Headline News

CUNA GAC Countdown

The Credit Union National Association's Governmental Affairs Conference takes place next week, from March 8-12, 2015. The conference is the premier national advocacy event of the year for credit unions, gives leaders from around the country the chance to learn the latest political, technological, and economic trends shaping the credit union landscape. This year's GAC will include renowned keynote speakers including:

  • Ari Fleischer - Former White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush and author of New York Times bestseller Taking Heat.
  • Arianna Huffington - Chair, president, and editor-in-chief of Huffington Post Media Group, named one of TIME's 100 most influential people and honored on the Forbes list of the world's most powerful women.
  • Gen. Stanley McChrystal, USA (Ret.) - Former commander of U.S. and international forces in Afghanistan and former leader of the Joint Special Operations Command.
  • Tom Ridge - The first Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and current CEO of Ridge Global, which helps companies and governments manage risk, security and preparedness.

For those attending the 2015 Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., there is an app. Search "GAC" in your app store to download. This contains the schedule of events, speaker bios, and exhibitor details for those registered to attend.

 

For more information or to register, click here.

New Dues-Supported Service: FREE Louisiana Bank/CU Rate Comparison

LCUL is excited to give affiliated credit unions access to weekly deposit and monthly loan and fee averages at no charge. Standard deposit and consumer loan products are included. 

The data allows your credit union to compare your rates to those of banks and other credit unions in the state. This data is compiled by RateWatch, a financial data provider that maintains the world's largest database of competitive information for more than 98,000 financial locations. 

Registration Now Open for SRCUS Directors Conference in New Orleans

Registration for the Southeast Regional Director's Conference is now open! 

This event, scheduled for June 7-10, provides the opportunity to hear from a wide range of nationally acclaimed speakers on important issues to the ever changing financial industry. The focus of this conference is to help you gain a better understanding on your role as a CU Director and to strengthen the relationship between you and CU management. Don't miss this chance to meet with your peers in an environment truly focused on your professional development. 

Register for 4th Annual YPN Workshop

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The 4th Annual Young Professionals Workshop will be held on Friday April 10 and Saturday, April 11. 

 

This workshop is designed to compel young professionals to get involved, connect them with other young professionals, and encourage collaboration that will create long term success for our movement. 

 

The workshop begins on Friday, April 10 with sessions from Gary Golden from Golden Opportunities and James Marshall about the Cooperative Trust. We will also hear from six executives from Louisiana credit unions. The day will conclude with Josh Allison leading a breakout session on Leadership. 

 

Our sessions Friday will be followed by our annual networking reception, held at the River Oaks event center from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. This will be a great opportunity to meet your fellow young credit union professionals and network in a fun, casual setting. On Saturday, we will wrap up with a great motivational speaker.

 

Your educational investment is $249 for this day and a half program. This year's workshop will be held at the Hilton Lafayette.  Our room rate at the Hilton Lafayette for this workshop is $109.00 Single/Double plus applicable sales and occupancy tax. For reservations, contact the hotel directly at 800-HILTONS (445-8667). Indicate that you are with the Louisiana Credit Union League group to receive this special rate. Reservations must be made by March 20th.

 

To register or for more information, click here or contact Jill Kitchens, VP Credit Union Services at 800-452-7221 ext. 3021 or [email protected]

Pelican Politics

CUs Meet with Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne

Louisiana Credit Union Representatives along with League staff met with Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne to discuss his upcoming bid for governor as well as credit union issues. Dardenne has been a member of Louisiana Capitol's board and currently holds a position on their Advisory Board. 

 

Council Corner

MBSC Members: Special Pricing for CUES Advanced School of Business Lending

We are pleased to announce that LCUL has secured special pricing for Louisiana Member Business Services Council (MBSC) members on an upcoming school in New Orleans. 

 

CUES Advanced School of Business Lending: Credit Administration

March 23 - 27, 2015

Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Ave

 

Overview: 

Examiners are increasingly placing Member Business Lending (MBL) practices under intense scrutiny. If your credit union offers MBL, you must have a strong credit administration plan in place to protect your institution.

 

Send your top lending executives to CUES Advanced School of Business Lending. This intense, week long program will help ensure the procedures you have in place are solid, and assist your department in prepping for and handling an audit should one come your way.

 

Who Should Attend?

This school is ideal for graduates of CUES School of Business Lending and experienced business lenders.

 

Pricing: For any Louisiana credit union that is not a member of CUES, CUES is happy to extend the member rate of $2795. (The non member rate is $5395).

 

For any Louisiana credit union that is a CUES member we would like to extend them a $200 discount off the registration fee ($2595).

 

Complete Details: Click here for more information including schedule of events and listing of sessions. 

 

To Register: To receive the special pricing, please contact Haley Kennedy at CUES directly at [email protected] or 608.288.5347.

