State Leagues Statement of Commitment to Members

• INDIANA CREDIT UNION LEAGUE
• IOWA CREDIT UNION LEAGUE
• LOUISIANNA CREDIT UNION LEAGUE

As an organization which exists solely to meet the needs and represent the interests of credit unions, the Indiana Credit Union League is committed to credit unions - to credit union members, volunteers and staff - and to the Credit Union System.

We will uphold our fundamental responsibility to serve member credit unions. We will treat all credit unions with respect and dignity. We will deliver a range of products and services designed to meet the needs and reflect the diversity of our credit unions. We will support credit unions in their efforts to improve the financial well being of people.

And just as credit unions continually, in all facets of operations, work to demonstrate the value of membership, so will the Indiana Credit Union League, continually and in all facets of operations, strive to demonstrate the value of belonging to the League.

We will communicate the credit union difference in our state and in our nation's Capitol so that credit union members and potential members, legislators, regulators and the community at large will understand and appreciate the unique role that member-owned financial cooperatives play in the lives of people everywhere. We will work to help make the credit union system stronger and effective in protecting credit union interests.

We believe in the Credit Union Statement of Commitment to Members and its ability to help credit unions articulate their uniqueness by addressing fundamental credit union differences such as service to members, member education, democratic control, diversity, commitment to the credit union movement and other cooperative activities, and voluntary community outreach.

This Statement of Commitment to Credit Unions and the Credit Union Movement is our declaration to the public that we believe in credit unions. We believe in the credit union operating principles and in our motto, "Not For Profit, Not For Charity, But For Service."

We believe in the Credit Union Philosophy of "People Helping People". More importantly, we believe credit unions practice this philosophy every day.

Section I: Service to Members

The Indiana Credit Union League and its Servicecorp subsidiary have established partnerships and offer products and services that assist member credit unions in their efforts to serve their memberships.

Section II: Member Education

The Indiana Credit Union League is committed to member education. A significant portion of our human and financial resources are devoted to offering a wide variety of educational opportunities for every position within credit unions, from tellers to board members.

Current Programs that Support Member Education and Advocacy:

1. Education sessions - This year, more than 75 days of seminars, conferences and networks were presented throughout the state on a variety of operational, technology, compliance and other industry-related topics. We present sessions at all levels, from beginners to more advanced employees.
2. In-house training - In addition to our seminar series, we offer 98 topics as part of our on-site training program. Our consulting staff includes specialists in the areas of lending, compliance, human resources, regulations, bankruptcy, lending, credit union management and strategic planning. These consultants have visited credit unions for one-on-one consultations and/or presented information from their specialty areas on 78 occasions during the first half of the year. Some of the one-on-one consulting was done at credit unions that have been designated CAMEL-4.

In addition we are committed to educating members and consumers, alike, about credit union uniqueness, philosophy, and values.

Section III: Involvement/Governance

The Indiana Credit Union League sees its role as one that allows credit unions to share views in order to arrive at a unified position that they can communicate to legislators at the state and national levels in order to support pro-credit union legislation and to protect the common interests of credit unions. We encourage bipartisan support of candidates and legislators who share credit unions' points of view and who side with credit unions on the issues.

Current Programs that support Involvement/Governance:

1. Legislative Affairs Forum - This daylong session, held near the Indiana Statehouse, features state legislators as speakers. Highlights include a tour of the statehouse and a reception where legislators from all over the state can spend time with the credit union leaders from their districts.
2. Governmental Affairs Conference - Legislators reception - During the time Indiana credit unions attend CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington D.C., the League sponsored a well-attended reception where Hoosier legislators spent time with the credit union leaders from Indiana.
3. Outstanding Hoosier Legislator - An annual award is made to a state legislator from each party to honor their support of credit unions and related issues.
4. Fundraising - The League sponsors a state-registered political action committee, ICUPAC. It raises funds and makes contributions directly to candidates for state office, and works with CULAC on joint fundraisers for candidates from both parties for federal office.

Section IV: Diversity

We recognize the value of diversity in people of varying backgrounds who are involved with credit unions at all levels. Our marketplace is one where credit unions are of varying types and sizes, serving diverse fields of membership. We see our role as a provider of a framework for the sharing of diverse viewpoints.

