America’s Credit Unions Committee Appointments: We’re excited to announce that two Montana credit union leaders have been appointed to America’s Credit Unions committees! Steve Grooms (1st Liberty FCU) will serve on the Advocacy Policy Committee, and Frank Barnes (Whitefish CU) will join the Volunteer Leadership Committee. Congratulations to both on representing Montana credit unions at the national level!

Application Period Open for GWLN and WYCUP Scholarships: The Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) Scholarship and the 2025 World Young Credit Union Professionals (WYCUP) Scholarship. These esteemed programs offer transformative opportunities for leaders in the global credit union movement. Check out their full media release for more details.

NCUA Supervisory Priorities: The NCUA released its annual list of priority topics for supervision and exams in 2025. In the introduction, it was noted that there "continued to be signs of financial stress on credit union balance sheets during 2024," so it should not be surprising that Credit Risk was first on the list. That topic was followed by Balance Sheet Management and Risks to Earnings and Net Worth, Cybersecurity, and Consumer Financial Protection areas (overdraft, fair lending, HMDA, Military Lending Act, and Regulation E). The letter includes resource links and states that the agency's "primary objectives — ensuring a safe and sound credit union system and protecting credit union members — can only be fulfilled when we adapt to the ever-changing economic and technological landscape." 

CU Leaders and Future Leaders: Accelerate the leaders at your credit union by signing them up for Take the Lead! Registration includes the workshop in April, several professional training opportunities throughout the year, and membership to MCU’s Take the Lead Community. This program is perfect for emerging leaders, current managers, and anyone who wants to influence change. Participants will connect with other motivated professionals across Montana and build a network of contacts. Registration for Year One and Year Two is open.

Want to learn more? Watch the 30-minute video below to hear more about Take the Lead from the program facilitator, Bill Nagle.

This Week's Blogs

If you or someone on your team is wondering about the role our league plays in the bigger picture of credit union land, this week's blog might offer you some insight. Read this week's blog and share it with others.

Advocacy Update

This Week at Montana’s Capitol: The 69th Montana Legislature is now in session! On Monday, the House and Senate kicked off 90 days of lawmaking, with over 4,200 bill placeholders already submitted. We’re working with our lobbying firm, The Taylor Luther Group, to monitor and address legislation impacting credit unions and their members. Stay tuned for updates, and feel free to reach out to Karen with any legislative questions.

2025 Advocacy Priorities for America’s Credit Unions: America’s Credit Unions has unveiled 17 advocacy priorities for 2025 focusing on "protecting, empowering, and advancing" credit unions in the 119th Congress and beyond. These priorities, shaped by member feedback and stakeholder input, will guide efforts to ensure credit unions thrive amid shifting regulatory landscapes.

Insights on Demographics and Advocacy for Credit Unions: Understanding demographic trends can help credit unions uncover growth opportunities and strengthen advocacy efforts. In the latest Economic Update, America’s Credit Unions Senior Economist Dawit Kebede uses Equifax’s data to reveal that the median age of credit union members has remained stable for two decades. Additionally, tools like Project Zip Code are vital for mapping membership data and demonstrating credit unions’ economic impact at the state and federal levels.

What We're Reading, Watching, and Listening to

(It's a new series; we're excited)

CU Trends: We enjoy few things more than a good top list. This article from CUInsight details five things credit unions should be on the watch for in 2025.

New Podcast from The Foundation: Tom Sakash will host a brand-new podcast celebrating the magic of credit unions called Credit Union Nation. This podcast will dive deep into the stories, strategies, and leadership shaping the future of our industry.

People over Profit: Did you catch the recent article from Chip Filson about Ravalli County CU? It talks about the "people over profit" philosophy that drives the credit union and specifically calls out their efforts to increase the financial well-being of women living in areas under the poverty level. It's a must-read about the CU Difference!

2025 Risk Management Virtual Events: Keep abreast of the complex everchanging risks, compliance issues, and industry regulations with TruStage’s 2025 Risk Management virtual events. Start with their first webinar, Third-Party & Nth Party Cyber Incidents, at noon on Wednesday, January 22, and join expert panelists as they address how decisions regarding strategic partnerships with third parties can keep your and members' data safe.

Save Big with a Series: Check out CU Webinar Network’s 2025 webinar schedule. The carefully selected topics will be presented by industry experts, providing must-know information to credit union employees and volunteers. Don't miss the series of webinars being offered with discounted pricing.

Fergus FCU recently made the #CUDifference within their community with donations to the local school district. $20,000 was gifted to each of the five schools in Lewistown, resulting in a total contribution of $100,000.



• Garfield and Highland Park elementary schools are set to purchase new playground equipment and basketball baskets for their gym;
• Lewis & Clark Elementary School will be able to add a new baffle system to enhance acoustics and sound quality in its new gym;
• The junior high school plans to install a new reader board to replace its outdated letter board at the front of the building; and
• The high school will use the funds to remodel its concessions area for sporting events.

The credit union said of the donations, "Our community is so important to us and we like to give back any way we can."