How to Manage a Black Swan Event

How to Manage a Black Swan Event

I have never heard the expression of a “black swan event” before this year, so of course I had to Google the meaning. A Black Swan Event refers to a highly improbable occurrence with three characteristics: It is impossible to predict, It carries a massive impact, and Its shock value...

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Is Cannabis the Next Golden Opportunity for Credit Unions?

Is Cannabis the Next Golden Opportunity for Credit Unions?

With medicinal and recreational marijuana businesses becoming more commonplace, Emily Claus debates the high-risk, high-reward stakes credit unions should be aware of when considering working with these accounts.

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Beyond the Single Transaction: People Helping People

Beyond the Single Transaction: People Helping People

Julie Gessner makes the case for consultative services as a means to balance members’ desire for instant gratification along with great member service and connection.

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Cooperative Trade Associations Need to Evolve with the Times

Cooperative Trade Associations Need to Evolve with the Times

Trade Associations have had a critical role in the credit union industry over the years. Chip Filson is concerned though that they may be resting on their laurels, and have failed to evolve with an ever changing industry. What does the future hold in store for them?

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Have Members Seen ALL the Alternatives?

Have Members Seen ALL the Alternatives?

When voluntary mergers are proposed, do members of the absorbed credit union deserve more say in where their members’ equity should go? Vic Pantea thinks so. He looks at the potential merger of Xceed Financial Credit Union and Kinecta FCU and wonders what should happen to $95M in equity.

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Banks and Credit Unions Don’t Merge, Stop Saying Otherwise

Banks and Credit Unions Don’t Merge, Stop Saying Otherwise

Saying a credit union “merged with” instead of “acquired” a bank may seem trivial, but Chip Filson doesn’t think so. He says it blurs the lines between the two different financial institutions and weakens the cooperative nature of credit unions.

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Solving the Millennial “Problem”

Solving the Millennial “Problem”

Millennials (and now Gen Z) have become the boogeymen of credit union marketing. Esteban Camargo suggests that the solution to the “problem” might mean credit unions need to take a tougher look at themselves first.

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Understanding the Member Perspective: An Experiment

Understanding the Member Perspective: An Experiment

Taking a step back from the CUSO end of things, Bob Anderson experiments with seeing things from the members’ perspective and walking in their shoes to see what he can learn and where his CUSO can improve.

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The Value of Organization within an Organization

The Value of Organization within an Organization

Organization is an often overlooked job skill for an employee. But the ability to plan, prioritize, and achieve goals can save your credit union or CUSO time and money (and you hassle). For some people, organization comes easy; others find it to be challenging. Getting into a routine with your...

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Getting the Best Leadership for the NCUA

Getting the Best Leadership for the NCUA

NCUA board member selection is a process that has slipped away from the credit union industry. One in which board members are not selected based on their familiarity or connection to the industry, but thanks to political favors. Chip Filson says it’s time credit unions spoke up and changed this.

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