Stay tuned for future advocacy posts from Ryan Donovan

In November, I had the opportunity to speak with a small group of credit union executives about what CUNA has been doing in terms of legislative advocacy and political activity.  They asked me to speak with them for about an hour and they wanted me to focus on issues other than member business lending, supplemental capital and interchange.  I relished this opportunity:  The truth of the matter is that, while these issues along with preservation of the tax status are top legislative priorities for CUNA, there are dozens of issues that we work on daily which get much less attention but are no less important.

We talked about our comprehensive efforts on reducing regulatory burden for credit unions, including the work we have done on legislation to make changes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; our efforts to protect credit unions from lawsuits filed by patent trolls and ATM vandals; our efforts to encourage Congress to enact a long term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program; the work we are doing on cyber security legislation; and, of course, the coordinate effort to engage the now-defunct Super Committee in defense of the credit union tax status.

Right before I took questions from the group, I uttered a sentence that immediately lit a light bulb above my head: “Now, if this is the first time you’re hearing about our work on these issues, then we’re not doing a good enough job getting the word out, and that will improve.”  Publishing an advocacy blog on a regular basis is one of the ways that I am committed to improving this.

When I speak to credit union groups, I often tell them that part of my job is explaining credit unions to Congress, but another very important part of my job is explaining Congress to credit unions.  The former is often much easier than the latter, and that’s why I’m starting this blog—to try to explain how what is happening in Washington is relevant to credit unions.

CUNA has a number of communication mechanisms that help those who are interested know what is going on and what we’re working on.  My contributions to CUNAverse will not be a substitute for any of them.  NewsNow is a must-read resource for all sorts of credit union and CUNA news, including a section focused specifically on what is going on in Washington.  The Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Departments both publish weekly updates for CUNA members that discuss the issues percolating in Washington.  If you want to know what is going on and what is CUNA doing about it, these are terrific resources.  For those who want to dig a little deeper on the legislative side, I hope you will find my contributions here valuable.

Your CUNAverse team is excited for the upcoming year and looking forward to several improvements that will make CUNAverse a better experience for you… beginning with this post.

Take a moment to view our slideshow for our top 10 New Years Resolutions for CUNAverse. We hope this level of transparency reinforces the genuine nature of this blog, our commitment to providing you with valuable insight on all things credit union, and sets the tone in your mind for what is already shaping up to be a fantastic year.

As always, we want to hear your feedback. What do you think? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

MADISON, Wis. (January 18, 2012) – The Credit Union National Association’s 2012 America’s Credit Union Conference will be held June 17 – 20, in San Diego, CA. Conference registration and housing is now open at acuc.cuna.org.

America’s Credit Union Conference is designed to connect progressive credit union leaders with like-minded business experts and action-inspiring ideas. Each year, ACUC features the industry’s top line up of business speakers.  Keynoting this year’s event in San Diego are business innovator and renowned author Tom Peters, USAF pilot and philanthropist Major Dan Rooney, and science-based marketer Sally Hogshead. For the second year, the conference will feature CUNA Mutual Group’s popular Discovery sessions.

“America’s Credit Union Conference is about activating excellence and propelling our credit union movement forward,” said Bill Cheney, President and CEO of CUNA. “This signature conference sparks inspiring leadership, big plans and positive change and look forward to this gathering of the movement’s leaders and visionary thinkers in San Diego this summer.”

CUNA Mutual Group’s Discovery breakout sessions are led by credit union experts and designed to help credit union leaders solve problems, capture opportunities and address current market challenges. The small session sizes foster networking opportunities and strong connections among attendees.

“We are pleased to once again partner with CUNA and offer our live Discovery sessions at the 2012 America’s Credit Union Conference,” said Jeff Post, President and CEO of CUNA Mutual. “Collaboration is a unique trait that differentiates credit unions from other financial institutions and helps make our movement stronger. ACUC’s energetic atmosphere and focus on a successful future for credit unions as a natural fit for our Discovery sessions.”

The 2012 ACUC also offers impactful Thought Leader sessions, an exclusive Executive Series for CEOs, one of the largest exhibit halls in the industry, networking and guest programs to enjoy San Diego.

