The Desjardins Awards are named for Alphonse Desjardins, the founder of the North American credit union movement, and honors credit unions for their commitment to youth and adult financial literacy.

“We congratulate this year’s winners and honorable mentions for their admirable work educating youth and adults about financial education skills,” says Vikki Kinsler, CUNA’s program coordinator for the Desjardins Awards.  “Credit unions, chapters and leagues from more than 30 states applied for the award, which shows the movement’s increasing commitment to this type of service for members.”

CUNA added the Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award in 2011 to its well-established Youth Award to recognize credit unions’ efforts to teach personal finance concepts and skills to members and non-members age 18 and older.  This change brings all personal finance education activities under the Desjardins name, including the award for leagues.  CUNA received 30 entries in the Adult category in addition to the 55 entries received for the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award.

“Part of the mission of credit unions is to promote thrift among our members,” says Bill Cheney, President and CEO of CUNA.  “Financial education is a key component of accomplishing this mission–it’s good for the members and differentiates credit unions from other financial institutions.”

Recipients were recently chosen from among the state-winning entries by CUNA’s national awards committee.

Winners for the Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award include (asterisks indicate repeat winners):

• A+ Federal Credit Union – Austin, TX*
• Community Credit Union – Lewiston, ME
• CORE Federal Credit Union – East Syracuse, NY
• Credit Union Association of New York*
• Service 1^stFederal Credit Union – Danville, PA

Honorable mentions include:

• Altra Federal Credit Union – Onalaska, WI*
• Arapahoe Credit Union – Centennial, CO*
• Beach Municipal Federal Credit Union – Virginia Beach, VA*
• Greater Minnesota Credit Union – Mora, MN*
• Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union – Knoxville, TN
• Maine Credit Union League*
• Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union – Columbia, SC*
• Public Service Credit Union – Romulus, MI
• Virginia Educators Credit Union – Newport News, VA*

Winners for the Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award include:

• CommunityAmerica Credit Union – Kansas City, MO
• Community Credit Union – Lewiston, ME
• Financial Fitness Greater Austin Credit Union Facilitators – Austin, TX
• Greater Minnesota Credit Union – Mora, MN*
• Latino Community Credit Union – Durham, NC

Honorable mentions include:

• Credit Union 1 – Anchorage, AK*
• Denver Community Credit Union – Denver, CO*
• Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union – Columbia, SC*
• Patelco Credit Union – Pleasanton, CA
• Tinker Federal Credit Union – Oklahoma City, OK*

In December, PDFs of the winning entries will be available for viewing on CUNA’s website. The actual winning entries will be on display at CUNA’s 2012 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), March 18-22, 2012, in Washington, D.C. All winners and honorable mentions will be recognized during a March 21 reception at the conference.

Our friends at Credit Union Magazine featured an excellent article on their website today. The article—Think Outside the Cube by Libby Vertz—shares insights on innovation from Michael Spink, Communications Manager with Local Government Federal Credit Union and a Filene  i³ participant.

This Q&A piece deserves a quick read. It covers Michael’s thoughts on  i³ and the secret to being innovative.

Below is only a snippet from the article, so be sure to read the full article here.

Michael Spink, communications manager for Local Government FCU.

CU Mag: What’s one innovative effort taking place at Local Government Federal?

Spink: At Local Government Federal, we’re changing the way we think. We want to handle all our endeavors in innovative ways—from how we market products and go about operations to how we look at compliance and regulation.

It’s time to actually poke our heads out of the trench and really look at the bigger landscape. It’s a different world since we jumped into our foxholes a few years ago.

CU Mag: How will this benefit your CU and members?

Spink: It will make our credit union healthier and more efficient, and will increase the value to our members. We’ll also have a greater ability to respond to member needs more quickly.

On a grand scale, the benefit is a stronger credit union movement overall. The more we each honestly look at the new landscape, the more we’ll all learn about navigating within it.

What do you think… are credit unions too slow in implementing innovation and change? What’s your secret for being innovative?

“With invaluable input from our users, we have enhanced the CPDOnline training system to better serve credit unions’ needs today and in the future. We are grateful to our pilot credit unions and confident our current and new users will benefit from the new platform,” said Todd Spiczenski, vice president of Center for Professional Development.

“We are excited for the upgrade to roll out at Summit,” remarked Kimberly Frederickson, AVP of Learning & Development at Summit Credit Union, a recent winner of the American Society of Training & Development’s BEST Award.  Summit was recognized for its training and development program, which utilizes CUNA’s CPDOnline as a key component.