The Indiana Credit Union League and Servicecorp actively seek to fill staff vacancies by hiring qualified candidates without regard to age, race, creed, religion or socio-economic status, seeking to represent the community where we operate.

Section V: Commitment to the Credit Union Movement and other Cooperative Activities

Because of the nature of our business, we have a tremendous commitment to the credit union movement and to other cooperative activities. The Indiana Credit Union League strengthens the movement by serving in leadership roles and by supporting the efforts of credit union-based organizations.

Current Activities that support the Credit Union Movement:

1. National trade association - The president of the Indiana League has served as a director of CUNA. In this role, he served on various decision-making committees and takes an active role in the future of the credit union movement nationwide.
2. Partnership with other states - We partner with other leagues to offer conferences. And, credit unions that are members of Leagues in other states are eligible to attend education sessions offered by our League.
3. International Credit Union Day - We recognize International Credit Union day and encourage our member credit unions to observe this occasion.
4. Chapter network - We work to strengthen the network of credit unions in Indiana, providing support to credit union chapters statewide.

Section VI: Public Service / Corporate Citizenship

We recognize that practicing good corporate citizenship supports the Credit Union Philosophy of People Helping People; furthermore, it will help raise the overall level of social and economic well being of those in our community, help to strengthen ties within the community, and better position us to reach out and serve the credit union members and potential members in Indiana.

Current Public Service Activities:

1. Riley Hospital - Our participation is focused on one primary recipient: Riley Hospital for Children. We support this Children's Miracle Network hospital through the Credit Unions for Kids program. We coordinate support for the program from credit unions statewide. During the 1999-2000 fundraising season, $57,000 was raised.
2. Assisting local families - Each holiday season, our League sponsors a family in need of help to make their holiday brighter. In December 1999 we provided approximately $2,500 in donated goods and cash (which was used for grocery store gift certificates and a rent payment) to an Indianapolis family that had fallen on hard times

New Public Service Activities Planned for the Coming Year
We will further support Riley Children's Hospital by coordinating statewide distribution of their Holiday Cards. This program raises more than $100,000 for the hospital's Light Up a Child's Life Foundation.

We are the Iowa Credit Union League, a member-owned, not-for-profit trade association founded upon service to our members and committed to promoting their growth and well being. Our strength is knowledge of the financial services industry. Based on this knowledge, we develop industry-leading trade association services for our unique not-for-profit membership. Our members trust the League's commitment to quality, member service and value.

Guiding Principles:

• Our primary focus is to serve our membership.
• Our loyal members are the League's lifeblood. We are dedicated to building long term relationships with members;
meeting their needs with products of superior quality and value; and providing service beyond their expectations.
• Our employees are the League's most important resource. We expect integrity, creativity, courage, initiative, teamwork, respect and individual judgment. We value and reward excellent achievement.
• We believe good citizenship requires concern for the communities in which we operate. We encourage corporate and employee participation in the community.
• We treasure the good reputation of the League's products, services and people. Our reputation is paramount in all that we do.
• We are strong consumer advocates. As a credit union association, our people-helping-people philosophy shows in our commitment to providing all Iowans with access to quality financial service at a reasonable price.
• Our members, who have demonstrated faith in our organization, deserve a superior return on their investments through our subsidiary organizations.

We believe in the Credit Union Statement of Commitment to Members and its ability to help credit unions articulate their uniqueness by addressing fundamental credit union differences such as service to members, member education, democratic control, diversity, commitment to the credit union movement and other cooperative activities, and voluntary community outreach.

This Statement of Commitment to Credit Unions and the credit union movement is our declaration to the public that we believe in credit unions. We believe in the credit union operating principles and in our motto, "Not For Profit, Not For Charity, But For Service."

We believe in the credit union philosophy of People Helping People. More importantly, we believe credit unions practice this philosophy every day.

