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June 2010

June 25, 2010

WCUL Volunteers Conference - Thoughts From Attendees

The 2010 Washington Credit Union League's Volunteers Conference was jam packed with great speakers and awesome opportunities to share ideas. The CU Grow team was at the WCUL's Volunteer Conference and Aaron Mireles (on twitter: @ACM1985) asked attendees to express their thoughts and views on credit union's community involvement, memorable experiences, and the future of the industry. View the clip below to hear some of their amazing stories. Leave us a comment and share with us your thoughts on how credit unions have evolved and emerged.

WCUL Volunteers Conference - Tim Harrington Chat

The 2010 Washington Credit Union League's Volunteers Conference was held at the Skamania Lodge in scenic Stevenson, Washington. CPA & President of T.E.A.M. Resources Tim Harrington led a social media session at this years conference in which he discussed specific strategies credit unions can use to make to most of the social media networks. Watch this video to see Tim Harrington take a moment to chat with PTP founder and blogger James Robert Lay (on twitter: @jrwlay) about key take aways from his fantastic session. Give us a shout back and let us know what you think!

June 24, 2010

WCUL Volunteers Conference: Day 1 Recap

Scope out the video below to see Aaron Mireles of the PTP team (on twitter: @ACM1985) give a recap of day 1 at the Washington Credit Union League's Volunteer Conference at the Skamania Lodge in picturesque Stevenson, Washington. Speakers offering their perspective include President & CEO of the WCUL John Annaloro, Principle Partner of Dollar Associates Dennis Dollar, CPA & President of T.E.A.M. Resources Tim Harrington, and PTP founder and blogger James Robert Lay (on twitter: @jrwlay). Leave us a comment and share with us your ideas about the credit union industry.

Vote Denise Gabel for Oprah's "Your Own Show"

Watch, vote and share your support for Denise Gabel. As an agent of change, Denise wants to know what makes a business unique? Where are they going? And how can she help? Why not help small businesses grow? Why not lend them a hand? 

Click here to watch the video as it could not be embedded.

Denise R. Gabel is the Chief Innovation Officer at the Filene Research Institute, an academic based, consumer finance think and do tank located in Madison, Wisconsin.

A recognized innovation catalyst and in-demand speaker, Denise has been interviewed widely from National Public Radio to the Wall Street Journal. She authored the Filene Research Institute’s Key Findings: Innovation Through Collaboration, annual publication Key Findings: Blueprints for Innovation, and Reimagining the Dream: The Future of Home Ownership.

Show some credit union love and vote for Denise.

WCUL Volunteers Conference - John Annaloro Chat

John Annaloro, President and CEO of the Washington Credit Union League took a moment to chat with Aaron Mireles (on twitter: @ACM1985) from the PTP team about what to expect at this years Volunteers Conference. This years WCUL Volunteers Conference took place at the incredible Skamania Lodge in beautiful Stevenson, Washington and focuses on the timely, significant challenges facing the financial services industry, including an economic outlook, regulatory advocacy and factors driving credit union change. Check out the video below and share with us your thoughts on the challenges that credit unions are facing.

June 23, 2010

Bright Lights & Shining Stars – Finding Encouragement by Taking Time to Reach Out and Getting to Know Each Other

It all started when I was working on the 2010 Marketing & Business Development Conference. Greg Cangialosi, CEO of Blue Sky Factory is the closing keynote speaker. I came across a series of questions in the “about us – our team section”. Taking lead from Blue Sky, I recently posted a mix of fun and professional questions for Southwest CUNA Management School first year students, in their online class group site, to help “break the ice” before they arrive on campus. You know the kinds of questions:

  • What’s your favorite _______?
  • What would you do if you could _______?
  • Name your top 3 favorite _______?
  • Where would you like to __________?

The list goes on. From time to time someone will post a list on Facebook or send an email to see if you’re willing to play along. They may seem silly or even a waste of time. Yet for those who choose to play along, insights are gained and relationships start to form or strengthen. A benefit I did not expect, was finding breaths of fresh air and encouragement.

When asked “what is your favorite thing about working at a credit union?” answers included:

  • I love that we are empowered to help people without all of the hindrances everyone faces at a bank.
  • “People helping people" is what it's all about!
  • I like being able to help people, especially when we can help someone that no one else will even talk to.
  • It's a REAL, honest to goodness, not-for-greed credit union.
  • Helping my members.
  • Building relationships and making dreams come true for members!
  • Helping members get out of dept, permanently.
  • Giving atmosphere.

