Keeping you connected to key credit union news, events, and trends: October 2, 2019
In This Issue
Headline News

Now Accepting CUDE Scholarship Applications
The Louisiana Credit Union Foundation and the Young Professionals Network (YPN) are now accepting applications for the 2020 Credit Union Development Education Program (CUDE) Scholarship.

We will be awarding one scholarship to a credit union professional that has demonstrated ,through their actions, their passion and commitment to credit unions. The deadline to submit your completed application and reference letter is November 30. 

 The recipient of last year's scholarship, Crystal Abshire from Campus FCU, had this to say about her experience:

"This program made me grow not just as an employee but as an individual. The Credit Union movement is about giving back and being more than just an employee, it is about being that ripple in the water that will flow through the credit union and communities to spread the word and helping hand of credit unions around the world. As I continue to navigate  my path in the credit union movement as well as life I will 'Trust the Process' and make waves one ripple at a time! I am truly grateful for this opportunity."

Giving Back to Local Businesses Has Never Been So Easy; Get Your CU Involved
Let's work together to increase CU awareness and give back to local businesses by participating in our 8th Annual CU Lunch Local event during the week of October 14-18.

LCUL provides everything you need to get in on the action. All we need is your participation (which is super easy). Once again, we will be rewarding credit unions for their participation by asset size so don't forget to submit your totals.

Ready to be a part of something special? Sign up and get your participation packet today! Click here for more information on the initiative.
LCUL's New Marketing Toolkit Helps Boost Content, Engagement with Members
It's here: LCUL's fourth quarter Marketing Toolkit, providing ready-to-go content to share with your members via your credit union's communication channels (newsletters, websites, blogs, social media outlets, etc) To aid with your marketing workload, we provide these pre-fabricated articles, social media posts, and graphics for you to use as you see fit.

The League is available to offer assistance with using the information. To help maximize this resource or to start receiving the monthly toolkit, reach out to Lacey H. Weaver, Senior VP of Member Engagement.
Is Your Vehicle Repossession Process Compliant? See What KRP Has to Say
Credit unions across the country have been receiving class action litigation related to insufficiencies found in repossession notices. Although the risk remains low in Louisiana, the increased litigation triggers an opportunity for credit unions to review procedures and forms for self-help repossessions.
 
We reached out to LCUL strategic partner Kudlis, Reisinger, Price Law Firm (KRP) and here's what they had to say on the matter.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month; Take Advantage of FREE Archived Trainings
The TRGroup, in conjunction with Radford University's IMPACT Lab, have three webinars available to view regarding cybersecurity at no cost. With October being National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, there is no time better to take advantage of these recordings. 

The topics include:
News from CUNA Mutual

September 2019 Credit Union Trends Report Now Available
financial trends CUNA Mutual Group's Credit Union Trends Report for September 2019 is now available on our website, under the heading Performance and Data Resources . During July, credit unions picked up 385,000 in new memberships, loan balances grew at a 4.4% seasonally-adjusted annualized rate and savings balances grew 7.1%.
 
Additional highlights of this month's report include:
  • At the end of July, CUNA's monthly estimates reported 5,529 credit unions in operation, down seven from one month earlier.
  • Total credit union assets fell 0.3% in July due to credit unions losing 0.2% in deposits, but made up for this with a 4.6% surge in borrowings.
  • Credit union loan delinquency rates fell to 0.49% in July, down from 0.67% one year earlier, due to a stronger economy and modest loan growth.
For more information, view the complete   report here . If you have problems accessing the information or have additional questions about the research and information services, please contact Danielle Thibodeaux or [email protected] .
Professional Development

Still looking for Lending Trainings in 2019?  Check Out These Options! 
Consumer Loan Underwriting & Loan Growth
October 23, Jackson MS
 
The Mississippi Credit Union Association invites new lenders and those with up to 3 years experience to join this workshop to gain an understanding of the critical elements in the consumer loan underwriting process and the skills and insights needed to make sound loan decisions.  Plus learn key insights to kick-start your loan growth through by mining existing files and problem solve for your members. 