Section I: Service to Members

The Iowa Credit Union League and its affiliate companies (Premier Systems Inc. and The Members Group) have established partnerships and offer products and services that assist member credit unions in their efforts to serve their memberships. The League continues to improve its products and services - as well as create efficiencies to reduce member dues - allowing us to better serve credit unions. Member dues help fund a core level of services for all credit unions, including: education and training; governmental representation; regulatory compliance; stabilization funding; management consulting; publications; and public affairs support.

Section II: Member Education

The Iowa Credit Union League is committed to member education. A significant portion of our human and financial resources are devoted to offering a wide variety of educational opportunities for every position within credit unions, from tellers to board members.

Current Programs that Support Member Education:

Education Sessions - Each year, more than 50 educational sessions, workshops, conferences and conventions are coordinated by the League that cover topics from operations and technology, to marketing and compliance. The League provides educational opportunities at all skill levels and at all positions within the movement.

In-house Training - The League and its affiliate companies provides extensive in-house training for all of our employees so that they may better themselves in their jobs and daily lives. In addition, League consultants provide in-house training to our credit unions so that they may receive the individual attention necessary to grow and thrive.

Certification - Staff Training and Recognition (STAR), Management Enrichment Training (MERIT), Volunteer Achievement Program (VAP) and Volunteer Leadership Program (VLP) are provided by the League to credit union professionals as an opportunity to become certified in designated areas and enhance their skills. In addition, the League coordinates college credit for certain modules through the CertificatesPlus program.

Roundtable Discussions - Networks and roundtables are coordinated by League staff on various topics, including marketing, small credit union issues, human resources, etc. These dues-supported sessions are open to all of our members as a forum to discuss industry issues and receive answers to their questions.

Section III: Involvement/Governance

One of the Iowa Credit Union League's roles is to serve as the legislative voice for Iowa's credit union movement. The League provides a unified voice for the movement to communicate with legislators at the state and national levels in order to support pro-credit union legislation and to protect their common interests. We encourage bipartisan support of candidates and legislators who share credit unions' points of view and who side with credit unions on the issues.

Current Programs that support Involvement/Governance:

Policy Development & Professional Staff Lobbyists - The League has identified chapter representatives from across the state that bring forth legislative issues from their region during an annual policy development meeting. During this meeting, legislative issues are developed and lobbying direction is provided. This grassroots input helps the League successfully identify and target emerging issues. Based on this feedback, League lobbyists have been successful in reaching our legislative agendas. In addition, the League partners with a state economist to analyze trends between credit unions and their competitors. This third-party validation significantly supports the movement's public policy efforts.

Professional & Grassroots Lobbying - The League's Principal Key Contact (PKC) system provides credit unions with inroads to establishing open and continuous communication with Iowa's congressional delegation. On behalf of all Iowa credit unions, these PKCs are appointed to keep our federal officials informed of our position on key financial institution issues. League staff and PKCs coordinate meetings between a large contingent of Iowa credit union members and their congressmen during an annual national conference. In addition, the League coordinates numerous lobbying visits by our chapter representatives to the state capitol during each legislative session. Issue updates and grassroots training are provided to each group prior to their visiting the capitol. Annually, the League provides formal public policy education and grassroots lobbying training through its Legislative Affairs Conference. The Governor, legislative leadership and state regulators attend to discuss their perspectives on credit unions and to develop relationships with our members. Also during the conference, credit union participants are transported to the capitol for an additional lobbying visit.

Other grassroots mobilization has included letter writing campaigns, legislative articles in credit union newsletters, phone calls to policy makers, attendance at congressional town meetings and chapter legislative receptions. Finally, coalitions have been created with our "professional family" members including trade unions, cooperative trade associations, business and industry associations, and taxpayer associations. League staff has become integrated within the committee and leadership structure of those organizations we believe may have some interest in credit unions.

Regulatory Compliance - The League is committed to using dues resource to secure regulatory compliance support for its member credit unions. The League Board provides regulatory compliance direction through its Regulatory Committee. Compliance support is provided through one-on-one assistance, publications, through management consultants, and through conferences and seminars. The League works diligently to convey the unique credit union perspective in both state and federal rule making process to ensure that rules are promulgated beneficial to our movement Finally League regulatory compliance staff maintain relationships with state and federal regulators, key staff, and regulatory networks to ensure a positive credit union presence.