Additional speakers, session topics and programs will be announced in the weeks to come. For more information and to register, please go to acuc.cuna.org.

MADISON, Wis. (January 17, 2012)—CUNA recently launched its National Credit Union Youth Week™ online store  and is providing early bird prices for credit unions. Youth Week will be celebrated April 22-28, 2012.

Through March 9, credit unions can save 10% on print materials to promote the “Be a Credit Union Super Saver™” theme and events, financial education materials to introduce money concepts to youth, fun items to reward young savers and apparel to dress the part in April. Discounts of up to 10% apply to standard items in inventory and bulk or customized orders.

“We’re excited to continue helping credit unions celebrate their young members and promote financial education,” says Joanne Sepich, CUNA’s Youth Week coordinator. “Youth Week is a great time to get youth into good saving habits that can last a lifetime.”

Credit unions can also choose to participate in the nationwide Saving Challenge, in which hundreds of credit unions track youth savings deposits during the month of April. CUNA will award $100 cash prizes to youth at 10 of the participating credit unions.

“Participating in the Saving Challenge is a great way for individual credit unions to raise awareness about the importance of financial responsibility and the benefits of credit union membership on a national scale,” adds Sepich. “Last year, participating credit unions reported more than 9000 new accounts and savings deposits of $28.5 million. This is a prime opportunity to increase member involvement.”

For Youth Week and throughout April, credit unions can outfit staff in Super Saver two-color imprint T-shirts in adult and youth sizes. Credit unions save on the upgraded tee and can both select the color and customize by adding the credit union name. Available in five colors, the shirt features the Credit Union Super Saver dollar sign logo highlighted by a yellow lightning bolt across its front.

“Although the price of cotton is about double what it was two years ago, we’ve found a great shirt with a two-color imprint for less than you’ll find a one-color imprint,” explains Sepich. “We know that credit unions are looking for value these days, and these shirts are just one of the many cost-effective and visually impactful ways to celebrate Youth Week.”

Also new for this year’s Youth Week, the online store builds upon the International Credit Union Day store design. Improved product categories support enhanced item browsing and easier site navigation.

For updates on Youth Week, credit union staff may sign up for a free e-newsletter and visit cuna.org/youthweek.

MADISON, Wis. (January 13, 2012) –Registration and school information is now available for the upcoming 2012 CUNA Economics & Investments Conference, August 12-15, 2012 in Chicago, IL.  For conference and registration information visit training.cuna.org/eic.

The CUNA Economics & Investments Conference gives credit union professionals an in-depth look at today’s national economic landscape and tomorrow’s economic future. Well-respected CUNA economic experts, Bill Hampel and Mike Schenk, will dive deep into the hard facts and numbers of the U.S. economy and explain what the nitty-gritty details of the economy mean, why they are important and how they will impact credit unions in the coming fiscal year. After attending this three day conference, credit union professionals will have the knowledge and skills needed to make better informed strategic planning decisions.

Attendees will hear CUNA’s leading economists speak on:

• The key players that shape the U.S. economy
• The practical tools for managing credit union finances
• Investment strategies that will keep credit unions competitive
• Asset-liability management techniques
• The current regulatory issues affecting credit unions today
• And more

“Every year our highly regarded economists Bill Hampel and Mike Schenk draw large crowds to hear their insights into today’s economic realities and tomorrow’s economic outlook ,” said Kevin Smith, Director of Volunteer Education at CUNA.  “The CUNA Economics & Investments Conference is a uniquely engaging and provides speakers and content not available at other conferences. Over the course of three intensive days, credit union professionals will get an entire year’s worth of credit union specific economic information that they can then use to build their strategic plans and map out their future business initiatives.”

The CUNA CFO Council is offering scholarships,up to $2,500, for qualifying credit unions attending the CUNA Economics & Investments Conference. The deadline to apply is July 9, 2012. More information can be found here.

For more information about the CUNA Economics & Investments Conference and to register, visit training.cuna.org/eic.

MADISON, Wis. (January 9, 2012)– CUNA is pleased to announce that the Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy has named Money Mission LLC a recipient of the 2011 Wisconsin Financial Literacy Award. Money Mission, along with other recipients, was recognized for its efforts to improve the collective knowledge of personal finance among Wisconsin citizens.