The final item was a request to “give one valuable piece of advice to credit union professionals”:

  • All of your past experiences and education are worthless if you feel they are your qualifying factor. Use them to make the rubber meet the road and move forward.
  • Get in the game and never, never stop learning!
  • Set high standards for yourself and work hard to meet them.
  • Don't lose sight of our purpose (what makes us better). This, for me, takes a lot of practice and swallowing of pride, but: my most valuable tool has become examining what I think I want and why, my motivations, my actions and the outcomes. This exercise is applied to ALL aspects of my life). A great (important!) question is "how will this affect the people (family, friends, co-workers) around me?" I must admit, it's not always been "pretty".
  • Ask for help from the credit union people around you and give it back. COOPERATE and COLLABARATE. It is the single best way to get done all the things you have to accomplish.
  • Keep a good balance between "best for the credit union" and "best for the member".
  • Work is just a small portion of your life- it is a means to an end (Retirement)". Keep God first, Family second, and Work last in your life.
  • Be a servant with a servant’s heart – serve those who report to you, don’t make them serve you.

And yes, I did ask about favorite movies, flavor of ice cream, where’d they like to go other than Fort Worth in July with 100 degree temperatures, and more. I can’t wait to get to know this group of credit union professionals better!

A special thank you shout out goes to the SCMS Class of 2011 for setting the Class of 2012 group site up before they even arrive on campus!

Why do you like to work where you do? What advice would you give?

June 21, 2010

Your Brand Speaks Volumes – Who Does It Say That You Are?

Marketing To Do List:

☑ Update logo
☑ New, slick, promotional pieces
☑ Marketing campaign approved and ready to launch

But wait, there’s more. When it comes to branding and image, ask yourself:

  • Does the campaign support your credit union vision? Mission?
  • Is your message consistent?
  • Will your member experience match your message?
  • Have you let your credit union staff know about you’re about to launch?
  • Are the employees trained on the essential skills? Up to date on the featured product or service?

Branding goes well beyond marketing. As Mark Arnold passionately puts it, “branding is more than just changing a few brochures or the look of a newsletter. Much more. A true comprehensive branding program takes years to develop and impacts the entire organization. Your credit union doesn’t just “do” branding one year and mark it off its “to do” list. Your credit union must “live” the brand every day.”

Mark Arnold is teaching a full day course this summer at Southwest CUNA Management School on Advanced Branding. Limited seats available to help you further explore and expand your knowledge about branding.

Building a Lasting Brand: Advanced Branding for Credit Unions
Mark Arnold, CCUE July 20 (8:30 am – 4:30 pm)

Mark speaks from first-hand experience when he covers:

  • Maintaining Brand Consistency
  • Lovemarks & Emotional Branding
  • Gaining Staff Buy-In
  • Brand Leadership in the 21st Century

Having led his credit union through a name change and ongoing branding efforts, Mark provides practical information on what to and not to do with your credit union’s brand.

If you’re looking to develop your team or enhance your skills, plan to spend July 20 (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union) with Mark and the SCMS Class of 2011. Limited seating available on a day rate. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

You do not have to be an alumnus or have a student currently enrolled to take advantage of the opportunity to attend individual classes.

June 19, 2010

Be Strategic About Social Media: Find Your People, Join the Conversation

Social media, however you define it, is a changing environment. Regardless of what you call it, think about it, or the tools you use, it’s out there. And yes, the tools change. It’s not about the tools. It is about the people, relationships, value, authenticity, and conversation. It’s about growing your business and serving your community.

Make a strategic decision.

  • If customers/members and potential customers/members are having a conversation which relates to your products and services, it’s in your best interest to be part of the conversation. Find out where the conversations are occurring. If they are at the local business club monthly meeting, show up. If they are on Facebook or Twitter, listen, share, and interact.
  • If they are not talking about your credit union, products, or services online, no worries. Or not? Have you provided products and services worth bragging about? Has your competitor? Have your service levels slipped? Your products fallen behind the times? Do you want to know what people think? Look, listen, and learn. Be strategic about whether or not social media makes sense for your credit union and market.

If you make the strategic decision to incorporate social media into your marketing and business development plan, be strategic about what you do.

  • Don’t set up a credit union Facebook page just because someone else did.
  • Twitter is not a 140 character commercial. It’s a place to help people find connections, learn about cool stuff/resources, and know more about your credit union and what you have to offer. Select the tool or tools best suited for your team and your members.