CUPAC Fundraising - The Iowa Credit Union Political Action Committee (CUPAC) is a fund that uses personal contributions to provide bipartisan financial support to state legislators who support credit unions. The League's governmental affairs staff serves as liaison to elected CUPAC trustees and administers the CUPAC fundraising campaign, sets individual credit union and chapter fundraising goals, and presents CUPAC checks to policy makers. Due to large participation in the movement and successful fundraising by League staff, CUPAC has become one of the largest political action committees in the state. Fundraising activities have included sweatshirt sales, rallies, hat-passing at annual meetings, and payroll deduction programs at the League and credit unions. A new state commemorative coin fundraiser is being implemented that looks to keep CUPAC at the top of the fundraising list for the next 10 years.

Advocacy & Media Campaigns - The Advocacy Campaign is a dues-supported legislative communications program, administered annually by the League, that reminds and educates state legislators about credit union issues. During each state legislative session, a marketing campaign is created to enhance the League's agenda for the year. New television and radio ads, a billboard, a monthly legislative newsletter, and credit union lobby posters were created to enhance credit unions' image. League staff produced all the creative components for this campaign. Also, staff continues to enhance relationships with the media so that we can raise their level of understanding on credit union issues. The League, on behalf of credit unions, places numerous articles, guest editorials and letters to the editor in both the state and trade media throughout the year. Meetings are held with the media, as needed, to educate them on specific credit union issues. League staff helps Iowa credit unions receive positive coverage in hundreds of news articles, feature stories, letters to the editor and guest editorials each year.

Section IV: Diversity

We recognize the value of diversity in people of varying backgrounds who are involved with credit unions at all levels. Our marketplace is one where credit unions are of varying types and sizes, serving diverse fields of membership. We see our role as a provider of a framework for the sharing of diverse viewpoints.

The Iowa Credit Union League and its affiliate companies actively seek to fill staff vacancies by hiring qualified candidates without regard to age, race, creed, religion or socio-economic status, seeking to represent the community where we operate.

Section V: Commitment to the Credit Union Movement and Other Cooperative Activities

Because of the nature of our business, we have a tremendous commitment to the credit union movement and to other cooperative activities. The Iowa Credit Union League strengthens the movement by serving in leadership roles and by supporting the efforts of credit union-based organizations.

Current Activities that Support the Credit Union Movement:

Chapter Network - The Iowa credit union movement has been divided into multiple chapters that provide representation, education and networking to geographic areas of the state. League staff provides chapter leadership with updates on movement activities and offers their expertise as speakers on various educational topics.

Credit Union Brand Campaign - The League incorporates the national Credit Union Brand into all of its materials and encourages its members to do the same. The brand has been promoted through a League task force, newsletter articles, tool kits mailed to members, informational sessions, and question-and-answer booklets, to name a few. Building a national brand that umbrellas the whole credit union movement will help support individual credit unions' local brands, and create a symbolic landmark in the marketplace that tells consumers: "This is what we stand for." By raising the profile of our new brand signature, we can begin to build a strong, unified image nationwide and tell Americans with one clear voice about the credit union difference

National Trade Association (CUNA) - The League works closely with CUNA - the national trade association serving America's credit unions - in providing additional products and services to its members. CUNA provides many services to credit unions, including representation, information, public relations, continuing professional education, and business development. Many Iowans in the credit union industry and on the League staff serve the national community by sitting on CUNA boards or task forces.

International Credit Union Day - Each year, the League invites Iowa credit unions to join in the celebration of its industry. Information is provided for all members about the day so that they may coordinate their own celebrations with their individual memberships. An annual proclamation declaring Credit Union Day is signed by the Governor and sent to all credit unions. The League also celebrates this special day with its staff through various activities during the day and week.

Iowa Institute for Cooperatives - The League is actively involved in the activities of the Iowa Institute for Cooperatives. The League and the Institute provide each organization opportunity to attend each other's annual meeting as well as providing complimentary vending booths to encourage outreach. Further, the League Chair serves on the Institute's Board as well as their Legislative Committee. The League actively solicits its membership encouraging their membership in the Institute. Finally, League and Institute lobbyists work together on legislative issues impacting cooperatives.

