Headline News

It's a Busy Week for Credit Unions: Are You Contributing?
International Credit Union Week is officially underway...and so is our annual CU Lunch Local initiative! As if having an excuse to dine at one of your favorite local restaurants isn't a good enough reason to participate, you'll also have the great feeling knowing that you're supporting a locally owned and operated business. Don't forget to submit your receipts to your team leader or Brittany Lutz, LCUL Member Engagement Specialist. Remember, small receipts add up to a big investment in our communities when we join together.
 
ICU Day will be held this Thursday, October 17. To help raise awareness about credit unions, LCUL is supporting an "Open Your Eyes to a Credit Union" 15-second commercial that will be aired on approximately 282 Gas Station TVs throughout Louisiana, and approximately 20,000 GSTVs nationally. The ad is expected to reach 44 million people nationally, including over 620,400 Louisianans.

In addition, LCUL's YPN across the state are joining forces to engage with our state's youth on spending, saving and sharing money. For the third year in a row, our volunteers plan on reading and distributing copies of 'Just Saving My Money' to students across Louisiana. By teaching students about the importance of managing money from an early age, local credit unions hope to prepare the next generation for financial success.

Louisiana credit unions are asked to email your ICU Day initiatives, stories and pictures to LCUL's communications department so that we can include them in our coverage.
New Unique Competition Aims to Save Small Credit Unions
Five industry-leading consulting firms have joined forces to launch Credit Union Impossible, a unique competition for one small asset-sized credit union to win one year's worth of consulting services. The firms-Humanidei, LeveragePoint, uncommn, Your Marketing Co, and Your Credit Union Partner-have developed a prize package of one-on-one strategic consulting, executive development, marketing and public relations advice and services for the winning credit union.  Credit unions under $100 million in assets can apply immediately at CUImpossible.com .

The winning credit union will receive a holistic plan customized for the chosen credit union, with partners collaborating and working directly with the credit union to fulfill the project scope.

The Basics:
  • Applications accepted October 8 - December 6, 2019
  • Finalists announced January 13, 2020
  • Final credit union announced January 27, 2020
The Goodies:
  • Strategic Planning with Your Credit Union Partner
  • Strategic Marketing Plan + Execution with Your Marketing Co.
  • Website by uncommn Marketing Partners
  • Leadership Coaching with Humanidei
  • Public Relations with Leverage Point
Find out more at CUImpossible.com where you can learn the detail of the competition, find application forms, learn about our team, and the specifics of what you'll win.
CDFI Alert: NCUA Extends Deadline to Qualify for Streamlined CDFI Application to Nov. 30
Agency Reminds Credit Unions to be Aware of Changes to Certification Rules

The National Credit Union Administration has extended the deadline for federally insured, low-income credit unions that want to become certified Community Development Financial Institutions to apply for qualification to use the agency's streamlined CDFI certification process. The deadline is now November 30.

Click here for additional information. 
2nd Quarter Louisiana CU Profiles & Milestones Report Now Available
LCUL works with CUNA's Economics & Statistics Department to analyze quarterly data submitted by credit unions to NCUA and then provide a "milestones" report that looks at top credit unions in the areas of loan penetration, share draft penetration, and average savings balances. 

This report also highlights credit unions that have reached and exceeded certain amounts for assets, members, and loans. The reports for the 2nd Quarter of 2019 are now complete and have been posted to the League's website. 

Professional Development

Don't have a Plan? We Can Help! 
When it comes to financial counseling one-size does not fit all!  Are you still trying to figure out what type of Financial Counseling Program(s) are the right fit for your credit union members? By attending the FiCEP Next Steps Workshop, you will walk away eager to design, develop and implement a variety of programs to help your members achieve financial health.
 
In addition to networking and sharing best practices, attendees will:
  • Discuss Multiple Types of Counseling Programs (Individual, Group, Preventative, Youth, Retirement & More)
  • Discover the Art of Mind Mapping your Ideas into Reality
  • Work in Groups to Mind Map Implementable Action Plans
  • Role Play Counseling Scenarios
  • Take Away Toolkit 
Whether you already have certified financial counselors on staff or if you want to see if becoming certified is a good fit for you, this workshop is a can't miss event. At only $50 per person, you can't afford to miss this one!  Pick the date  most convenient for you, Tuesday, October 29 or Thursday, November 7.
Informative, Engaging & Collaborative!
That's how LCUL's VP of Internal Operations, Jennifer Plaisance, described last year's HR University. Jennifer recalled, "While working in groups, I could see collaborative ideas come together and I couldn't wait to get back home and add some new elements to our existing structure."  

It's not too late to collaborate with HR professionals from seven leagues, in Nashville next month.  Agenda highlights include:
  • Preventing Interview Pitfalls
  • Updating your Employee Handbook
  • Minimizing Termination Litigation
  • Developing a proper "No Tolerance" Harassment Policy
  • Collaborative Group Session: Problem Solve Real HR Scenarios
  • Collaborative Group Session: Review real HR court cases & discuss their long term effects
Business Solutions

NEW Partner to Assist Our Credit Unions with Mortgage Services
LCUL is pleased to announce a new partnership with Member First Mortgage to help credit unions provide mortgage services to their members.

Member First Mortgage (MFM) is a credit union owned CUSO headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 2001, MFM currently serves approximately 175 credit unions across the country.

Member First Mortgage offers a variety of partnership options designed to fit your unique needs. Customize your experience allowing the credit union to participate in as much, or as little, of the mortgage process. MFM offers competitive pricing, state-of-the-art technology and efficient turn times to help credit union partners offer their members an outstanding mortgage experience.

Contact Steven Liberto for more information.
Have you Heard?