Serving nearly 30,000 credit union professionals, CUNA CPDOnline is the premiere web-based training service that provides more than 350 credit union-specific courses on topics including lending, member services, compliance and more. Its interactive online environment combines the freedom of independent education with the support and collaboration of a classroom setting.

The key enhancements to CUNA CPDOnline include:

• Enhanced navigation: With streamlined navigation and a clean look, users will find it easier to access exactly what they need and get relevant news.
• Improved communications: Now users can easily send notifications to groups via email with CUNA CPDOnline’s new message center. Plus, with the new collaboration center, users can also engage in conversation, blend learning and post documents for better collaborative learning.
• Extended reporting capabilities: CUNA CPDOnline’s new self-reported training function allows learners and managers to post to transcripts and include goals and additional training. Managers can also monitor the progress of their direct reports, keeping track of activities and assignments and follow on-the-job training. All of this can be done via new scheduled or on demand reporting.
• More administrative options: Administrators can easily assign activities and assignments, including deadlines and reminder notifications. Users also have the capability to assign CUNA and credit union courses and control new notifications.

For more information about the upgrade to CUNA CPDOnline, visit training.cuna.org/cpdonline. For questions, please call 800-356-9655, ext. 4072 or e-mail cpdonline@cuna.coop.

Arnold explains how the marketing tactics that worked for credit unions pre-technology may still work today, but they may not be nearly as effective in reaching consumers.  The way people live now, with technology at their fingertips most of the day, changes the way they expect a financial institution to interact with them.  Simply put, technology has put consumers in control, and they decide when and how they want to be communicated with. It’s up to credit unions to adapt to those new rules by changing the way they reach members and non-members.

This white paper:

• Shares current technology trends
• Examines online marketing elements worth considering
• Discusses the essentials of an online marketing strategy
• Provides tips on implementing online marketing tactics
• Reinforces the concept that utilizing online marketing tactics has the potential to reach more people and produce better results for less money.

CUNA Council members are entitled to complimentary copies of these and more than 300 white papers; non-members may purchase the white papers for a price of $50 per copy.  

The paper is available online in the white paper sectionof www.cunacouncils.org– select the “Marketing & BizDev” tab.

Press can contact Jenny Jackson at jjackson@cuna.coop  for a copy of the whitepaper.

The “Super Saver” theme draws upon the powers of superheroes that also apply to saving at a credit union, such as plotting a savings plan and acting it out, protecting and monitoring money and drawing upon resources at the credit union in order to be strong savers and smart spenders.

The theme ranked first in a nationwide poll of credit union staff, and youth backed it by placing it among their favorite themes, as well.  The superhero theme was suggested by both Jennifer Moser, member service representative at Union Pacific of Arkansas FCU (North Little Rock, Ark.), and Kelsey Balcaitis, community education specialist at A+ FCU (Austin, Texas).

“I thought of the superhero theme a few months before the suggestions were requested when one of our youth account members told me he was a superhero!  I have never met a kid who didn’t like superheroes, and this is something that will never go out of style.  In addition, it’s fun!” tells Moser of her theme submission.

“Youth Week is all about encouraging youth to save their money—so what better way than telling them they are superheroes for doing so?  The theme can work in so many different ways.  It not only encourages them to be Super Savers, but it can be a great opportunity for credit unions to demonstrate how they are superheroes in their own communities,” notes Balcaitis.

In keeping with the Super Saver theme, the 2012 Youth Week poster employs comic book-inspired design and bright primary colors.  The poster and related artwork will be available online at cuna.org/youthweek in January 2012. For updates on Youth Week, credit union staff may sign up for a free e-newsletter.

Aaron Bresko, VP Lending, BECU, Tukwila, Wash. remains as council chair and Bill Vogeney, SVP/Chief Lending Officer, Ent FCU, Colorado Springs, Colo. remains as vice chair. Jason Osterhage, SVP/CLO, Delta Employees CU, Atlanta, Ga. was elected as secretary treasurer.

Two new members were elected to three year terms replacing Charles Anderson, EVP Commercial Banking, Arizona State CU, Phoenix, Ariz. and Vicki Lovett, SVP Chief Lending Officer, Suncoast Schools FCU, Tampa, Fla. who did not seek reelection:

• Stacy Fifield, VP Consumer Lending, Operations Support, Travis CU, Vacaville, Calif.
• Chris Oldag, EVP Chief Operating Officer, City County CU, Margate, Fla.