Southwest CUNA Management School has two courses this summer with limited seats available to help you further explore and expand your knowledge about social media.

Social Media I: Getting Acquainted
Dr. George Low - Texas Christian University (TCU)
July 20 (1-4:30 pm) with 1st Year Students

Social-networking websites such as MySpace, Facebook, and LinkedIn have seen unprecedented growth in recent years. Consumers are creating their own content on blogs, YouTube, and are rating products and services on message boards and other sites, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for marketers to use these social media to communicate with current and potential customers, and to build lasting relationships with them. The objective of this course is to give students valuable knowledge and skills needed to take advantage of these powerful social marketing tools. Teaching/learning methods will include class discussions of current trends and issues, mini case studies, and the sharing of experiences, ideas, and best practices in using social media as part of a broader strategic, integrated, marketing communications effort in the credit union industry.

Social Media: Let’s Get Strategic
Amanda VegaAmanda Vega Consulting
July 19 (1-4:30 pm) with 2nd Year Students

You’ve heard about social media, have been dabbling on your own, or have incorporated elements of social media at the credit union. How do you advance to the next level? It’s time to get strategic with Amanda Vega, Amanda Vega Consulting. In this open discussion that is part information and part hands-on learning, plan to explore and discuss:

  • What are the challenges and successes associated with social media in the credit union industry and who ultimately owns it?
  • Advanced uses and tools in social media to help you get to the next level (comment marketing anyone?).
  • The executive team isn’t buying into this marketing activity or simply doesn’t “get it.” – now what? How to and ensure buy-in from the decision makers
  • New research on tracking, monetization and the like (a Facebook fan is worth more than $138) and the new tools that are out there to help quantify these efforts.
  • Social media compliance, regulation, and policy tips
  • Taking your social media to the next level, communication as a whole, arming you with real information and engagement suggestions.
  • If you’re looking to develop your team or enhance your skills, plan to join us on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union). Limited seating available on a day rate. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

June 18, 2010

Credit Union Lending Trends, Challenges & Innovations

It’s tough out there!

“Overall loan demand softened during the reporting period. There is more commercial and industrial loan activity in the pipeline but consumer loan demand outside of credit cards remains sluggish. Contacts report that they are turning down many potential mortgage borrowers due to poor credit. Credit standards remain tight and loan pricing is unchanged. Some contacts reported an increased inflow of deposits, which they attributed to the unease arising from recent stock market volatility. Although contacts are relieved that the Federal Reserve will retain regulatory oversight over state member banks, there continues to be concern regarding other impending regulation changes. The outlook is slightly optimistic with some concern about the impact of the Greek credit crisis.”
Source: The Beige Book, Federal Reserve Districts, Eleventh District – Dallas, June 9, 2010

According to CUNA’s 2010-2011 E-scan, “Credit union members demonstrated little appetite for additional debt in 2009, resulting in a meager 1% rise in credit union loan balances – the smallest gain since 1943.” Loans are out there for the financial service providers who are positioned to capture the business. Are you and your team on top of lending trends? Is your credit union ready and positioned to put new loans on the books? Have you considered various scenarios and mapped out plans to position forward? On July 14, Larry Biernacki, President & CEO, Arkansas FCU, will share with Southwest CUNA Management School students and guests from his extensive lending background, discussing such areas as:

  • What’s Going on in Lending Land?
  • Challenges in Current Rate Environment
    • Production Concerns
    • Margin Issues
    • What If/Can You Run Out of Money?
  • Strategic Products for Building & Deepening Member Relationships
  • Manufactured Housing

    If you’re looking to develop your team or enhance your skills, plan to spend July 14 (1:00 pm – 4:30 pm) on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union) with Larry and the SCMS Class of 2011. Limited seating available on a day rate. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

  • Credit Unions: Evolve and Emerge - Live in Washington!

    The CU Grow team is in Stevenson, Washington for the Washington Credit Union League's Volunteer Conference.  We have some great sessions lined up over the next day and will be tweeting the sessions as always so feel free to shout out and get involved.

    Just following along with James Robert, Jonathan, Aaron and Mandy.

    In the meantime, you can watch the quick hello and video update.

    June 16, 2010

    What’s a Leader to Do ... When You Are Paid to Think?