Section VI: Public Service / Corporate Citizenship

We recognize that practicing good corporate citizenship supports the Credit Union Philosophy of People Helping People; furthermore, it will help raise the overall level of social and economic well being of those in our community, help to strengthen ties within the community, and better position us to reach out and serve the credit union members and potential members in Iowa.

Current Public Service Activities:

Children's Miracle Network (CMN) - The League has endorsed CMN because both organizations have similar guiding principles - both are dedicated to helping people. Several fundraising activities are coordinated by the League and Iowa credit unions in order to help this worthy cause. All funds raised by Iowa credit unions help Iowa children at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Sioux City, and Children's Memorial Hospital in Omaha.

Iowa Credit Union Foundation - The Foundation is designed to serve and promote the credit union philosophy of People Helping People throughout Iowa. To that end, the Foundation coordinates Iowa credit unions' philanthropic and community involvement activities and offers grants and scholarships to help credit unions and their members with leadership development, disaster relief and education. The League coordinates donations from credit unions to the Foundation, making it possible for credit unions to pool their resources together and provide support to those in the credit union movement in need of assistance.

INTRODUCTION

In the following pages, you will read of an organization that unifies the credit union movement, one of the greatest public victories of the 20th century. The Louisiana Credit Union League works to collect and unify the voices of 282 credit unions in Louisiana. With the collective voice of more than 1 million members, the League represents the heart of the credit union movement . . . its people. The League also works to preserve and protect what members worldwide have worked to build . . . an alternative to profit-hungry financial institutions.

Born at the height of the Great Depression of the 1930’s, credit unions were built upon a “people helping people” philosophy. In a cooperative effort, leaders emerged to bring credit unions to the people who needed them most. Once the Federal Credit Union Act was passed in 1934, credit unions began a course of steady growth and success, aimed at benefiting only their members.

Today, credit unions still operate on a “not for profit, but for service” basis. Their unique philosophy serves to support the dreams of millions of credit union members. Together, members are able to save more and do more with their money. Less fees, better service, and better choices have made credit unions champions of people, not profit.

That’s why the Louisiana Credit Union League is proud to be a part of the credit union movement. The League works to provide support, services, and programs to credit unions throughout Louisiana. Support extends not only to services that directly impact credit unions, but also to local, state, and national representation. Whether lobbying for support among elected officials or working to interpret and influence proposed legislation, the League strives to improve the operating environment for all credit unions.

Like the not-for-profit credit unions it represents, the League exists only to serve its members, and to help them build a brighter future.

Through Project Differentiation, the Louisiana Credit Union League is encouraging credit unions to develop a Statement of Commitment to Members and to provide accompanying statements that will help the world understand the importance of what credit unions do every day.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT TO MEMBERS

The Louisiana Credit Union League is an association committed to supporting, encouraging, and helping to foster the growth of credit unions in Louisiana.

Whether its providing training programs, marketing resources, or lobbying to protect the rights of members everywhere, the Louisiana Credit Union League is committed to promoting the continued success of our member-owned financial cooperatives.

Like the credit unions it serves, the League operates “not for profit, but for service.” It is built upon the same “people helping people” philosophy that has guided credit unions to become one of the best financial choices available to consumers today.

This Statement of Commitment stands as a testament to the efforts of many people. The LCUL Board, Management, and Staff work cooperatively with credit union officials, volunteers, and staff to fulfill the mission of the League. Credit unions throughout the state are finding an affordable, multi-talented resource to help them grow. Ultimately, the League’s efforts translate into more benefits and services for credit union member/owners everywhere.

It’s this kind of cooperative effort that inspires us, and compels the Louisiana Credit Union League to pledge continued service to the movement . . . because we’re proud to be a part of it.

In summary, the Louisiana Credit Union League will:

SECTION 1:

The Louisiana Credit Union League provides services that practice what the credit union philosophy preaches:

The collective voice of credit union members is a powerful thing. During the Campaign for Consumer Choice and its grass roots effort to pass H.R.1151, The Louisiana Credit Union League served as a loudspeaker, broadcasting the voice of credit unions at specific targets in Washington, D.C. Our Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (CULAC) served to raise funds and support pro-credit union legislation. LCUL members benefited from full-time national and state lobbyists working to protect the values and philosophy of credit unions.

