Lady on the Street - New Orleans

What do the people of New Orleans have to say about their financial institution? Watch the video below to find out as all credit unions can learn something from their responses. A big thanks to the Louisiana Credit Union League for having the CU Grow team out at the Annual Convention this past week. As always, shout out and share your comments below.

The CU Grow Show - Episode 1

Watch the first episode of The CU Grow Show featuring different topics including:

Crossfire: Bank vs. Credit Union in marketing

Spotlight: Featuring interviews from The One CU Conference

20 Second Fire Back: Christopher Morris sharing words of wisdom in 20 seconds or less

As always, remember to innovate, communicate and collaborate.

Editor's Note: Thanks so much to Christopher Morris for helping us spell Bill Cheney's name correctly and apologies for the error in the video.

Credit Union Lovers, Your Vote is Needed

Your action is needed today to vote for James Robert Lay to become the CU Water Cooler Wild Card Speaker at the 2010 CU Water Cooler Symposium going down October 28 - 29, 2010.

Look Outside to Grow Inside
Your vote will help James Robert have the opportunity to lead an exciting, interactive session while sharing thoughts and ideas on how credit unions can “Look Outside to Grow Inside” by examining companies and cultures that are doing things differently and succeeding. Company cultures that will be explored and related to the credit union movement include Starbucks, Google, Zappos, Tom Shoes and more. 

Vote & Share
Remember, you can vote once with each valid email address you have. Please also help spread the word and tweet, Facebook, call, text and email your friends and family asking for their help and to vote for James Robert Lay.

Register to Attend
In addition to voting, we also encourage you to register to attend the CU Water Cooler Symposium. Get discounted early bird registration if you register to attend before July 31st with a super low investment of $199.  Attend and enjoy two days of fresh speakers, awesome topics and great conversations with fellow credit union lovers.

Video Update From The 1 Credit Union Conference

Watch this quick hello from Aaron as well as check out all the latest happenings from The 1 Credit Union Conference in Vegas as well as from The Crashers.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

MSCUA Annual Meeting Day #2 Recap

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.

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!

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!

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. 

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!

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!

TCUL Annual Meeting - Nancy Barry Interview 2

While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas, the CU GROW Team caught up Nancy Barry again following her other breakout session entitled, "Gen Y - Are They Ready for the Real World?"  Nancy Barry is a Gen Y expert and passionate about connecting people and generation gaps.  Many employers across the country say recent college graduates are not prepared for the real world.  With her expertise, Nancy covered the top 5 things that an employer needs to know when managing Gen Y employees. Check out our interview with Nancy and don't forget to shout back at us on all the ways your credit union is learning to connect generations!

TCUL Annual Meeting - Bob Prosen Interview

While at the Texas Credit Union League's Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team caught up with Bob Prosen  following his breakout session on "Locking in Customer Loyalty." Bob is a visionary leader with a pragmatic grip on the reality of what it takes to deliver extraordinary bottom-line results. He is the president and CEO of The Prosen Center for Business Advancement, whose mission is to help business leaders execute and achieve results that count. Check out our interview with Bob below and give us a shout back on how your credit union is collaborating on ideas and unique ways to drive member loyalty.

TCUL Annual Meeting - Nancy Barry Interview

While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas, the CU GROW Team caught up Nancy Barry following her breakout session entitled, "Closing the Generation Gap."  Who are these people and why can't they all get along?! For the first time in history, there are four generations in the workplace.  Nancy Barry is a Gen Y expert and author of "When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent College Graduates to Know."  Nancy's contagious enthusiasm, positive energy and humor make her a dynamic presenter. Check out our interview below with Nancy and don't forget to shout back at us!

TCUL Annual Meeting - Amanda Vega Interview

While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting in Grapevine, Texas, the CU GROW Team caught up Amanda Vega following her breakout session entitled, "Comment Marketing: Where Social Media Gets Social."  Comment marketing is the most undervalued and most powerful part of any social media strategy. In this session, we will show you how easy it is to participate in all of the conversations happening on the web in your areas of interest - whether they are blogs, news sites, posts to open social networks or forums.  Check out our interview with Amanda and don't forget to shout back at us!

TCUL Annual Meeting - Bob Prosen Keynote

While at the Texas Credit Union League's Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team caught up with Bob Prosen following his key note session on "How to Connect with your Team & Win During Tough Economic Times."  Bob provides a unique combination of inspiration and practical advice that you can use immediately to rapidly increase performance and profit.  He is a visionary leader with a pragmatic grip on the reality of what it takes to deliver extraordinary bottom-line results. Bob is president and CEO of The Prosen Center for Business Advancement, whose mission is to help business leaders execute and achieve results that count. Check out our interview with Bob below and give us a shout back on how your credit union team is working to connect and push toward your goals as a financial institution.