    In any organization it's leadership who's responsible for setting the strategy, developing the tactics, and following through on the execution. The challenge for leadership is that not all plans go as planned. With capital markets changing, politicians in Washington changing the rules daily, the economy on life support, personal finances in turmoil and unemployment in double digits, what is a leader supposed to do to increase their membership, create a stable Credit Union, and continually deliver products and services that meet the needs of the membership? It is to follow the basic principles of Paid to Think:

    • Learn to Slow Down
    • Use Your Organization as Your Eyes and Ears
    • Add Tools to Your Toolbox
    • Marinate

     1st year students and enrolled guests are in for a treat as they spend a full day on campus with David Goldsmith, MetaMatrix Consulting Group, LLC, exploring the concepts around “Paid to Think”, learning:

    • A new road map for those in leadership that outlines 12 specific activities every leader should be skilled at to:
      - create rapid growth
      - increase customer and employee satisfaction, and overall value to the credit union
    • What assumptions are preventing you from making rapid progress towards your overall desired outcomes and what changes you can make to easily overcome these obstacles
    • How to rethink the current strategic and tactical model in such a way that brings clarity to every activity you do every day
    • What leadership is responsible for delivering to insure that there are no fires, and progress is made every day, and
    • The rationale behind the phrase, "All management exists in the future." and what you can do to bring even greater leadership to those you manage.

    This course, while only a day long, will immediately change you and your Credit Union forever.

    If you’re looking to develop your team or enhance your skills, plan to spend July 21 (8:30 am – 3:30 pm) on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union) with international business forecaster and management strategist, David Goldsmith and the SCMS Class of 2012. Limited seating available on a day rate. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

    David will also be our commencement speaker for the 38th SCMS Graduation.

    June 14, 2010

    Big or Little, Rich or Poor, Creativity is Key when it comes to Business Development

    When you hear someone say “business development” what comes to mind?

    • If only we could hire someone?
    • Sounds good, but we don’t have the money to spend right now.
    • It’s someone else’s job!
    • So busy right now, good idea but don’t have time.

    Seth Godin wrote, "The thing that makes business development fascinating is that the best deals have never been done before. There's no template, no cookie cutter grind it out approach to making it work. This is why most organizations are so astonishingly bad at it. They don't have the confidence to make decisions or believe they have the ability to make mistakes."

    With some creative thought, many options exist that don’t involve additional staff or expenditures. It’s time to get strategic and bring growing your credit union into focus:

    • Educate, energize and involve your entire staff
    • Set goals
      - community outreach
      - retention
      - overall membership growth
      - other metrics appropriate for your credit union
    • Track results
    • Communicate

    If you’re looking for training for yourself or your team to help with business development strategies, plan to spend a day on the TCU campus (Lupton-Brown University Union) with Julie Ferguson, owner of JRF Consulting Services, LLC. With 16 years at First Tech CU, Julie knows credit unions. She brings real life experience and practical tips to SCMS Grad School, July 21, on the TCU Campus. For more details, visit www.scms.coop or contact Janine McBee, SCMS Synergist & Director.

    June 11, 2010

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - CU Grow Monkey Race

    Vote Now for the Next Top Credit Union Executive!

    The Credit Union Executives Society (CUES) is an independent, not-for-profit, international membership association. Its mission is to educate and develop credit union CEOs, directors and future leaders. Right now CUES is on the hunt for the Next Top Credit Union Executive! The Next Top Credit Union Exec contest allows young credit union professionals to stand out amongst their peers, and be recognized for the work they are doing to advance the credit union. It also provides finalists and the winner with educational credits to help them further their careers within the credit union industry. VOTE NOW!

    June 10, 2010

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - Jean Gatz Interview

    Jean Gatz was a keynote speaker at the 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting. Jean Gatz has been entertaining credit union audiences for over 20 years. In fact, she got her start right here with Mississippi Credit Union Association! Her closing general session was titled "Mama Always Said That There Would Be Days Like This". James Robert Lay (on twitter: @jrwlay) from the CU GROW team took a few moments to recap some of the key points for Jean's speech. Take a beat and share with us your thoughts on their chat.

    Continue reading "MSCUA Annual Meeting - Jean Gatz Interview" »

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - James Robert Lay Interview

    At the 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting speaker James Robert Lay (on twitter: @jrwlay) presented the breakout session titled "Look Outside to Grow Inside". James Robert completed his MBA in 2006 at the University of Houston - Clear Lake and has enjoyed speaking at many different credit union conferences and events. In addition to speaking at conferences around the country, he is also on the faculty at San Jacinto College where he teaches professional selling with a focus on relationships. Scope out the video below to see Sarah (on twitter: @mrsjlay) catch up with her fellow CU GROW team member, and recap key takeaways from his session.

