Transparency: A Test for the Cooperative System
Chip Filson comments on transparency and credit unions’ ability and often motivation to keep members in the dark about their operations, and how they are learning this lesson from their regulator.
NCUA and Mergers: Keeping Members Out of the Room Where It Happens
In the past month, the NCUA has approved of two mergers, both without a vote from the members of the merging credit union. While permissible under NCUA rules, the silence of those involved and the unwillingness to share information has Emily Claus asking why owners are being kept out of the room where it happens.
The People’s Voice: Saint Lawrence FCU Owners Veto Merger
Last fall, members of a New York credit union overwhelmingly voted to reject a merger. Chip Filson looks into the situation and why members may have responded as they did.
Revitalizing Workforces: New Year, New Employees
As employees look to better themselves in 2024, businesses should look to do the same and find ways to better support their employees. Stephanie Underwood argues the benefits of offering employee wellness programs and why you should be looking into them sooner rather than later.
Reporting Coop Success In the Glare of Live Market Updates
While required to complete monthly and quarterly financial reports, few credit unions will publicly share the results of said reports. Chip Filson takes issue with this decision, which he says undermines the rights of member-owners and limits transparency.
How a Black Barber in Little Rock, Arkansas Started a Credit Union
Chip Filson shares the story of Arlo Washington, an Arkansas barber who undertook the task of forming a credit union to support his local community.
Help Your Members Achieve Their New Year’s Resolutions
Someone is making a list and checking it twice, but this time, it’s not Santa, it’s your members making their New Year’s resolutions. While most won’t make it past January, your credit union’s resources and products can help your members reach their financial goals for 2024, says Emily Claus.
Are Credit Unions Moving Beyond the NCUA?
Despite a lending capacity of nearly $20 billion, the Central Liquidity Facility has not issued a loan since 2009, leaving many such as Chip Filson wondering if the organization has outlasted its usefulness.
How Returns Demonstrate Respect to Owners
Credit unions or cooperatives hoping to provide dividends to their owners at the end of the year will need to plan and budget for it much earlier than expected, says Bob Frizzle, who offers concrete steps and a timeline to follow.
The Dangers of Rumination
Reflection is a powerful tool that can be used to better ourselves and our work. However, athlete and CEO Liz Winninger advises against reflecting to the point of rumination, which can have the opposite effect and end up demotivating employees.
