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WEEKLY UPDATE FROM MONTANA'S CREDIT UNIONS | September 13, 2024

Happy Friday the 13th! While the number 13 is considered unlucky in some cultures, it has many positive interpretations that we learned from our friends "Google" and "AI":

  • In Italy, 13 is considered a lucky number because it symbolizes prosperity and life;
  • In ancient Egypt, the number 13 represented transformation and renewal; and
  • In numerology, 13 is a powerful number that combines the traits of 1 and 3, symbolizing new beginnings and creativity.

Whether you're avoiding black cats and ladders or going about your business as usual, we hope you have a great day!

NEWS FOR YOU

National Suicide Prevention Month

Mental Health Resources for your Teams: September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Losing a loved one to suicide can be profoundly painful for family and friends and everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Fortunately, many resources are available to you and those around you.



First of all, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website provides a wealth of valuable information.


Secondly, talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings can save your life, and there are steps you can take to keep yourself safe through a crisis. Call or text 988 any time or chat online with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.


You can also visit FindSupport.gov to find resources and get support:

NCUA Accounting Webinar: Credit unions with questions about accounting practices can get valuable information from a September 26 NCUA webinar. Registration is now open for “Accounting Hotspots for Credit Unions.” 🔥 The webinar is scheduled to begin at noon and will include a live question-and-answer session as well as a discussion on record-keeping, audit expenses, managing the ALLL account, and balance sheet concerns.

Mark your Calendars: Since 1982, the Credit Union Development Education (CUDE™) program has had a significant impact on the culture, strategy, outreach, and influence of the credit union movement. Participants who earn the CUDE designation become part of a community of over 3,000 credit union advocates from around the world. Program registration will open on October 16, 2024, and the first class kicks off in February. Mark your calendar for the registration opening, and stay tuned for more information.

FOR YOUR DUES:

See you at Be Wild!

Room Block Expires September 20: Don’t wait to reserve your hotel rooms at the Northern Hotel for Be Wild! Call the hotel to reserve your rooms before the September 20 deadline to get the best rate and to stay where all the action is. We have a great lineup of speakers and events for this year’s fall conference, October 22-24 in Billings. Register yourself and your staff today!

Advocacy Update


Hike the Hill: This week, Montana’s credit unions traveled to Washington, D.C., for America’s Credit Unions 2024 Congressional Caucus and participated in MCU’s Hike the Hill. During the caucus, Senator Tester addressed the group, and we joined credit unions from Minnesota and Wisconsin at a PAC fundraiser in support of Republican candidates, including Congressman Zinke. Our discussions with elected officials focused on key priorities like preserving credit unions’ tax status, interchange rules, data security, privacy, and the unique challenges facing Montana’s credit unions.


Once again, we received strong support for our efforts in these critical areas. These meetings provide valuable opportunities to build stronger relationships with lawmakers and enhance our advocacy efforts. Contact Karen to learn more about our visits and how you can become more engaged in our advocacy efforts.


Pictured above are a few photos from the week. (Click to enlarge.)

This Week's Blogs


A Direct Line: Have you seen the cute little movie "Who Moved My Cheese"? 🐭 It is a great example of work life and interaction all told in a comical, animated short (the real key!) style. It discusses change management — a hot topic not just for credit unions but industries on a global scale. Read this week's blog for more correlations between the movie and your credit union.


Consumer Blog: Good ol' Benny Franklin said, "Nothing is certain but death and taxes." Still, just 42% of adults in the U.S. have estate planning documents in place. Do you? If not, this week's consumer blog on the importance of estate planning is a must-read this weekend.

FROM OUR PARTNERS

SalesCU Online Workshop — Last Call 2024: Well-trained employees are the key to your credit union’s success. 🗝️ This award-winning three-day online credit union sales workshop equips your team with the skills they need to identify and meet member needs, while turning every interaction into a value-adding experience. Registration ends September 20 for the last session of the year.

Motivational Leadership Seminar: A successful leader is someone who’s respected and whose team would do anything for them because of the trust they have in that person. Join nationally acclaimed speaker Steve Beck in Bozeman on October 2 or 3 and discover what it takes to inspire yourself and your team! Learn more and register yourself and/or your staff today!

Buy 2 Get 1 Free Webinar Sale: We're excited to announce that CU Webinar Network’s bi-annual "Buy Two Get One Free" webinar promotion is starting two weeks early! Stretch your budget and expand your training library from September 16 through October 31.


Here’s how it works:

  • Register for three live or on-demand webinars and receive one free.
  • No coupon code is required; the discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

On Monday, this page will have all the details for you!

THE #CUDIFFERENCE

The Hellgate Chapter consists of credit unions serving Ravalli and Missoula counties. Lately, they have observed a concerning increase in the number of homeless students within their communities, prompting them to take action. This year, the chapter's community involvement initiative is focused on assisting local school districts by restocking their care closets. 🤝 While each area has its specific needs, there is a common requirement for essential items such as deodorant and toothbrushes with toothpaste. All collected items will be distributed to school districts in each county.


If you're too busy to squeeze in another shopping trip or won't be in the area before next week to drop off your donation (ahem, CEO Roundtable in Missoula, ahem), the chapter has set up an Amazon wishlist. All items will be shipped directly to Ravalli County CU. That's the #CUDifference!

PARTING SHOT

Hike the Hill visit with Senator Jon Tester

Hike the Hill visit with Senator Steve Daines

Hike the Hill visit with Senator Steve Daines

Advocacy at its Finest


I'm in DC this week for our annual Hike the Hill, where we met with our federal delegation to discuss important issues facing Montana's credit unions. The good news is that we have strong champions and supporters in our delegation. While it does make our jobs a little easier, we must remain vigilant on the key issues and continue to tell our stories. 


We are in DC at the same time as America's Credit Unions Congressional Caucus, so we were able to network with credit unions from across the country, see friends in the movement, and hear from great speakers and members of Congress. Senator Tester spoke from the main stage and gave shoutouts to our credit unions in Montana. 


Here are three key takeaways from this week: 

  • Your voice matters! 
  • Speaking with one, unified voice is important!
  • Together, we make a difference!

These are pretty straightforward points, AND ones we need to remember and reinforce constantly. Members of Congress know credit unions, are generally sympathetic to our issues, and told us they want to hear from you — our credit unions — directly and often. When we told our delegation that we have nearly 467,000 members across the state, they sat up straighter, impressed with your work. Then, when we told them your stories, they listened more intently, hearing the impact on your members' lives you're having daily. 


This week was another great reminder for me of the importance of our advocacy strategy in Montana — to build advocacy champions at EVERY credit union and to challenge you to get involved in ways that make sense for you. More than a third of our credit unions have identified advocacy champions. Thank you! If you haven't yet or have additional questions, please reach out to Karen or me


Credit unions are a force across the country and in Montana. You are important to the financial lives of so many people. You often see people in their time of greatest need, and you are there for them. 


Stay the course, get involved, and keep fighting the good fight!


Cooperatively, Gerry


p.s. A huge shoutout to Steve Grooms for his leadership in meeting with our delegation this week. He is a master at advocacy, and I was in awe as he eloquently told our story. Well done, Steve! 

Here's the outcome of last week's survey. The results are clear: you have good taste!

Favorite Fall Flavor survey results
Fall flavors our staff love

This is an internal publication of Montana's Credit Unions intended for our affiliated credit unions and their official family. To request to be added to this newsletter, please email Michelle.


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