The CUNA Lending Council executive committee also currently includes:

• Michael Long, EVP Chief Credit Officer, UW Credit Union, Madison, Wis.
• Bonnie Doolin, SVP Business Development, Massachusetts Credit Union League, Inc., Marlborough, Mass.
• Gayle Rust Gustafson, VP Finance Services, Rivermark Community CU, Beaverton, Ore.
• Keith Reynolds, VP Lending/Business Services, Citizens Equity First CU, San Jose, Ca.
• Jennifer Cowles, VP Real Estate Lending, American Eagle CU, East Hartford, Conn.
• Dale Frankhouse, Director of Business Services and Mortgage Lending, Sun Federal CU, Maumee, Ohio

“The Hispanic community is one of the most underserved groups in the U.S.,” says Miriam De Dios, vice president of Coopera. “For a successful Hispanic outreach strategy, it’s essential to first learn as much as possible about the unique experience and needs of this market.”

Becoming familiar with the diverse experiences of Hispanic immigrants is the first step credit unions must to take to better engage with this community. Coopera and CUNA’s Hispanic Immigration Training on Demand is designed to help credit union staff better understand the immigration process and the immigrant experience.

With Alternative Forms of Identification and Documentation Training on Demand, credit union staff learn how to adapt their Customer Identification Program (CIP) to serving an immigrant group. Students are also trained to identify the most common forms of identification and documentation used by Hispanic immigrants, as well as when alternative forms of identification are acceptable.

Coopera and CUNA have also designed a product that puts credit unions at the front of the classroom with the Access to Money with Credit – Spanish Member Seminar Kit. The kit includes everything a credit union needs to plan and execute a member seminar on credit in Spanish. This kit compliments the Basic Steps to Managing your Money – Spanish Member Seminar Kit.

The 2011 Dora Maxwell Award first-place winners include:

• Marinette County ECU in Marinette, WI
• Joplin Metro CU in Joplin, MO
• General CU in Fort Wayne, IN
• Space Age FCU in Aurora, CO
• Alabama CU in Tuscaloosa, AL
• Marine FCU in Jacksonville, NC
• State ECU in Raleigh, NC
• Western Chapter of the North Carolina Credit Union League, Penrose, NC

First-place winners of this year’s Louise Herring Award are:

• Communicating Arts CU in Detroit, MI
• St. Louis Community CU in St. Louis, MO
• Credit Union 1 in Anchorage, AK
• Eastman CU in Kingsport, TN

“The winners of these prestigious awards embody the philosophy and ideals of our movement, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements,” commented CUNA President & CEO, Bill Cheney.  “It’s no wonder that so many consumers are turning to credit unions these days, which are led and guided by individuals such as these to ever higher levels of service to their members. Commitment to community involvement and member financial education remain at the core of credit union success, and these award winners have demonstrated their personal commitment to these core values for credit unions. Congratulations to them — and to all in the movement who share and practice their values.”

Maxwell was an original signer of CUNA’s constitution and a tireless organizer of hundreds of credit unions throughout the United States. She also developed volunteer organizer clubs and worked tirelessly with organizations on behalf of the poor.

The Maxwell award is presented to credit unions in eight asset-size categories and a chapter or multiple credit union group category for outstanding social responsibility projects in their communities. Activities may include: solving core community problems, coordinating supply drives for the needy, raising money or organizing special events for charitable organizations, or mentoring students.

Herring was also an original signer of CUNA’s constitution when she was an Ohio delegate to the 1934 national credit union conference in Estes Park, CO. She saw credit unions as more than just financial institutions and believed they should work to better people’s lives.

The Herring award is given to a credit union demonstrating the internal application of credit union philosophy to help better financial matters and increase financial education for its members.  Examples include: exceptional member service, financial counseling for members experiencing difficulties, and educating members on the credit union difference.

Winning entries will be on display at CUNA’s 2012 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), March 18 – March 22, in Washington, DC.  The award winners will be honored during a March 21 reception.

# # #

2011 Dora Maxwell/Louise Herring Award Winners

Dora Maxwell ($5-$20 million)

First Place: Marinette County ECU in Marinette, WI
Second Place: Bethex FCU in Bronx, NY

Dora Maxwell ($20-$50 million)

First Place: Joplin Metro CU in Joplin, MO
Second Place: Community CU in Lewiston, ME
Honorable Mention: 1^st Choice CU in Atlanta, GA

Dora Maxwell ($50-$100 million)

First Place: General CU in Fort Wayne, IN
Second Place: Linn-Co FCU in Lebanon, OR
Honorable Mention: Carolina Postal CU in Charlotte, NC

Dora Maxwell ($100-$200 million)

First Place: Space Age FCU in Aurora, CO
Second Place: Streator Onized CU in Streator, IL
Honorable Mention: Five County CU in Bath, ME

Dora Maxwell ($200-$500 million)