Chad Miller Named CEO of Southwest Louisiana CU
Chad Miller has been named CEO of the not-for-profit Southwest Louisiana Credit Union, taking over from Ronaldo Hardy, who recently accepted a position at Credit Union Strategic Planning.
Miller, a Sulphur native and graduate of Sulphur High School, was formerly Chief Operations Officer for the credit union. He studied at LSU Eunice and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, earning several degrees, including an MBA. He's also a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) and a Credit Union Compliance Expert (CUCE).

Earlier this year, Chad was named 2018 Young Professional of the Year by the Louisiana Credit Union League's Young Professionals Network.

A former college baseball player for LSU Eunice, Miller volunteers as a coach for Tornado Baseball in Sulphur, La.  and teaches financial literacy in area schools.

Hardy welcomed Miller as the new CEO during a private ceremony at the Ryan Street branch in Lake Charles on October 3, 2019. Hardy will continue working with Southwest Louisiana Credit Union as a consultant in his new position. 

"I am extremely blessed and honored to be named the next CEO of Southwest Louisiana Credit Union," said Miller. "I've stated on multiple occasions that there isn't a better team, membership or credit union in the nation, and to be trusted in leading the organization is humbling and exciting for me." Miller added, "I love this credit union and I love this community. I'm one of you! It is my commitment to the members and staff of SWLACU to always treat you like family and to have SWLACU deeply rooted in this community and throughout the Credit Union Movement."
Louisiana FCU Donates Hundreds of Ties to "Men of Integrity" Program
Louisiana Federal Credit Union (FCU) donated more than 200 ties to R.K. Smith Middle School in support of their "Men of Integrity" program.

"Men of Integrity" was started 14 years ago by Principal Harold Blood, who wanted to motivate the young men at his school to be accountable, responsible, and to make a positive impact on society.

"I'm looking to make men into strong leaders in the community," said Blood. "Every month we have two days where we dress for success. They are to wear neck ties, slacks, and dress shirts to class. Some of the kids say 'Mr. Blood, I don't have a tie.' So, this donation is going to be a big help for us."

Louisiana FCU heard about the program and held a donation drive at their quarterly staff meeting in September. Within hours, the credit union collected more than 200 ties. Stephon Ross Jr., who recently left his job at a regular bank to join Louisiana FCU, brought a 13-gallon bag full of ties he had purchased over the years for work. "It's not like I need them anymore," said Ross, now dawning a Louisiana FCU polo."

Louisiana FCU and R.K. Smith Middle School are currently planning a financial literacy course for this school year that will teach students how to be responsible with money, setting them up for success for years to come.
La Cap Launches "Live-a-Little" Sweepstakes
La Capitol Federal Credit Union has launched a $3,000 "Live-a-Little" sweepstakes for both members and non-members. The contest runs until November 4.
 
"Our mission as a credit union is to enhance the financial well-being of our members. We are constantly looking for ways to live out our mission," said La Capitol FCU President and CEO Michael Hooper. "I can't think of a more fun way to do just that, while at the same time letting potential members know about our suite of competitive products and services."
 
In order to enter, contestants must click the link on the Facebook post, or simply log on to https://byetobanks.com/live-a-little , and follow the directions on the page. Contestants will be asked to tell La Cap what they would do with $3,000, if they were to win. Thus far, contestants have given answers related to topics from home repairs to dream vacations.
 
The contest is open only to residents of Louisiana over the age of 18. A Facebook account is not required to enter. The winner will be announced on Nov. 8.
CSE Sponsors Physical Education Program for Local Partner in Education
CSE Federal Credit Union (CSE) recently donated $500 to the Calcasieu Parish University Program for supplies to aid in their new physical education classes. CSE has been a Partner in Education (PIE) with the University Program since 2018.

The PIE program is designed to connect business and individuals with schools in order to help improve public education by providing support for the well-being of local children and their families. PIE allows Calcasieu's businesses and civic leaders to invest in the community's future by investing in the education of children within the community. Currently, CSE is partnered with four local schools.
Southern Teachers & Parents Employees FCU Celebrates Boss's Day
The staff at Southern Teachers & Parents Employees FCU celebrated Boss's Day, October 16, with their CEO, Jama R. Haynes. 
Quote of the Week:
"You will never always be motivated, so you must learn to be disciplined"
- Unknown


Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

October 29: Financial Counseling Next Steps
November 7: Financial Counseling Next Steps
November 20-21: IRA Essentials/Advanced with Ascencus

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:
   
October 17:  POD Account Documentation, Compliance, Beneficiaries & Closing
October 22:  Commercial Loan Annual Credit Review
October  23:  Medallion & Signature Guarantee Risks, Rules & Best Practices
October  24:  12 Key Elements of an Effective Digital Marketing Strategy
October 28:  New NCUA Bylaw Revisions: Abusive Members, Elections, Limitation of Services, Expulsion & More
October  29:  Personal Accounts: Ownership, Authorization, Titling & Documentation
October 30:  1099 Reporting: Foreclosures, Repossessions & Debt Settlements
October  31:  New BSA Officer Training Part 2: 
Reviews, SARs, CDD, Technical Aspects & Real-Life Scenarios
November 5:  Year-End Compliance Checklist  
November 6:  Top 10 Compliance Mistakes in Advertising  
November 7:  Understanding & Navigating ACH Rules for ODFIs  
November 12:  Reg E Series: Provisional Credit Under Reg E: Rules, Best Practices
November 13:  Closing or Changing Accounts for Consumers & Businesses  
November 14:  Mortgage Lending Series: Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) Line-by-Line, Required February 1, 2020
November 19: When a Borrower Dies: Rules, Procedures & Liabilities  
November 20: Robbery Preparedness: Meeting Your Annual Compliance Requirement  
November 21: BSA Special Risks: Policy, Law Enforcement & Regulator Issues  
                        
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website.