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Education Spotlight

LCUL's Mortgage Compliance Update Scheduled for April 7

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Join us for this one day program at the Radisson Baton Rouge (2334 S. Acadian Thruway) from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 pm to learn all you need to know about upcoming changes affecting mortgage loans. 

 

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued new rules and forms in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act with a compliance date of August 1, 2015.  The new rules combine certain disclosures that consumers receive in connection with applying for and closing a mortgage loan under the Truth in Lending Act (Reg Z) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (Reg X).  The changes apply to most closed-end consumer credit transactions secured by real property.  This program will help your credit union prepare for the changes and will give attendees an opportunity to ask questions and network with other credit unions. 

 

Who should attend?  Compliance officers, lending executives, mortgage loan officers, and anyone who is involved with implementing the new mortgage regulations at your credit union. 

 

Your educational investment is $209 pp for this one day program and includes all materials.

 

Questions? Contact, Jody Brooks at [email protected] or 1-800-452-7221, ext. 3010

 

Click here for more information on the program!

Products & Services

Love My CU Rewards Program Overview Webinar

Join our Partner Directors who will show you how this program provides credit unions the opportunity to enhance member value, increase auto loans, increase debit and credit card usage, and earn non-interest income, all while saving your members money on things they purchase every day.  

 

This interactive webinar will provide you with an overview of the program benefits and participation options.

Come see why over 3,400 credit unions are participating in a program that has helped members save over $1 billion!

 

Wednesday, March 11 at 1:00 p.m.

 

 

Have You Heard?

JACO FCU Reaffiliates with the League

The Louisiana Credit Union League is pleased to welcome JACO Federal Credit Union as an affiliate. The Ruston-based, $13 million credit union rejoins the league after a forty-year absence. 

Free Cash for Members at Pelican State CU Grand Opening

To celebrate the relocation of its Pineville branch, Pelican State CU gave members an opportunity to grab some fast cash in a money booth. On Wednesday, February 25, 114 members grabbed a total of $2,619.

 

The money booth was part of the branch's Grand Opening Celebration. Local business leaders, residents, dignitaries and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce showed their support for the credit union by attending a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony led by Pelican CEO Jeffrey K. Conrad and Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields.

 

Pelican's new Pineville branch is led by Branch Manager Christy Pentz and is located at 3628 Monroe Highway. The branch boasts a fresh new look, an open concept and increased technology.

 

"Pelican State Credit Union opened its first brick and mortar branch right here in Pineville, Louisiana, 17 years ago. Now, we are proud to celebrate the Grand Opening of Pelican's most innovative branch in this same city," said Conrad. "The Pineville team has stepped up to the plate and done an amazing job adapting to state-of-the-art cash handling machines and branch technology - all designed to give our members' the best experience possible when visiting this branch."

   

 

ASI FCU and Honduran Consulate of New Orleans Partner to Provide Financial Services, Education to Underserved

The Consulate of Honduras in New Orleans and ASI Federal Credit Union (ASI) are working together to provide financial services and education for underserved nationals. Through a recent agreement between ASI and the consulate, interested individuals will receive  information about safe methods of sending money to Honduras and how to open bank accounts, along with opportunities to attend workshops and financial education seminars to benefit Honduran nationals living abroad.

 

A significant difficulty exists in the Honduran community when it comes to accessing fair and affordable financial services, a problem that both parties hope to alleviate through this agreement. Initially, ASI will offer a "Workshop on Financial Services" to provide information on opening accounts and utilizing other financial services. The credit union will also provide education about safe and fair pricing in regards to sending money to Honduras and other valuable financial education information.

 

"There is no greater purpose in the world than to be of service to those in need," stated Mignhon Tourn�, CEO of ASI Federal Credit Union. "We look forward to what this partnership will accomplish, and are thrilled at the opportunities to bring individuals and families one step closer to financial freedom."

 

Honduran nationals can take advantage of this cooperative agreement by visiting the consulate offices on given Fridays, where representatives of the federal credit union will offer financial education. ASI representatives will also be on hand at the Honduran Consulate to assist individuals with completing Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) forms. This service is currently free, and also available at ASI branches located at 5508 Citrus Boulevard in Harahan and 4137 S. Carrolton Avenue in Mid City.

 

 

 

Quote of the week: 
 "Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new."

- Brian Tracy


Educational Calendar
  Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:  

 

April 7: Mortgage Compliance

 

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:

                              

March 4: IRA Series: Traditional & Roth IRA Fundamentals & Compliance Considerations (

March 5: Avoiding Loss at the Teller Line

March 11: Effective Management of Credit Report Disputes

March 12: Enterprise Risk Management: The Roles of the Board & Supervisory Committee

March 18: Flood Insurance Compliance Review & Update

March 19: HR Series: Performance Management: A Seasoned Supervisor's Guide

March 24: Social Media Content Strategies for Visibility & Positioning of Your CU Online

March 25: The TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosure Line-by-Line Part 1: Loan Estimate

March 26: Director Series: Evaluating Your Board & CEO 

 

For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website and click on "Education".