Through the League’s “Hike the Hill” program, credit union professionals and volunteers visit Washington on a regular basis. They lobby directly to the Louisiana Congressional Delegation, a practice that benefits all groups involved. Credit unions are able to voice concerns, our elected representatives get direct feedback from credit unions in Louisiana, and members, ultimately, receive another opportunity to be heard.

The League’s role as a unifying element in the credit union legislative arena is not taken lightly. We pledge to continue our efforts to organize and best utilize the political clout that member-owned credit unions have earned.

Because the possibility of taxation and other threats remains active, so do we. LCUL representatives keep up with the latest news from Washington, from the State Capitol, or from wherever the rights of credit union members are concerned. The League conveys information to credit unions, speaks on their behalf, and promotes programs and training to help credit unions join the ongoing fight to protect members’ rights.

The League Legislative Committee is comprised of a cross section of League leadership. Its function is to monitor legislative activity on the state and national levels and make recommendations to the LCUL Board. Another component of our ongoing effort to unify credit unions is the Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (CULAC). This committee of politically minded members serves to raise money on behalf of the credit union movement and supports pro-credit union political candidates.

In everything we do, the League strives to enhance the credit union experience, and then share the successes with others. Keeping member credit unions informed of industry issues and concerns is one of our most important daily objectives. Strong publications and an established Internet presence helps the League relay important information to credit unions in a regular and timely manner.

The League maintains contact with local and national media opportunities and provides press releases on behalf of credit unions. LCUL also develops and coordinates pro-credit union sources for the media and provides information to the trade press as well. LCUL serves as a valuable connection between credit unions and other organizations such as CUNA and Affiliates.

Through training and seminars, credit unions are assisted in providing educational information concerning effective public relations activities to employees. Through this knowledge, credit union staff can better represent the intentions of the credit union and the movement in general to members and to the public.

The complexities involved in overseeing the operation of a credit union are increasing every day. Growing credit unions find themselves in need of guidance and assistance as they work to increase their service capacities to meet the needs of members. Through the League, credit unions can obtain professional consultation services, giving them a source of expertise in a variety of areas. Credit unions of all sizes call on the League for assistance with budgeting, asset/liability management, profitability enhancement, lending, regulatory compliance, policy development, strategic planning, volunteer and staff training, insurance, and disaster recovery.

Member credit unions can also rely on the League as a marketing resource. Credit unions gain access to free information, low cost promotional materials, and marketing training to help them promote membership development. Credit unions, especially smaller ones with little or no marketing budgets, benefit from the cooperative efforts and resources offered by the League. Connections to CUNA and Affiliates and other informational and Marketing resources are made available to credit unions through the LCUL.

Beyond educational and promotional materials, the League offers consultation, web site design, assistance with member surveys, and other marketing resources. Member credit unions also benefit from available marketing training and certification programs.

Operating a member-owned financial cooperative in today’s competitive banking environment demands attention to detail as credit union staff work to uphold their fiduciary responsibilities. Credit unions believe in the social responsibility along with their adherence to Truth In Advertising, Equal Credit Opportunity, and other regulatory guidelines. To help them, the Louisiana Credit Union League offers assistance with regulatory compliance. The League provides toll-free access to League staff members for answers to their compliance questions. We also offer training programs and seminars designed to help credit unions avoid costly compliance mistakes.

The League delivers to credit unions a wide array of educational opportunities, aimed at helping them remain competitive, professional and prepared to meet the challenges in today’s financial industry. As part of our commitment to member education and training, LCUL offers schools, conferences, workshops, expos, summits, correspondence courses, ongoing training programs, recognition programs, certification programs, and more.

The League plans to continue serving as a valuable training resource, as detailed in the description of our member education activities in section two.

SECTION 2:

Ongoing training and educational programs are essential to the continued success and growth of credit unions. The Louisiana Credit Union League is proud to assist credit unions in their quest to provide superior member service to members from all walks of life. Through statewide conferences and events, local Chapter events, classes, on-site training, seminars, and specialized programs, LCUL offers the educational opportunities that member credit unions need to remain competitive.