First Place: Alabama CU in Tuscaloosa, AL
Second Place (Tie): ELGA CU in Burton, MI
Second Place (Tie): Members CU in Winston-Salem, NC
Honorable Mention: Freedom First CU in Roanoke, VA

Dora Maxwell ($500 million- $1 billion

First Place: Marine FCU in Jacksonville, NC
Second Place: Credit Union 1 in Anchorage, AK
Honorable Mention: DuPont Community CU in Waynesboro, VA

Dora Maxwell (More than $1 billion)

First Place: State ECU in Raleigh, NC
Second Place: Indiana Members CU in Indianapolis, IN
Honorable Mention: American Heritage FCU in Philadelphia, PA

Dora Maxwell (Credit Union Chapters or Multiple Credit Union Group)

First Place: Western Chapter of the NC Credit Union League in Penrose, NC
Second Place: Montgomery Chapter of CUs in Montgomery, AL
Honorable Mention: Sioux Valley Chapter of CUs in Sioux Falls, SD

Louise Herring (Less than $50 million)

First Place: Communicating Arts CU in Detroit, MI
Second Place: Community CU in Lewiston, ME
Honorable Mention: Communicating Arts CU in Cincinnati, OH

Louise Herring ($50-$250 million)

First Place:  St. Louis Community CU in St. Louis, MO
Second Place: Central Maine FCU in Lewiston, ME
Honorable Mention: Public Service CU in Romulus, MI

Louise Herring ($250 million-$1 billion)

First Place: Credit Union 1 in Anchorage, AK
Second Place: CoVantage CU in Antigo, WI
Honorable Mention: People’s CU in Middletown, RI

Louise Herring (More than $1 billion)

First Place: Eastman CU in Kingsport, TN
Second Place: State ECU in Raleigh, NC
Honorable Mention:  Desert Schools FCU in Phoenix, AZ

CUNA CU Finance for Non-Financial Managers & Volunteers School is tailored specifically for credit union managers and volunteers wishing to set a broad foundation on the essentials of credit union finance.  From accounting 101 to complex asset-liability strategies, attendees will gain a working knowledge of their credit union’s financials and become a better asset to their credit union members.  The annual program attracts managers and directors with a wide range of professional backgrounds and experience levels.

By attending this school and successfully completing the on-site exam, directors will earn their CUNA Board Financial Literacy Certificate, which ensures compliance with the NCUA requirement of board members to prove their financial literacy.  In addition, by completing the optional exam, board members and volunteers attending the school will also earn six credits toward the Certified Credit Union Volunteer (CCUV) designation.

Attendees will hear from Tim Harrington, CPA and president of T.E.A.M. Resources, on the following topics:

• The basics of finance and how it affects your credit union
• The benefits of a balanced budget
• How to read financial statements and analyze the nuances between the numbers
• The relationship between risk and interest rates
• What asset-liability is and why it is important to your credit union
• And more

“We are excited to see so many of our credit union board professionals and volunteers at this program every year,” said Kevin Smith, Director of Volunteer Education at CUNA.  “The basic financial information shared at this school is vital for every credit union employee to perform their job duties effectively.  It’s great to see so many people within the movement actively educating themselves and making the credit union movement more connected and stronger as a whole.”

For more information about the CUNA CU Finance for Non-Financial Managers & Volunteers School and to register, visit training.cuna.org/cuf.

The certificate will continue to be offered in 2012 and can be earned after successfully completing exams associated with one of the following four tracks:

1. Attend either the CUNA CU Finance for Non-Financial Managers & Volunteers School this April 22-25, 2012 in Orlando, FL or the CUNA Volunteer Certification School September 23-28, 2012 in Long Beach, CA.
2. Attend the CUNA CU Finance for Non-Financial Managers & Volunteers eSchool beginning May 8, 2012.
3. Complete six self-study CUNA Volunteer Achievement Program (VAP) courses including: Financial Reports for Volunteers, Managing Risk for Volunteers, Financial Management, Asset-Liability Management for Directors, The Basics of Risk Assessment for Volunteers, and Understanding Audit Reports.
4. Book an in-house training session.

After completing the designated track, applicants must pass the appropriate assessment(s) to earn the CUNA Board Financial Literacy Certificate.

As a result of an increasingly more complex financial industry landscape, new NCUA requirements were issued in order to ensure that federal credit union directors had a sufficient working knowledge of their credit union’s financials. The NCUA now requires directors to comply with educational benchmarks that confirm they have at least a working familiarity with the basic finance and accounting practices of their credit union.

For more information on the new NCUA regulations or certification visit http://www.cuna.org/training/boardreq/index.html#ncua