Small Credit Unions Town Hall Recording: Yesterday, Jim Nussle and other leaders at America’s Credit Unions led a town hall for small credit union CEOs and board members. They shared the latest updates shaping America’s Credit Unions, key advocacy priorities, and information about membership benefits as we head into 2025. A recording of that meeting is now available. 

Housing Affordability and Credit Unions: We're looking forward to joining a WOCCU webinar on November 14. The webinar will take a look at the results of a study of Canadian credit unions and the innovations and ideas they're implementing to address the housing crisis. If you want to join us, register for the webinar and download this report.

Everyone up for the Kickoff: We hope you've stretched your hamstrings because it's time to officially kick off this year's Brawl of the Wild 🏈 fundraiser for Shodair (today through November 22). It's never too late to start participating, though. Just email Michelle to get started.

Selling icons isn't for everyone, though, and that's okay. Instead, consider donating directly to the campaign by sending a check to Montana's Credit Unions, Attn: CU4Kids, 101 N Rodney St, Helena, MT 59601.

Breaking News: We've added another Personify Leadership® training opportunity to the calendar! Join us in Bozeman, December 10-11, for the next session of the award-winning program. It is a fun, experiential, two-day event focusing on the eight core body-focused competencies of a leader. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn and grow as a leader in the credit union industry.

We’re also happy to announce registration is now open for the first four-day Personify Leadership^® Train the Trainer program December 10-13 in Bozeman. In addition to the standard two-day curriculum, the Train the Trainer program involves two additional days for trainers to learn the how-tos of successfully delivering this program to their members and organizations.

Learn more on our website or reach out to Gerry for more information.

Advocacy Update

Election Impact: Are you curious about how the upcoming election results will impact credit unions into 2024 and beyond? Join a post-election webinar on November 7 at noon. The America’s Credit Unions advocacy team will share key insights into how credit unions can navigate the new landscape and advance their priorities in the 119th Congress.

Join us at GAC! Registration is officially open for the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference! Join your Montana credit union peers in Washington, D.C. from March 2-6 and be part of the credit union industry's largest advocacy event. Don't miss this opportunity to unite with leaders from across the industry and showcase the credit union difference to lawmakers. You’ll also want to reserve your room in one of the two MCU hotel blocks before January 17. Contact Karen for the password to request the group guest room rate or for more information.

This Week's Blogs

A Direct Line: In a recent letter to credit unions, NCUA emphasized the responsibility of credit union boards to safeguard member data in light of an alarming increase in cyber incidents, with over 1,000 reports since the NCUA's new notification rule was implemented in September 2023. This week's blog provides an overview of the NCUA letter and is a "must-share" with your boards.

Consumer Blog: Consumers are estimated to spend $10.8B this Black Friday. How do retailers talk us into spending big bucks each November? This week's consumer blog discusses some tricks retailers use to get you to spend — and how you can avoid them while still treating yourself.

2025 Holiday Closure Signs: Signs and social media graphics for federal holidays have been added to the bottom of the communications page of our website. You can also download zip files of them below:

• Closure signs
• Closure social media graphics

Please note these are automatic downloads, so after clicking, check for them in your downloads folder. Still need closure signs for the remaining holidays in 2024? They're still on the communications page.

Streamline the Auto Loan Approval Process: Are you tired of slow loan approval processes and the challenges associated with paystub fraud? Open Lending and Point Predictive have partnered to introduce a game-changing solution that streamlines the loan approval process, reduces manual intervention, and enhances security. Learn more by contacting Open Lending.