ADVOCACY UPDATE

Interchange Update: America's Credit Unions (formerly known as CUNA and NAFCU), along with a coalition of nearly 10,000 financial institutions, has launched a campaign opposing big box bailout interchange legislation, emphasizing the potentially detrimental effects on credit unions and our communities. Learn more about the united opposition against big box bailout interchange legislation on the American's Credit Unions website.  

A Direct Line: Raise your hand if "succession planning" was a topic at three or more of your board meetings in 2023. Now look around to see who just saw you randomly raise your hand. This week's blog asks whether you are simply planning for the replacement of a person or planning for the success(ion) — and future — of your credit union.

LSG Strategic Alliance Partners: We’re excited to introduce our newest Strategic Alliance partners:

• MemberClose supports credit unions throughout the real estate lending process from origination to servicing by offering a streamlined process every step of the way.
• Motivosity offers a rewards and recognition program that not only helps employees feel appreciated for the work they’re doing — but also boosts performance by helping build a positive culture at your credit union.

Check out our website to learn more about LSG’s valued partners.

CSS Knowledge Center: CUNA Strategic Services* Knowledge Center offers a slew of free helpful webinars, white papers, articles, and case studies covering topics like compliance, security, lending, and more. You can also learn more about each of their alliance providers. *It's under America's Credit Unions now, but it's still called CUNA Strategic Services. It's a process.

New Year New Resources: TruStage is off to a strong start this year providing resources to help your credit union succeed. Here are a couple of articles to add to your TBR list:

• 2024 U.S. Economic Outlook and its Impact on Credit Unions by Steve Rick, Chief Economist
• Advancing C-suite Diversity with Three Mindful People Practices by Opal Tomashevska, Director of Multicultural Business Strategy, and Kwame Smith, Executive Benefits Specialist
• The Winter Report continues to be available to share with your employees, boards, and customer touchpoints.

The People Helping People philosophy is not limited to inside the credit union building. Grasslands FCU was out in full force this holiday season!

They donated time by preparing side dishes and serving at the local Senior Citizen’s Thanksgiving meal. If you know small towns, you know how impactful it was. They also gifted $500 in $20 bills to "behind the counter" workers at local businesses all over Circle as part of their pay it forward efforts.

That's making the #CUDifference throughout the community!

Take the Lead

I had the privilege of meeting with the Take the Lead community this week. This great group of leaders is making a difference in their credit unions and their communities. They will lead our movement into the future, as they leverage the credit union difference in their respective spheres of influence. In our discussion, I asked the group three questions, which I think are relevant to each of us as we dive into 2024, across these three categories: Learning, Application, and Impact.

• What are you learning about yourself?
• How are you applying new skills, tools, and methods to your daily leadership journey?
• What impact do you hope to have in the next five years?
• Bonus question: what will you learn, apply, and measure in 2024 to move you toward your five-year impact goal?

I believe that each one of us is a leader with the potential to change the world! Montana’s credit unions are doing world-changing work with your members and in your communities every day. How will you intentionally move the needle on your leadership journey? What is your next step? I heard wonderful stories and goals from the Take the Lead community this week. Please reach out as I would love to hear your stories and goals, too!

Enjoy your weekend and stay warm.

Cooperatively, Gerry 

Last week, we asked if you had set New Year's resolutions. How does this compare nationally? According to a recent poll from YouGov, 34% of Americans have — or plan to — set resolutions for 2024. However, the Fischer School of Business (OSU) reports just 9% keep their resolutions. Is it better to make a resolution and break it or not to set a resolution at all? We'll let you ponder it.