    Continue reading "MSCUA Annual Meeting - James Robert Lay Interview" »

    June 09, 2010

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - Harry Black Interview

    Harry Black presented a breakout session titled "Understanding the Current Market Crisis & Its Implications" at the 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting. Financial educator Harry Black has been an active credit union member for 33 years and a director of Mississippi Telco Federal Credit Union for 14 years. Watch the video below to see Aaron Mireles (on twitter: @ACM1985) of the CU GROW team chat with Harry about his session. Tell us what you think! Comment on this article and share with us how your credit union is working with you and your community during the current market crisis.

    Continue reading "MSCUA Annual Meeting - Harry Black Interview" »

    Credit Unions Say No to Interchange

    In good old credit union grassroots fashion, two "say no to interchange" videos have surfaced this week. Both provide a fun, lighthearted way to educate your members and community about the facts of interchange and what they can do to take action.

    Watch, laugh, learn, share below.

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - Alan Bahr Interview

    Sarah (on twitter: @mrsjlay) from the CUGROW team took a moment with Alan Bahr to recap his session titled "Secondary Marketing Strategies for Credit Unions" at the 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting. As Director of Secondary Markets and National Accounts, Alan is responsible for managing CMG MI's strategic relationships with investors and conduits. His role includes working to expand CMG MI's penetration of secondary market channels. Watch the video below and post a comment sharing marketing strategies used by your favorite credit union.

    Continue reading "MSCUA Annual Meeting - Alan Bahr Interview " »

    June 08, 2010

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - Charles Elliot Interview

    At the 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting the president & CEO of the Mississippi Credit Union Association Charles Elliot took a few minutes to chat with James Robert Lay (on twitter: @jrwlay) of the CUGROW team to discuss the Young Free Mississippi Program. Give us a shout back and tell us how your credit union is preparing for the future generations.

    Continue reading "MSCUA Annual Meeting - Charles Elliot Interview" »

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - Tim Harrington Interview #2

    Tim Harrington delivered the keynote address at the 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting. Because of his knowledge, wit and unpretentious delivery, Tim is a much sought after speaker in the credit union movement. Tim has made presentations for many national credit union organizations and NCUA, as well as for the credit union leagues in forty five states. In addition, Tim is on the faculty of the CUNA "CU Finance for Non-Financial Managers and Volunteers" School. Check out the video below to see Aaron Mireles (on twitter: @ACM1985) of the CUGROW team chat with Tim. 

    Continue reading "MSCUA Annual Meeting - Tim Harrington Interview #2" »

    June 07, 2010

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - Tim Harrington Interview #1

    At the 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual meeting guest speaker Tim Harrington presented the breakout session titled "Profitable Checking Accounts After Courtesy Pay Changes". Tim has that rare ability to make complex subjects very simple. As an expert in the field of credit unions. Watch the video below to see Aaron Mireles (on Twitter: @ACM1985) from the CU GROW team chat with Tim and keep the dialogue going by posting comments about ways your credit union is benefiting it's members and community.

    Continue reading "MSCUA Annual Meeting - Tim Harrington Interview #1" »

    MSCUA Annual Meeting - Brian Flynn Interview

    Brian Flynn, guest speaker at the 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting  presented the breakout session titled "Many CU CEO's are Retiring in the nest 5-7 years, Are you Ready?" Brian is the National Sales Manager, Executive Benefits for CUNA Mutual Group, a company that specializes in the design, implementation, financing and ongoing administrative support of supplemental executive benefit programs specifically tailored to credit unions. Check out the interview with Brian below and give us a shout back on ways that your credit union is preparing for the future.

    Continue reading "MSCUA Annual Meeting - Brian Flynn Interview" »

    June 05, 2010

    Passion, Purpose & Performance: How Strategic Leadership Works in Today's Credit Union

    When it comes to your career path and leadership development, as well as succession planning for your credit union, the first person you look to is yourself! No one cares more about your future than you and those who depend on you. If you're looking for insight and guidance to help you on your journey, check out this first year SCMS course:

     

    Passion, Purpose & Performance: How Strategic Leadership Works in Today's Credit Union.

