Establishing a Small Credit Union Resource Center
In a world where the industry is losing small credit unions to mergers and failing to keep up the creation of new credit unions, Walter Merkle proposes the creation of a small credit union resource center to support credit unions in helping one another.
Two Credit Union Initiatives Challenged by Current Events
In an era where credit unions want to jump in on the latest trends and capitalize on new markets, Chip Filson reminds credit unions of the wisdom in knowing when to say no to products, services, and leadership decisions that don’t align with the mission of the credit union.
We Still Need Small Credit Unions!
In a sea of mergers, small credit unions are slowly disappearing beneath the waves. Credit union veteran Walter Merkle discusses why we are losing these desperately needed institutions and what actions can be taken to save them before it’s too late.
The Power of Tradition: The Lesson of Longevity
Chip Filson compares the success and longevity of traditional, family-run businesses in comparison to often short life of modern ones, and asks if credit unions fall into the former or the latter.
Public Hearings to Correct the Merger Free-for-All
Amidst a wave of mergers and little-to-no-information provided to members, Chip Filson calls for the creation of public hearings as a part of the merger approval process, to both enhance accountability and transparency by the credit union and encourage member participation.
A Member’s Question
In response to a member’s observation, Chip Filson discusses the shift in credit union politics from a member-lead democracy to a board-run authoritarian regime.
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union to Merge with Albert Lea’s City & County Employees Federal Credit Union (CCEFCU)
Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union (Affinity Plus) and City & County Employees Federal Credit Union of Albert Lea, Minn. have announced a merger, following a majority vote from CCEFCU members and approval from the CCEFCU Board of Directors and National Credit Union Administration.
Taxation is Not a Systemic Threat to Credit Unions
As the industry celebrates the recent tax-exemption win, Chip Filson issues a stark reminder that taxation is not the biggest threat the industry faces. Instead, the real danger is coming from inside the industry and the erosion of the member-owner role.
The Art of the Steal
Chip Filson shares the consequences of regulation without enforcement: unchecked mergers doling out hundreds of thousands to executives while paying credit union owners less than they’re due.
Post Bank Mergers Open Doors to Seamless Mortgage Operations
When credit unions purchase banks, integrating the data can be a challenge, but it is possible. Joey McDuffee shares his thoughts on how credit unions can improve the member experience for those bank customers becoming credit union members.
