Thankful for the credit union movement

CUNA, Leagues, and credit unions have plenty on our plate to close out 2022, including putting the finishing touches on an advocacy agenda for next year.?

?There’s also a lot to be thankful for. I’m thankful to be part of a movement dedicated to improving people’s financial well-being.?

I continue to remain thankful for the talent, dedication, and commitment of the many credit union leaders who spend every day working on ways to better serve their members and communities.?

Most indications show a rough economy in 2023, and credit unions—as they have so many times before—will be there for members as their needs arise.?

I’m also thankful for our members and their belief in the power of not-for-profit financial cooperatives to help them achieve their dreams. They inspire us to always work for bigger and better.?

I hope you have a safe and restful holiday with family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving.?

Foundation report explores positive saving behaviors?

The National Credit Union Foundation released a great report on how something as simple as an e-mail can help credit unions improve their employees’ financial well-being. Three credit unions participated in a two-year long grant program exploring ways to establish positive saving behaviors. The research showed significant, measurable improvement in employees’ savings habits through changes that come at no or very little cost to credit unions.?

Read the report here

GAC Crasher nominations due Dec. 2?

Do you know a passionate credit union young professional who might be interested in Crashing the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC)? They have until Dec. 2 to apply to “Crash the GAC.” Crashing is one of the best ways for young credit union professionals to experience the credit union movement’s premier advocacy event. It gives these young leaders an opportunity to learn about key issues, form connections with other future leaders, and deepen their appreciation for the credit union difference.?

Refer a young professional here

Video available of NCUA DEI summit

Video of the NCUA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Summit is now available on the agency’s YouTube page. I’d encourage everyone who wasn’t able to attend the live event to check out the multiple discussions on the ways DEI and credit unions intersect. CUNA and League leaders were among the many fantastic panelists who had great discussions and gave many actionable steps we all can take to better incorporate DEI into our daily work.?

Watch the videos here

Remembering CUES president/CEO John Pembroke

I was heartbroken to hear of the passing of Credit Union Executives Society President/CEO John Pembroke this week. John was a tremendous believer in the power of credit unions to make positive, life-changing differences in peoples’ lives. He inspired so many in our movement to reach their potential, and he will be greatly missed.

Read more here

Interchange bill is a ‘lose-lose’

Thanks to Scott Zahnle, CEO of Greater Iowa Credit Union, and Timothy Antonition, president/CEO of Space Coast Credit Union, for their recent op-eds on the negative effects of the Marshall-Durbin interchange bill. Scott pointed out that the real winners of this bill would be big box retailers, while the rest of us lose options and face increased data security risks. Timothy highlighted how the bill will change the payments system for the worse. Both illustrate the very real harm to consumers that could be caused by this bill.

More from 360-degree advocacy

• We wrote to the Federal Trade Commission in support of a strong, comprehensive national data security and privacy standard for all entities that handle consumer information.?
• Credit union loans outstanding increased 2.1% in September, compared to a similar 2% increase in August 2022 and a 0.6% increase in September 2021, according to our latest Monthly Credit Union Estimates.?