Topics will include:
  • Understanding a loan application
  • Making a sound loan decision
  • Working basic lending mathematics
  • Two methods - Judgement & Credit Scoring
  • Loan Growth at Your Fingertips
 
CUNA Lending Council Conference
November 3-6, New Orleans
 
This robust multi-day lending conference in New Orleans will cover Consumer Lending, Business Lending, Mortgage Lending and more. 
To learn more about the general sessions, breakouts, panel discussions and roundtable sessions, click here

Young Professionals Network

YPN Boot Camp Registration Now Open
YPN members are invited to join President/CEO of Neighbors FCU Steve Webb as he presents on 'The Evolution of the Credit Union Business Model'. Often we hear mention of the "Branch of the Future". In all actuality, we should be talking about the effective business model for today that will ensure we're around in the future. 

Join Steve to discuss how we must employ meaningful change in the way that we approach serving our members. What is the role for the branch and branch staff? How do members want to conduct their business? How do we ensure that we're making the right decisions and investments regarding our business processes? 

No matter what position you're in at your CU, discuss these questions and many more as we explore the Evolution of the Credit Union Business Model.

Boot camps will be held in Baton Rouge on October 29, Lake Charles on November 5, and Monroe on November 12. 

There are only 40 seats open per location! Registration and lunch are FREE!

Have you Heard?

BRECO FCU Launches Financial Literacy Suite
BRECO FCU recently launched a financial wellness suite for local schools, members of the credit union, and the community. In partnership with Banzai, a provider of premium online financial literacy programs, this new venture will feature tons of helpful articles, financial calculators, online financial literacy coaches, and real-world financial education games to help adults and youth experience finances in a fun, safe way. Topics include starting your own business, buying a home, going to college, getting out of debt, retirement, life changes, and much more! 

BRECO has already signed up over 600 students and 15 teachers in 6 different schools. "We hope to make an impact!" said Joshua Poole, CEO of BRECO FCU. "We believe in changing lives by empowering our youth, members, and community with the knowledge necessary to make smart financial decisions." 
Campus Federal Sponsors Nursing Family & Friends Day at LSUHSC
Campus Federal sponsored and helped celebrate Nursing Family and Friends Day at the Louisiana State University Health and Sciences Center (LSUHSC) Nursing School. The event is an opportunity for family and friends of 1st year nursing students to tour the Nursing School, meet the faculty and staff, enjoy lunch provided by LSUHSC and learn about activities planned for the upcoming year.
Pelican State CU Named in Baton Rouge's Best Places to Work for Sixth Year
Pelican State Credit Union is excited to announce that it was named as one of the 2019 Best Places to Work in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, September 24, 2019!
 
Companies from across the region entered the two-part process that determined the Best Places to Work in Baton Rouge. The first part consisted of evaluating each company's workplace policies, practices, and demographics, while the second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience.
 
This survey and awards program identifies, recognizes, and honors the best places of employment in Baton Rouge, benefiting its economy, its workforce, and businesses. 
 
The awards program is a project of the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report, the Greater Baton Rouge SHRM, an affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies Group.
 
Pelican is especially excited to make this announcement because 2019 makes the sixth consecutive year the credit union has received the prestigious award, and they were named 2nd place for large companies that make their employees and company culture a top priority.
 
Pelican's CEO Jeffrey K. Conrad noted, "We share this award with the entire credit union! Our culture is so great because of each person on the Pelican team. It is such an honor to say I work here and that I get to work with each person on the team!" 
Kiplinger's Names La Capitol FCU Among Nation's Top Checking Accounts
La Capitol Federal Credit Union's Choice checking accounts were recognized in the October 2019 issue of Kiplinger's  Personal Finance magazine  as being among the top checking accounts in the country. 
 
"The La Cap team works very hard to enhance the financial well-being of our members." said Michael Hooper, president and CEO of La Capitol Federal Credit Union. "I am very proud to see that our efforts are recognized nationally again."
 
La Cap's Choice and Choice Plus checking accounts both pay a dividend of up to 4.25 percent, as long as the account holder meets certain conditions. That dividend rate is among the highest in the nation for checking accounts. Over the last 12 months, account holders received more than $500,000 in dividends and ATM refunds for using those accounts.
Quote of the Week:
"Minds are like parachutes; they only function when they are open."
- James Dewar

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 3: SAR Hot Spots & New Guidance: Email Compromise, Hemp, Elder Abuse & More
October  8:  Head Teller Training: Maximizing Teller Performance
October  9:  When a Depositor Dies: Legal Requirements, Practical Issues & FAQs
October 15:  Mortgage Lending Hot Spots Series
October 16:  Regulation E Series   
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
                        
For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website.
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(800) 452-7221   www.lcul.com