Headline News

Financial Counselors: Prepare to Take Your Next Steps!
Did you know that Louisiana has over 500 certified financial counselors? As impressive as that sounds, we've heard from many of our credit unions that your counseling programs have not fully launched or that they are still in the formative stage.

LCUL is here to help you not only kick start your programs but broaden your counseling capabilities.  We are excited to bring you a NEW dues subsidized, low-cost training day. This one-day workshop is designed for all counselors no matter which program you previously used or how long ago you received your certification.

Together, you will not only network and share best practices, but you'll also:
  • Learn Counseling Conversation Starters to Uncover the Member's True Financial Situation.
  • Role Play Counseling Scenarios in a Safe and Fun Environment
  • Discuss Multiple Types of Counseling Programs (Individual, Group, Preventative, Youth, Retirement & More)
  • Discover the Art of Mind Mapping your Ideas into Reality
  • In groups, Complete Hands-On Mind Maps to Create Immediate Implementable Action Plans
  • Receive printed Budget Worksheets, Spending Plans & Tracking Spreadsheets to Use with Members
We have dedicated two days in two different regions so that you can pick the date/location that works best for you. Divide your staff members between the two dates to maximize networking and the sharing of best practices. Walk away with implementable action plans and printed takeaways all for the dues-subsidized investment of $50 per attendee.

Click here to join us Tuesday, October 29 in Natchitoches, LA or here to join us Thursday, November 7 in Baton Rouge, LA
Louisiana CUs: What's YOUR Story?
It's the age old question: what's the difference between banks and credit unions? Sure, we can share the not-for-profit, cooperative structure, but there is more to it. Your stories illustrate the value credit unions provide and make it clear that credit unions are worth protecting.

LCUL is looking for specific stories that show how you've helped a particular member in a way that no other financial institution would. These stories will be highlighted in a special awareness campaign directed towards Louisiana legislators to demonstrate why credit unions are relevant today. Sharing your stories with lawmakers will influence their decisions that affect your credit union's operations and service.

Email your member story to [email protected]. These stories are critical to the success!
  Amid Threats, Louisiana Announces Cybersecurity Center
The state of Louisiana is establishing a cybersecurity center that will analyze hacking threats and bolster information sharing among state and federal agencies, industry experts and academics in an effort to strengthen computer network security.

Click here to continue reading.
News from CUNA Mutual

CMG: Why Split-Dollar Life Insurance is Gaining Popularity 
Split-dollar life insurance agreements have been part of the credit union executive compensation landscape since 2005, and recently they've been getting more popular as a way to reward and retain top executives.

Learn what they are and why they're an option without excise tax liability to help in retain and recruiting executives.
Have you Heard?

Pelican State CU Gives Away Free Donuts to Hammond Residents
On Wednesday, August 21 Pelican State CU gave out free donuts at University Donuts in Hammond. Each person that attended was given two donuts and a drink. 236 people attended the event, which meant a grand total of 472 donuts were given out! 
 
This event was free and open to the public, and over $1,200 went back to the local, family-owned business located at 1215 W University Avenue. Tangi 96.5 also held a live, on-site broadcast featuring Johnny in the Morning. 


CSE FCU Helps Build Financial Success by Hosting a Clothing Drive Event
CSE FCU is teaming up with Louisiana Workforce Commission in Lake Charles to present "Empower by Fashion: Clothing for a Cause" clothing drive event to help men and women dress for the jobs they are interviewing for. Stop by any CSE branch from September 3rd-10th to donate new or gently used professional clothing.

In line with CSE's vision of people helping people build financial success, all donations will go to Louisiana Workforce Commission in Lake Charles to help empower men and women in need by providing them with professional attire to thrive in their work life. A detailed list of clothing items can be found on CSE's Facebook Page or website at csefcu.org.

CSE is hosting this event in honor of its 75th anniversary and Labor Day. Louisiana Workforce Commission's vision is to make Louisiana the best place in the country to get a job or grow a business.
Neighbors FCU  Contributes $53,600 to Local Schools Through Mascot Checking Program
Neighbors contributed a combined $53,599.55 to 13 participating schools during the 2018-2019 school year. The funds came from NFCU's Mascot Checking Program. 
 
These contributions more than doubled the $21,383 contributed during the previous school year. Mascot Schools have now earned a total of $97,477 since launching in 2014. 
 
These checking accounts come with a school-branded debit card and Neighbors contributes money to the school for each debit card swipe. After the school has 100 active Mascot Checking accounts, the school earns ten cents per swipe, and the schools earn five cents per swipe before the first 100 active accounts.
 
"This program continues to see tremendous growth, and we are thrilled to provide a consistent revenue stream for our Mascot Schools," Neighbors President and CEO Steve Webb said.
 
In addition to receiving contributions generated from the checking account program, the participating schools are invited to annually select a graduating student to receive a scholarship from the Neighbors Capital Area Foundation. Thus far, the foundation has awarded $45,000 in scholarships.
 
The third and final component of the Mascot Program is providing complimentary financial education to the students. Neighbors FCU's financial literacy coordinator makes regular appearances to each school, and Neighbors provides financial literacy curriculum to the schools free of charge. Neighbors also has financial literacy centers at Walker High School and Denham Springs High School.
 
You can learn more about Neighbors Mascot Checking Program at https://www.neighborsfcu.org/personal/checking-account/mascot-checking/ .
Quote of the Week:
"Anyone can find the fault; it's hard to find a cure."
- John Zenger


Educational Calendar
Upcoming Conferences & Seminars from your League:

September 18-19: Marketing & Business Development Conference
October 9-10: New Laws & Compliance Conference
November 20-21: IRA Essentials/Advanced with Ascencus

Upcoming Teleconferences & Webinars from your League:
 
  September 5:  Auditing E-Policies & Procedures: Risks, Rules & Records  
September 10:  Managing Minor Accounts: Withdrawals, Transfers, & Best Practices
September 11:  Conducting the 2019 ACH Audit
September 12:   Mortgage Lending Hot Spots Series:
Appraisal & Evaluation Guidance on Collateral Valuation
September 16:  New Compliance Officer Boot Camp
September 18:  Regulation E Series: Auditing for Reg E Compliance
September 19:  Emerging Trends & Developments in Online, Mobile & Digital Channels
September 24:   Mitigating a Data Breach: Forensics & Incident Response
September 25:  Hiring in the Digital Age: What Every HR Manager Needs to Know About Social Media
September 26:  What Directors Should Know About CECL, ALLL & the New Credit Impairment Standards

For a complete listing of educational opportunities available from LCUL, visit the League website.