Headline News

Bob Gallman Selected to Lead LCUL as the Next CEO
The Board of Directors of the Louisiana Credit Union League has selected Robert (Bob) Gallman as president and CEO, effective March 1. Gallman joins LCUL following the departure of Anne Cochran, who announced her intent to retire last July after serving more than forty years in the movement.

"Bob knows the credit union business inside and out. Working together, we look forward to strengthening and expanding our footprint throughout Louisiana," said LCUL Board Chairman Glen Beard. "His comprehensive knowledge of the day-to-day operations of our members, alongside his experience implementing strategic initiatives and developing business relationships, make him distinctly qualified to lead the organization."

Click here to read the full release.
Treasury Opens Application to $196.5 Million in CDFI Grants: 
5 Secrets to Winning from LCUL Partner
Last week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) opened the 2018 funding round for grants. Each year Louisiana credit unions apply and win. What is their secret?

Most work with the League's partner, CU Strategic Planning.
Its winnings include over $10 million in grants just for credit unions in Louisiana. In 2017, they won over $1 million for Centric FCU and an award for Pelican State, bringing Pelican close to $4 million total in CDFI Awards.
 
Because CU Strategic Planning is a partner of the Louisiana Credit Union League, its team is willing to share some insider secrets.

Click here to continue reading.

ADA Update for Louisiana CUs
LCUL continues to work closely with Kudulis, Reisinger, and Price Law Firm as well as Adams & Reese on aggressive strategies to combat the recent ADA compliance litigation  and protect Louisiana's credit unions.  

We have been communicating with those credit unions who have notified the League upon receiving a letter. If you have not contacted the League yet, please do so by emailing [email protected] as soon as possible.

Additionally, we want to remind credit unions about the
ADA resource page on the League's website.

Credit Unions Finish 2017 Strong
Credit unions ended 2017 strong, achieving milestones in both membership and loan growth according to December's Monthly Credit Union Estimates.

December saw the 62nd straight month of positive membership growth, and 2017 ended with the fastest annual membership growth since the 1980s, said Jordan van Rijn, CUNA senior economist.

Click here to continue reading.

Professional Development

National CU Collections Alliance Hosts Annual Conference in Vegas; LCUL Member CUs Receive Discounted Rate
Expand your credit union collections network to include nationwide peer credit unions at the National Credit Union Collections Alliance's (NCUCA) 2018 Annual Conference in Las Vegas on April 4-6.

The NCUCA's mission is to be a premier credit union industry organization providing information on up to date credit union related issues. Attendees will be sharing best practices, facilitating communication and networking nationwide.
 
Louisiana Credit Union League members receive a 20% discount on registration. Contact [email protected] to recieve the code! 
 
Products & Services

Still Time to Offer Member Discounts  from TurboTax through Love My CU Rewards
The Love My Credit Union Rewards TurboTax program is a great way to offer your members discounts on tax services from America's #1 online tax preparation service, and there are great opportunities for your credit union to:
  • Build member loyalty and retention with great discounts on the most popular federal online editions
  • Cross-sell products and other services to your members on your co-branded TurboTax microsite
  • Grow investments and profitable low cost deposits with member tax refunds
Click here to access the TurboTax program overview.  Click here to enroll your credit union in the TurboTax program.


Have You Heard?

Campus Federal Hires Brewer as Mortgage Lending Manager
Campus FCU has named Brandin Brewer as mortgage lending manager. Brewer brings nearly 20 years of experience in mortgage origination and process management to the Campus Federal team.
 
As the mortgage lending manager, Brewer will oversee the mortgage lending team and manage real estate loans for the credit union. She will guide members through the mortgage and home buying process.
 
"Brandin is an experienced lender and very personable," Dawn Harris, Campus Federal president and CEO, said. "Her knowledge of the real estate industry and home loan process will serve our members well."
 
Brewer most recently served as operations manager at Network Funding, LP, where she was a customer service leader and a key member of the branch development team for a new loan origination center. Prior to that role, she served as a branch manager and loan officer. 

Pelican State CU Invests in Prairieville's Financial Wellness
As part of its commitment to the financial wellness of Prairieville residents, Pelican State Credit Union hosted a free workshop on understanding credit reports and scores on Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at the Oak Grove Community Center.
 
Pelican's Nationally Certified Credit Counselor April Gomez shared her knowledge of credit reports and scores at this workshop. Attendees learned why a strong score is important and received tips for improving it!
 
Guests were encouraged to ask Gomez follow-up questions throughout the presentation. Much like in our popular #AskPelican video series , Gomez answered any questions attendees threw her way about credit and finance.
 
Like all Pelican-hosted events, this workshop was free and open to the public. The credit union gave away two door prizes and provided a free jambalaya dinner for all attendees. Printed copies of Pelican's free eBook, " 40 Ways to Save When You're Terrible at Saving ," were also available to all attendees. 

Quote of the Week:
"To develop professionally: Adopt a beginner's mindset, stay teachable, seek feedback, teach others, embrace teamwork."
- Dan McCabe
Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

February 25 - March 1:
CUNA GAC
March 22:  Member Service with WOW

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

Feb. 8: Simplifying the Compliance Function: Tools & Checklists to Keep You on Track
Feb. 13: Countdown to New Reg E Prepaid Card Rules Effective April 1, 2018
Feb. 14: Preparing for the New Mortgage Servicing Rules: Effective April 19, 2018
Feb. 15: Directors' Role & Responsibilities When a Data Breach Occurs
Feb. 21: Security Officer Reports to the Board: What is Required?
Feb. 22: Opening Consumer Accounts: Regulations, CDD & Documentation
Feb. 27: Understanding Personal Tax Returns Part 2: Schedules E & F
Feb. 28: CECL Rule Overview: Preparation, Planning & Data Collection
     
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".