Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: June 10, 2020
In This Issue
Headline News

P.I.V.O.T. 2020: The One Where LCUL Went Virtual

Here at the League, we are known for branding our annual meeting to incorporate a little added fun in a professional environment. Even though we are 'pivoting' from our traditional format, rest assure your 'Friends' at the league are planning a unique experience for our credit unions. In 2020, we are bringing a virtual experience from 'our couch to yours'.

Mark your calendars as the Louisiana Credit Union League prepares to host our 2020 convention experience on August 6-7. While the in-person element of our annual conference will not take place, we will still host the annual business meeting virtually with relevant keynote sessions and other exciting virtual components.

On Thursday, August 6, we will host a brief opening ceremonies starting at 1:00 p.m. followed immediately by our annual business meeting. Later that afternoon, CUNA President Jim Nussle will join us as we'll conclude with special a awards and recognition ceremony you won't want to miss.

On Friday, August 7, we will bring you a line-up of highly sought after keynote speakers with the most relevant topics along with a few breakout sessions for both professionals and volunteers. But wait, there's more...we'll still have some key elements you've grown to love over the years such as our exhibit hall, networking, online silent auction, CULAC Challenge, swag bags, games, prize drawings and more!

There is no cost to attend on Thursday; to access our sessions on Friday and for complete virtual experience the cost is $125/attendee.

Your league is hard at work trying to bring you as much 'normalcy' as possible in today's current environment. We know that if there is anyone that can embrace this - it's our 'Friends' in the Louisiana credit union movement!


LCUL Senior VP of CU Support, Susie Fair, Announces Retirement
Following an impactful career spanning more than thirty-five years in the credit union movement, Senior Vice President of CU Support Susie Fair will be retiring from the Louisiana Credit Union League (LCUL) as of July 31, 2020.

As a consultant for the League, Susie worked hard to grow and expand training, planning, and overall engagement of Louisiana credit unions.  As Senior Vice President of CU Support, Fair has been particularly instrumental in the growth of the Enhanced FiCEP Program, helping credit union staff to become certified financial counselors. She worked with LCUL team members to develop a financial counseling solution that is now utilized by ten Leagues across the country.  

"This has never seemed like a job because my friends in Louisiana's Credit unions are the best there is.  Together, we have made a difference for more than twenty years," Fair said. "I am truly appreciative of all the opportunities the League has given me to work with credit unions in various capacities. Even though I'm formally leaving the League, I will always be their biggest promoter and supporter. Never have I felt more confident in the leadership, and I know I leave here with Louisiana credit unions in the best hands."

Click here to read the full release.
Professional Development

LCUL Hosting Fourth Virtual Roundatable: Post COVID-19 Loan Growth, Profitability & Collections
 
LCUL 5-Part Series Continues with Post COVID-19 Lending & Collections

Credit unions across the nation have faced many challenges during the Pandemic. As we move forward in our uncertain economic landscape, Celeste Cook will share what you can do to be proactive and more creative to get back to credit unions basics in our "New Norm." Celeste will share strategies to catapult loan growth, profitability, and touch on the sensitive topics of how to best re-introduce collection strategies.

The following topics will be discussed on the call:
  • Explore how you can create a better "new normal" in times of uncertainty
  • Determine the best approach to re-engage your members to build stronger relationships and loyalty
  • What does Collections look like post COVID-19?
  • Identify key strategies to increase loan growth and profitability
  • Discover what you can do to build stronger partnerships in the community for long-term sustainability
There is no cost but registration is required. Information will be sent prior to the call on Thursday morning.
 
 
Participants are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing [email protected] by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24. For additional questions, contact the league's education department.
News from CUNA Mutual

Moving Forward Forum: Insights and Strategies for the Credit Union New Frontier
Let's get straight to the point: No one could have predicted the course of 2020 so far, and we're all called to leverage the very best that we can bring to the table. Change is accelerating faster than ever. Plans are out of whack. Budgets are tight(er). As we look into the future, finding a new normal feels like both a tremendous responsibility and a giant guessing game. 

That's where being part of the credit union system makes a difference; we know how to pull together to share resources that help you make more informed decisions based on best practices across our industry.

Join us on Thursday, June 25 at 10:30 am for the Moving Forward Forum: Insights and Strategies for a New Frontier for these three sessions hosted by credit union industry experts at CUNA Mutual Group to provide ideas to help you increase agility, increase revenue, and effectively serve the growing multicultural consumer population. This event is free to attend.

Condolences

Dr. Birdex Copeland Passes
Dr. Birdex Copeland passed away last Tuesday following a brief illness. As chairman of the board of directors of Shreveport Federal Credit Union/Grambling Credit Union, he was proud to represent the credit union movement for over 40 years. He was inducted into the African American Credit Union Hall of Fame in 2016 for his passion and work providing financial services to the "underserved".

Copeland retired from Grambling State where he served as professor, head of the Department of Sociology and dean of the School of Social Work. Upon retirement, he was named Dean Emeritus of the School of Social Work. At 8 a.m. Friday, the Grambling city flag was raised at half-staff in honor of Copeland.
Mr. Vance Stovall Passes
Mr. Vance Stovall passed away on May 12 after a brief illness. A long time manager of Avenue Baptist Brotherhood FCU, Mr. Stovall was passionate about his credit union's mission and it's role in the community. A virtual celebration of life service was held Friday, May 22, 2020.
Have You Heard

GNO FCU Becomes Certified as Community Development Financial Institution, Unveils 'Banking in a Backpack' with Suite of Services
GNO FCU has been established as a certified Community Development Financial Institution, (CDFI), with the National Credit Union Association's, (NCUA), Low Income Designation, (LID).

Building Relationships, Delivering Dreams", is the GNO FCU motto. This is achieved through their mission to offer unique products that encourage healthy investment habits, wise use of credit, and sound financial money management practices to create a stable, sustainable financial future. With both designations, in conjunction with their mission, they can make an impact where it's needed most, particularly in under-banked communities.

They are more excited than ever to share their mission through the launching of what they call, "Banking in a Backpack". This is GNO FCU's complete suite of innovative lending solutions, including household stabilization consumer loans, share savings/draft accounts, and financial education.

As a newly certified CDFI, they will expand their financial footprint within the community and continue to provide the products and services members need to prosper, no matter where they are in life's journey.
Pelican State CU Announces "Is It Worth It?" Video Series
On June 1, 2020, Pelican State Credit Union launched the second episode of its "Is It Worth It?" video series on its social media accounts. Episode 1 of "Is It Worth It" premiered in February and has been viewed over 21,000 times across both social media platforms.
 
The series is an educational source of entertainment that is authentic and relatable for viewers. Each episode in the series will dive into whether or not something is "worth it," allowing viewers to see unbiased opinions and make smarter choices with their money.
 
Episode 2 of the series features Pelican team member Julian Escobar determining whether it's worth it to make your own laundry detergent by trying it first-hand and comparing it.
Quote of the Week:
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world. "
- Mahatma Gandhi

Educational Calendar

Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

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

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:
 
June 11: Completing the TRID Loan Estimate Line-by-Line
June 15: Credit Risk Management During a Pandemic
June 16: Fair Lending Comparative File Review That Meets Regulator Expectations
June 18: Handling ACH Exceptions & Returns
June 22: Record Retention: What Documents Must Be Retained & For How Long?
June 23: 20 Common Mistakes in Consumer Collections
June 24: Comparing Regulation E with Visa & Mastercard Rules
June 25: Managing In-House Real Estate Evaluations
June 30: Growth & Transformation Series: Digital Marketing Strategies: What's Working in 2020?

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