Money Mission is an interactive, web-based simulation designed to educate young adults about the fundamentals of personal finance. It is not a series of tutorials, but rather an engaging and entertaining journey built from the most basic concepts of value and money through complex issues such as taxes, inflation and globalism.

“Financial education is a core operating principle of credit unions, and one that state and federal lawmakers pay close attention to,” said Bill Cheney, CUNA president/CEO. “Projects like Money Mission increase awareness of credit unions and their values, and demonstrate credit unions’ commitment to the community and long-term financial health of their members.”

Money Mission and the other recipients were selected from 45 nominations submitted for consideration. Criteria used in the screening process included innovative implementation, demonstrated measureable results, collaboration with partners, whether the effort was statewide or had the potential to be statewide and whether the effort was focused on needs-based groups.

“We are honored that Money Mission has been recognized for its educational efforts by the Governor’s Council on Financial Literacy and by the state of Wisconsin,” says Jan Garkey, manager of group instruction at CUNA. “Every day we enjoy helping teens become financially responsible citizens.”

“The recipients of the Wisconsin Financial Literacy Award are helping Wisconsinites of all ages improve their personal finance skills in our schools, in the workplace and in communities across the state,” says Governor Scott Walker. “These citizen leaders equip students, parents, peers and consumers with the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their own money, which improves individual quality of life, as well as the Wisconsin economy.”

The results of Money Mission have been measured by the degree of participation and engagement. Almost 30 credit unions in Wisconsin participate, and nearly 4,000 students in over 40 states have signed on for Money Mission in just over a year of operation. The program is available through credit unions nationwide and is accessible to any interested participant. Further, the initiative has helped several students realize their college dreams through its scholarship awards.

“More information about Money Mission can be found here, or by emailing Jan Garkey.”

Every year, CUNA schools and conferences provide credit union professionals around the country with updates on pressing industry topics and regulations. From compliance and collections to marketing departments and board volunteers, the 2012 CUNA schools and conferences offer credit union specific education for every position. Programs are designed to showcase leading experts in their field and provide attendees with take away strategies to use at their credit unions to boost membership, streamline efficiency and strengthen their business and financial institution as a whole. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with other credit union professionals from around the country.

Many 2012 CUNA conferences also offer opportunities for educational advancement such as CPE credits, certifications, designations, graduate degrees and awards for credit union excellence. These titles are recognized throughout the credit union movement as distinctions for both job competence and career professionalism.

Get a sneak peak at a few of the upcoming CUNA spring conferences:

CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference
March 18-22 • Washington D.C.

CUNA Consumer & Residential Mortgage Lending School
April 2-5 • Orlando, FL

CUNA CU Finance for Non-Financial Managers & Volunteers
April 22-25 • Orlando, FL

CUNA Regulatory Compliance Schools
April 22-27 • Orlando, FL

CUNA Marketing Management Schools
April 30 – May 3 • Las Vegas, NV

View a complete listing of the 2012 CUNA Schools and Conferences and learn more about the educational opportunities available from CUNA.

MADISON, Wisc. (January 3, 2012) –CUNA announced the release of a new case study exclusively available on the CUNA Volunteer Network. This case study examines the use of the board portalby three credit unions around the world.

The case study demonstrates how online portals are revolutionizing the way credit unions communicate with their boards.  Highlighting Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union, Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited and Johns Hopkins Federal Credit Union, this case study illustrates how the board portals have benefitted each credit union and improved board relations.

“This new study outlines the advancements online forums have made to the credit union movement as a whole,” said Kevin Smith, Director of Volunteer Education at CUNA. “Advancements in online technology have made it easier for secure materials to be shared safely, immediately and effectively, guaranteeing that credit union volunteers have all the materials they need, when they need them. I am pleased to share this new case study on the CUNA Volunteer Network as part of our commitment to help volunteers stay informed and in-touch with one another.”

The board portal provides credit union directors and volunteers secure online access to board packets and other materials they need quickly and paper-free. The portal additionally provides board members a forum for discussions, polling, sharing calendars and more, while reducing overall administrative time.

