The Critical Role of Credit Union History Right Now

The Critical Role of Credit Union History Right Now

Preserving history, especially historical documents, is a critical undertaking, but the credit union industry, however, as Chip Filson has discovered, failed to do so during a critical time in the industry. Filson lements on the lessons lost and why the past is needed to help guide the present.

Read more
Kyle Hauptman’s Final Call as a One-Person NCUA Board

Kyle Hauptman’s Final Call as a One-Person NCUA Board

As Kyle Hauptman prepares to depart the NCUA after a fifteen month stint as it’s only board member, Chip Filson looks back at the approach Hauptman made during that time and what he’s passing on to the next board member.

Read more
Confessions of a Retired CEO: Favoring Expertise over Common Sense

Confessions of a Retired CEO: Favoring Expertise over Common Sense

Chip Filson shares the reflections of a retired CEO, who—given the benefit of hindsight—can see one of the major mistakes he made when dealing with his credit union superivsory committee and the distance between the credit union and members that was created as a result.

Read more
Do Plants Have Feelings?

Do Plants Have Feelings?

On the question of, “Do credit unions have too much capital?” Chip Filson debates what it means or if it’s possible to have too high a net worth, and what that might say about the credit unions relationship with its members.

Read more
What if All New Credit Union Charters Were Stopped Today?

What if All New Credit Union Charters Were Stopped Today?

What if tomorrow, there were no new credit union charters ever again, asks Chip Filson. While the idea may seem crazy, Filson wonders if that isn’t the exact path our industry has been headed down for some time, and ponders how we might get on a new trail.

Read more
How to Review a Cooperative’s Annual Report

How to Review a Cooperative’s Annual Report

As credit unions turn in annual reports and prepare for annual meetings, Chip Filson explains why this time of year is the perfect opportunity to assess the true cooperative nature of the credit union.

Read more
NCUA’s Financial Fairy Tales

NCUA’s Financial Fairy Tales

Following the reduction in staff by nearly a quarter, the NCUA claimed it was delivering millions in cost savings to credit unions. However, the numbers show a different outcome: an increase in total spending even with fewer staff members, says Chip Filson.

Read more
A Chance for NCUA Chairman Hauptman to Make His Mark

A Chance for NCUA Chairman Hauptman to Make His Mark

Currently operating as a one-member board, NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman has the opportunity to make changes without any opposition from other board members. With this opportunity, Chip Filson suggests Hauptman reassess the NCUSIF’s Normal Operating Level.

Read more
When the Song Fades: Leadership Turnover and the Loss of Cooperative Identity

When the Song Fades: Leadership Turnover and the Loss of Cooperative Identity

Chip Filson shares the insight gained from his conversation with former CEO, Randy Karnes, on the topics of leadership, succession, and ensuring the mission of the credit union is passed down through leaders.

Read more
Washington Post Opinion on Taxing Credit Unions

Washington Post Opinion on Taxing Credit Unions

Chip Filson discusses the history of credit unions’ tax exemption, why it was created in the first place, if we are still the same industry that was granted it to begin with, and what we would do without it.

Read more