     

    First year Southwest CUNA Management School (SCMS) students hit the ground running on day one with Dr. Robert Smith. During his high energy presentation, he takes students on an experiential journey, sharing insights into fundamental leadership requirements guiding strategic change within their credit unions. In 2010 and beyond, success will be defined by the ability of credit unions to innovate. This course is a unique hands-on experience in the emerging discipline of leadership innovation. Because successful innovation is ultimately measured by execution and accountability, this course is fully anchored in pragmatic applications including numerous case studies to illustrate different leadership skills. The final segment the revolves around a discussion of who needs to be on your support team for advancing your leadership career as a leader of innovation in your credit union.

    Dr. Smith covers:

    • Assessing your skills for leadership
    • Understanding how vision actually shapes strategic change
    • Developing an accountability matrix to track leadership and coaching behavior necessary to get results
    Limited spaces are available first year enrollment. Students starting this year will graduate during “The International Year of the Cooperative”. How cool would that be!

    On a space available basis, most SCMS classes are also available on a audit basis.

    June 04, 2010

    MSCUA Annual Meeting Day #2 Recap

    The 2010 Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting was held at the beautiful Beau Rivage Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi. Here is the CU GROW team's recap of Day #2.

    MSCUA Annual Meeting Day #1 Recap


    The CU GROW team migrated to Biloxi, Mississippi to attend the Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting and Convention held at the Beau Rivage Resort. Watch this video to get a recap of Day #1 of the conference.

    June 03, 2010

    TCUL Annual Meeting - Financial Eduation Breakout

    While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas, the CU GROW Team attended the financial education breakout session entitled "Connecting to Your Community Through Financial Education."  Connecting to your community through financial education will not only strengthen relationships with your local non-profit organizations and schools, but will ultimately create successful money managers within your membership.  Check out the video below to learn more about some of the financial education tools and programs that are out there to serve your community and don't forget to shout back at us!

    Continue reading "TCUL Annual Meeting - Financial Eduation Breakout" »

    TCUL Annual Meeting - Red Carpet

    While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas, the CU GROW Team caught up with all of the credit union celebrities on the red carpet.  Check out the video below and see who walked away with an award!

    Continue reading "TCUL Annual Meeting - Red Carpet" »

    June 02, 2010

    TCUL Annual Meeting - Lois Kitsch Interview

    While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas, the CU GROW Team caught up Lois Kitsch following her session entitled, "Making the REAL Member Connection."  As consumers become more frustrated and angry with their banks they are turning to credit unions. Yet, many credit unions are not prepared to meet their needs - nor do they recognize the opportunity in serving families of lesser incomes.  Lois Kitsch joined the National Credit Union Foundation as the National Program Manager of the REAL Solutions program in December of 2006. In her prior role as the Director of Field Projects with the Filene Research Institute, Lois piloted the REAL Solutions program in three leagues which implemented and tested new business models designed to serve new target markets, including young adults, immigrants and modest income households.  Check out our interview with Lois below and give us a shout back on the ways your credit union is working to meet families of lesser incomes. 

    Continue reading "TCUL Annual Meeting - Lois Kitsch Interview" »

    TCUL Annual Meeting - Stacey Hanke Interview

    While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas, the CU GROW Team caught up Stacey Hanke (on Twitter: @staceyhanke) following her session entitled, "Catch the Energy! Inspire the Fire!"  As a decision maker you know that motivating others is an ongoing task. Employees rely on their leaders for structure and direction. A leader can positively impact an employee's performance only when they take care of their development first.  Stacey helps individuals eliminate the static that plagues communicative delivery - to persuade, sell, influence or simply effectively communicate face-to-face with a clear message.  Stacey is the founder of 1st Impressions Consulting, Inc. where she reveals how to develop verbal skills to influence and persuade others.  Check out the interview with Stacey below and give us a shout back on how your credit union is working to effectively communicate with it's employees and members!

    Continue reading "TCUL Annual Meeting - Stacey Hanke Interview" »

    June 01, 2010

    TCUL Annual Meeting - Kristine Mansour Interview

    While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team caught up Kristine Mansour after attending her session entitled, "Network, Connect, Sell."  During this difficult economy, true human-to-human connections and relationships are what will give salespeople the competitive edge to increase sales.  Kristine is a Sports & Entertainment Consultant at Mansour Advantage Consulting.  Check out our interview with Kristine below and give us a shout back!

    Continue reading "TCUL Annual Meeting - Kristine Mansour Interview" »



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