MAC 23rd Annual Conference

The CU GROW Team is in Cali for The MAC 23rd Annual Conference.  Follow @JennBills and @ACM1984 on Twitter to keep up with what is going on at this year's conference "Shelter From the Storm."  Make sure you check back to cugrow.com for the latest in the credit union world!

TCUL Annual Meeting - Amanda Vega Keynote

While at the Texas Credit Union League's 2010 Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team caught up with Amanda Vega (on Twitter:@AmandaVega) following her key note session on "Social Media: How the Web Connects People."  Amanda is the CEO of Amanda Vega Consulting, technically the oldest social media management company with engagements in the industry dating 10 years, a published author of “PR in a Jar” and contributor to the bestselling book “The Social Media Bible.” Check out our interview with Amanda below and give us a shout back on how your credit union is connect with members via social media. 

VIdeo - TCUL Annual Meeting Day 2 Recap

The CU GROW Team attended the Texas Credit Union League Annual Meeting, in Grapevine, Texas.  Check out the video below of Day 2!

CUAC Annual Meeting 2010 - Dr. Michael Hudson Interview

At the Credit Union Association of Colorado's Annual Meeting, we caught up with Dr. Michael Hudson.  Dr. Hudson lead a keynote session entitled "Collaboration is the Key To Your Future Success."  Dr.Hudson helps entrepreneurs, growing business leaders, and independent professionals build successful businesses by leveraging the power of their ideas. He is known for his information-rich anecdotes, real world examples, and his practical, easy-to-use approaches.  Check out our interview with Dr. Hudson below and make sure you give us a shout back with ways your credit union uses collaboration successfully.

Juntos Avanzamos Award for Beacon FCU

Beacon FCU was awarded the Juntos Avanzamos Award.  This an award given to credit unions who connect with the Hispanic community beyond a brochure or website in Spanish.  Credit unions like Beacon FCU help Hispanics build financial wealth and achieve financial success, through services in Spanish and financial education.  This award is focused on the idea of people helping people beyond what is easy or convenient.  Beacon FCU saw a need and decided to meet that need with the Hispanic community!  Check out the video below and give us a shout back on ways your credit union is working to reach non-English speaking people in your community!

Credit Unions: New Voices, New Visions - Live in Mississippi

The crew is in Mississippi for the Mississippi Credit Union Association's Annual Meeting & Convention.  We have a lot of great things lined up over the next two days 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 Sarah.

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

CUAC Annual Meeting 2010 - Senator Harvey Interview

While at the Credit Union Association of Colorado's 2010 Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team caught up with Ted Harvey, Republican Colorado State Senator.  For the past seven years, Senator Harvey has been honored to represent Douglas County in the Colorado House and Senate. He has fought tirelessly for the conservative principles such as: personal and economic freedom, protection of our Constitutional rights, and limited, locally controlled government. Check out our interview below with Senator Harvey and shout back at us!

CUAC Annual Meeting 2010 - Chris Kemm Interview

While at the Credit Union Association of Colorado's Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team caught up with Chris Kemm, Manager of Grassroots Advocacy at CUAC.  During our interview, Chris discusses how credit unions can get involved in the political game and strategies they can use to facilitate their involvement.  Check out our interview with Chris below and give us a shout back!

CUAC Annual Meeting 2010 - James Robert Lay Interview

While at the Credit Union Association of Colorado's 2010 Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team had a chat with James Robert Lay following his session on "Building Member Relationships On-line."  James Robert (on Twitter:jrwlay) is the founder of PTP NEW MEDIA.  James Robert has found a home in the credit union movement through helping credit unions grow relationships with members online with interactive web, viral, and social marketing.  Check out our interview with James Robert and don't forget to give us a shout back with innovative ways your CU is working to build member relationships online. 

CUAC Annual Meeting 2010 - Shelly Vils Interview

While at the Credit Union Association of Colorado's Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team caught up with Shelly Vils after her session on "Lending to Gen Y: Preparing for the Passing of the Torch."  Shelly is the Senior Manager of Credit Union Training at the CUNA Mutual Group. She is responsible for delivering facilitation and coaching expertise as well as design and development tools in order for Credit Union Training Learning Consultants to execute at the highest possible level for their Credit Union Customers. Her team provides training and education to Credit Union staff all over the country. Check out our interview with Shelly below and give us a shout on how your CU is lending to Gen-Yers!