The CUNA Volunteer Network keeps members informed and connected to their credit union peers by providing exclusive access to current industry news and research, case studies, a list serve  of peers, board training courses, discounts on educational opportunities and more.

More information about the CUNA Volunteer Network and the Board Portal Case Study can be found at training.cuna.org/volnet.

MADISON, Wisc. (December 20, 2011) – Credit Union National Association (CUNA) announced today that its popular CUNA Pressing Economic Issues Series, featuring highly respected economists Bill Hampel, Mike Schenk  and Steve Rick, will now be releasing new presentations on the 15^th of each month, beginning  January 15, 2012.

The CUNA Pressing Economic Issues Series gives credit union professionals insightful 30-minute economic updates and commentary every month. Subscribers to the CUNA Pressing Economic Issues Series can stay informed of pressing issues that specifically impact credit unions and discover the trends to watch as they prepare themselves for challenges ahead.

“CUNA is pleased to offer monthly access to three of the sharpest economic minds in the movement,” said Kevin Smith, Director of Volunteer Education at Credit Union National Association. “Our executive and board audiences consistently rate presentations from Hampel, Schenk and Rick as engaging and highly informative.”

CUNA Pressing Economic Series Speakers:

Bill Hampel is the senior vice president of research and policy analysis and chief economist for the Credit Union National Association. Bill also writes economic analysis columns that appear in several credit union publications. As an expert on the economy and credit union issues specifically, Bill is routinely asked by national news outlets to share his economic expertise.

Mike Schenk is vice president of economics and statistics for the Credit Union National Association. He conducts economic and financial research and provides support for CUNA’s governmental affairs and public relations efforts. Mike is an expert on the economy and credit union issues, boasting more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry.

Steve Rick is a senior economist for Credit Union National Association. Steve conducts economic research, teaches at various credit union schools and conferences and writes articles for CUNA publications. Steve facilitates strategic planning sessions for credit union boards and has authored a textbook on asset-liability management. Steve is also a faculty member of the economics department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

A full year’s credit union subscription to CUNA Pressing Economic Issues Series is $499.  Individual sessions are available for $99 each. More information can be found at cuna.org/training/peis.

MADISON, Wis. (January 5, 2012)—Representatives from CUNA will select students from across America to serve one-year terms as youth editorial board members for the Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) toolkit called Googolplex: The Credit Union Guide for Student Moneymakers.

Requests for applications are currently being accepted through February 6, 2012, for all 12 positions. The new student board members’ terms will begin on June 1, 2012.

“Year after year, the insight we receive from these bright students is instrumental in designing financial literacy tools that resonate strongly with children and young adults,” says Rena Crispin, Googolplex managing editor. “At CUNA, we believe that it’s vital to start financial education at a young age.”

Googolplex is a youth-focused element of CUNA’s onlineEDGE program, which guides credit union members through financial decisions at every stage of life. Googolplex features interactive games, videos, blogs and other content dealing with money matters and real life issues to promote financial literacy for youth aged 6-18.

Youth editorial board members complete two brief online critiques each month of stories and games in age-specific sections of Googolplex’s award-winning three-in-one website. At the end of their terms, each of the 12 board members writes an original story forGoogolplex.

• Four elementary school-aged students will serve on the Clubhouse Crew for 5-Spot.
• Four middle school-aged students make up the Super Youth Team for AJ’s.
• Four high-school-aged students will be on the Teenage Panel advising C-Note.

“Our youth board members provide us with feedback that ensures that their peers feel welcome and validated whenever they use Googolplex on their credit union’s website,” says Susan Tiffany, CCUFC, director of consumer periodicals.

Board members must be in grades 3-12 in the fall of 2012 or, if home-schooled, of the same grade-level ages, and will work from home. Applications are available by request from Corey Pratt, Googolplex youth editorial board liaison. Please state the child’s grade level or age equivalent if home-schooled. Requests are due by February 6, 2012.

To learn more about how Googolplex and other onlineEDGE tools benefit both credit unions and their members, visit http://www.cuna.org/onlineedge and http://www.cuna.org/finlit/gplex.html.