ll get the archive and watch it later.” It sounds like a solid plan, but how often do you actually go back and watch that archive. New projects pop up that require your attention and all of a sudden that archive ends up on the back burner. An archive recording is a great back-up plan when a scheduling conflict or emergency keeps you from participating live, but it’s no substitute. Today’s presenters encourage engagement and discussion from live participants, and most are utilizing breakout sessions for small group activities. When viewing the archive you are not able to participate in the discussions or the breakout sessions, which takes away from the complete learning experience. To make sure you get everything out of an education session be sure to give yourself every advantage by participating live!

Book your spot now for these upcoming live education programs and click the titles for more details.

Last chance to register! In two half day sessions packed with breakout activities and interactive discussions you’ll learn everything you need to know about the “How To” and “Why” when working on the frontline.

Just added to calendar! In this 90 minute session Debbie Crawford will discuss provisions in recent legislation (NDAA) that became effective on January 1 and the future impacts it will have on BSA programs.

Mid-Level Managers are your primary point person for staff as well as members so ensure they have the tools they need to succeed at doing both with this series that packs 9 hours of content in 4 brief sessions.

Over two half day sessions, Debbie Crawford ensures that you walk away knowledgeable about every type of member account ownership types you may open at your credit union
Save the Dates: Southeast Regional Management School is Going Virtual
If you’ve ever wanted to attend the Southeast Regional Management School (SRCUS) but held off because it requires you to be in Athens, Georgia, for a full week, well 2021 could be the best time to start. This is a 3 year immersive management school but you can sign on as a first year student and start your journey in the program from the comfort of your own home. If interested, save the dates of June 7 – 11 and look for more information coming soon.

For more information on the program, contact our Education Department.
News from CUNA Mutual
Free On Demand Webinar on How to Get Emotionally Engaged with Your Members
Even though we are still socially distanced from our members, it is imperative that we find new ways to remain emotionally engaged with them. In conjunction with CUNA Mutual, LCUL is excited to provide a free video for dues paying members to help you differentiate your member’s experience. 

In this 38 minute video, Becki Hagerman will share how emotions play a key role in the member’s overall experience and how financial anxiety is often the center point of those emotions. Learn best practices to improve your member’s experience and key takeaways that you can implement immediately. This video is perfect for staff meetings and training days. View individually or as a team to discuss new ways to emotionally engage your members!

Must login to LCUL website to view webinar.
Have You Heard
Louisiana Federal, Loup Employees Credit Unions Merge
On January 1, 2021, Loup Employees Credit Union legally merged with Louisiana Federal Credit Union, creating a combined financial institution with more than $337 million in assets. The merger partnership received all necessary regulatory approvals from the National Credit Union Administration as well as approval of Loup Employees CU's members.

Louisiana FCU CEO Rhonda Hotard will continue to lead the combined organization. All existing Loup Employees CU staff members have become part of the Louisiana FCU team. The sole Loup Employees CU branch located at Shell Convent Refinery will not be maintained.

“Since Louisiana Federal Credit Union was originally Shell Norco Refinery’s credit union, it made sense for us to expand our services to the Loup Employees Credit Union members,” explained Hotard. “With greater resources, we can provide increased membership value and positively impact our communities.”

The combined credit union will serve over 500 business partners and a number of underserved markets in southeast Louisiana.
Meritus CU Welcomes New Vice President of Lending
Meritus CU is proud to announce the hiring of Josh Duncan as Vice President of Lending. Duncan brings over 15 years of experience working in the credit union industry and will be responsible for leading the mortgage, consumer lending and underwriting teams.

“We are thrilled to have Josh join our senior management team,” said Brian Leger, Meritus Credit Union CEO/President. “He is extremely knowlegable and will be instrumental in the growth of our credit union.”
Campus Federal Adds Zelle to Mobile Banking App
Campus Federal announced Zelle is now available in its mobile banking app offering members a fast and easy way to send and receive money. Access to Zelle is embedded into the digital banking experience of Campus Federal, which enables convenient person-to-person (P2P) payments for more than 25,200 Campus Federal mobile banking consumers.

Jane Verret, President & CEO of Campus Federal, shares, “Zelle is a convenient way to send money to people you trust from the financial institution you trust, right from our app.”

Banks and credit unions of all sizes offer Zelle in their mobile banking apps, allowing more than 100 million consumers to send and receive money with friends and family regardless of where they bank in the U.S.
Quote of the Week:
“Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come."
- Dwayne Johnson