CUAC Annual Meeting 2010 - Ben Rogers Interview

While at the Credit Union Association of Colorado's Annual Meeting, the CU GROW Team caught up with Ben Rogers, who just wrapped up his session on "The Burning Platform: How Collaboration Can Save Credit Unions."  Ben Rogers is the research director of the Filene Research Institute,where he manages and edits a large pipeline of economic, behavioral,and policy research related to the consumer finance industry. He has authored nearly twenty Filene reports, including the Institute's recent young adult research, recruiting studies, and upcoming consumer financial protection and cooperative management reports.  Check out our interview with Ben below and make sure you shout back with ideas and ways your CU is staying current with consumer and young adult research!

Breaking News: Bankzilla Attacks!

Reports were pouring in yesterday from The Consumerist that Bankzilla was on the loose terrorizing people in Washington, DC. We have a special report with details coming in from another attack of high rates and hidden fees in Pasadena, Texas. Consumers can take action. 

CUNA MBDC - Brief Summary of Dennis Graham Session

At the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference, the CU GROW team sat in on a session with Dennis Graham entitled "Strike While the Iron is Cold."  Check out the video with Sarah Lay (On Twitter: mrsjlay) as she gives a brief summary his session on cold calling. 

CUNA MBDC - Brent Lawrence Interview

While at the 2010 CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference, we caught up with Brent Lawrence following his session on "Small Business Lending."  Brent is the Marketing and Public Relations Vice President at Deseret First Credit Union in the Greater Salt Lake City Area.  Check out our interview with Brent below and give us a shout back on ways your credit union is expanding your lending department.

CUNA MBDC - Day 2 General Session Recap

While at the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference, we caught up with Gigi Hyland after her general session on regulatory changes. Gigi is a Board Member of the NCUA and has dedicated much of her career to being an attorney and advocate for the credit union world. Check out our interview with Gigi below and give us a shout back with regard to your credit union's approach to the latest regulations.

CUNA MBDC - Young and Free Music Video Contest Recap

While the CU GROW team attended the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference, we caught up with the some of the contestants from the Young and Free HQ "Lookin' Like a Fool with Your Money in a Bank" video contest.  Check out the video below and make sure you give us a shout back!

CUNA MBDC - David Reske Interview

David Reske (on Twitter: davidreske), is the Founder and President of Nowspeed Marketing. Internet Marketing Veteran with significant experience in SEO, PPC, Social Media, Web Analytics.  At the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference the CU GROW team caught up with David after his session on "Social Media: What Gets Measured, Gets Funded."  Check out the video below and give us a shout on ways your credit union is using social media to reach your members.

CUNA MBDC - Tim McAlpine Interview

Tim McAlpine is a passionate credit union advocate who believes that credit unions and the credit union movement need to work harder to prove that there is a difference and that it matters.  Tim (on Twitter: currencytim) is the owner of Currency Marketing, who developed the program Young and Free.  The CU GROW team caught up with Tim at the 2010 CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference after his session on the Young and Free program.  Check out the video below and shout back with ways your credit union is working to reach GenYers.

CUNA MBDC 2010 - Day 2 Recap

Check out the video below from Day 2 at the 2010 CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference from the CU GROW team.  Don't forget to give us a shout back!

CUNA MBDC 2010 - Trevor Hendrickson Interview

While at the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference the CU GROW team caught up with Trevor Hendrickson for a quick interview.  Trevor just wrapped up a session on the "Effectiveness of Websites."  "Build it and they will come” may be the stuff Hollywood legends are made of, but not traffic driving, loyalty building, sales generating websites. Your website has the potential to increase the effectiveness of all your marketing efforts if you simply commit to the total integration of the Web into your marketing strategy.  Trevor (on Twitter: thendrickson) is the Founder & Owner of theWEBcentric.com.  Check out the interview with Trevor below and shout back on ways your CU is working to increase the effectiveness of your website. 

2010 CMBDC Conference - Credit Union Social Media Conversations

While at the CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council Conference in D.C., the CU GROW team caught up with Christopher Morris, Manager of Communications & Web Resources for the CUNA Council.  Christopher is responsible for the Councils' online presence, including all seven council websites, social networking site (CUNA Councils Connect), and other communication tools.Chris lead a discussion session on social media.  Check out the video below and give us a shout on how your CU is using social media to reach your members.