False Prophets and Chasing Idols

False Prophets and Chasing Idols

Chip Filson shares the wisdom of past leaders and urges today’s credit union leaders not to follow the call of false idols, but to follow their conscience in preserving the credit union difference.

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Technology Versus Slow Checkouts

Technology Versus Slow Checkouts

In a world of self-service and convenience, Chip Filson examines ways in which companies are looking to slow things down and connect with their customers and how that might apply to credit unions.

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Call Federal, 60 Years Young and Still Run with Passion

Call Federal, 60 Years Young and Still Run with Passion

Chip Filson shares the story of how one credit union started over sixty years ago, and why the credit unions has stuck firm to its goal of providing “passionately local banking.”

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Rating Examiners for a Stronger Cooperative System

Rating Examiners for a Stronger Cooperative System

While private businesses have incorporated user reviews to improve satisfaction, but few such examples exist between governor and governed. Chip Filson argues why credit unions needs a way to review examiners to improve the system.

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A Jubilee Event

A Jubilee Event

Read more at chipfilson.com “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” We say these words in the Lord’s prayer. Where have we seen this ever done in “real” life? Society, especially market-based ones, do not practice debt forgiveness. Capitalism is built on finance, i.e. all kinds of debt—corporate,...

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Transparency: the Co-op Leader’s Advantage

Transparency: the Co-op Leader’s Advantage

Transparency is an essential element of good leadership, argues Chip Filson. But how do CEOs achieve such openness and how can a CEO evaluate their success?

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Subdebt: The Fastest Growing Balance Sheet Account for Credit Unions

Subdebt: The Fastest Growing Balance Sheet Account for Credit Unions

As more and more credit unions take on sub-debt, Chip Filson ponders the incentive behind acquiring such debt, what risks come along with it, and how these accounts will play out in the long term.

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FOMO Business Decisions

FOMO Business Decisions

In the age where good things go quickly and buyers need to act fast to get what they want, Chip Filson cautions credit unions from falling into the habit of purchasing banks out of FOMO instead of member focus.

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A Fee that Credit Unions Should Review for Appropriateness

A Fee that Credit Unions Should Review for Appropriateness

Whereas some credit unions might see inactive accounts as a fee goldmine, Chip Filson argues that sneakily charging such accounts is potentially against credit unions’ founding principles and should be re-examined.

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The Credit Union Movement In Five Phases

The Credit Union Movement In Five Phases

Chip Filson applies Father Richard Rohr’s five stages of development to the evolution of the credit union industry.

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