To assist credit unions in better serving their members, the League conducts affordable classroom-style instructions in most areas of credit union operations. Correspondence courses and certification programs are conducted throughout the year, giving member credit unions the opportunity to continuously improve their operational abilities by learning more about:

• Legislative & Economic Concerns;
• Budgeting, Financial Management, & Accounting;
• Leadership & Technology;
• Growth Strategies For Credit Unions;
• Internet Commerce;
• IRA Management;
• ATM & Card Services;
• Consumer Lending;
• Bankruptcy & Collections;
• Detecting & Controlling Credit Union Fraud;
• Online Laws & Regulations and more.

On-site training services offered to credit unions include programs relating to teller orientation, security training, cash handling, member service, and more.

The League recognizes the importance of helping credit unions to improve their administrative abilities as well. To do so, specialized correspondence courses are provided by the League for credit union volunteer officials, as well as executive management and staff:

• Volunteer Achievement Program (VAP)
• Volunteer Leadership Program (VLP)
• Staff Training and Recognition Program (STAR)
• Management Enrichment Training Program (MERIT)
• Certified Executive Program (CEP)
• Certified Credit Union Executive Program (CCUE)
• RegTraC Regulatory and Certification Program (RegTraC)

All credit unions benefit from the League’s representation in the political environment, as well as its Public Relations efforts. In keeping with the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” LCUL sponsors educational seminars and an Annual Meeting & Convention. Through these and other educational events, the League invites and encourages credit unions to enhance and/or continue their training and educational efforts. The LCUL offers them an environment of shared ideas, expert observations, and a networking environment in which they share knowledge of the latest products and services that can help credit unions and their members.

SECTION 3:

Credit unions are owned by members and operated by members. They are a perfect example of grass roots democracy, with volunteer leaders working to serve their fellow members out of pure commitment. Encouraging members to participate in their credit union, either by voting at the Annual Meeting or other involvement, sometimes requires training, public relations activities, or marketing assistance. The League provides these as part of its ongoing commitment to helping credit unions serve the needs of their member/owners.

As the trusted keeper of members’ collective voices, the League helps credit unions communicate with their members. We offer training that helps credit unions encourage member participation in events such as credit union annual meetings. STAR and MERIT training, for example, teaches credit union employees the history and the importance of democracy within credit unions. Extended coursework prepares employees for any member question involving the democratic operation of the credit union, the election of volunteer officials, and any other involvement/governance issue.

Recognition programs, including awards and designations are important to the continued motivation of credit union officials, management, and staff. The League bestows honors upon member credit unions and their leaders for Distinguished Service, Political Involvement, Volunteerism, Professionalism, Excellence in Marketing, and more. The awards and designations are a feature attraction of our Annual Convention and Expo, helping to increase participation and the League’s impact on credit unions in Louisiana.

Credit Union Chapters are extensions of the League that are organized in nine areas of the state. They function to connect credit unions and to help the League achieve its objectives. Chapters provide a forum for electing leaders, and an opportunity for credit union professionals and volunteers to meet and network as they work to govern the day-to-day operation of their credit unions. Chapter meetings and events serve to unify the credit unions and keep them focused on goals. Through Chapters, the League will continue to keep credit unions working together for the benefit of members and their communities.

SECTION 4:

The League serves a diverse collection of member credit unions, including industrial, educational, governmental, community, and all imaginable types of employees sponsor groups. We work to find ways to assist credit unions, regardless of their size or their impact on the community. Whether we are helping a small credit union to promote membership growth or providing on-site training to multi-million dollar credit unions, the League delivers. Pricing of services is sometimes tiered for the benefit of smaller credit unions, encouraging more of them to participate and benefit from League activities. Our commitment flows through the credit unions to the members, and a free and open marketplace of services is supported. More than 1 million Louisiana residents have found access to credit union services, and the League will continue working to increase that number.

As an equal opportunity employer, the League works to staff its offices with knowledgeable employees who can best serve the needs of a diverse collection of credit unions.

SECTION 5:

The credit union movement received a wake up call recently when banking associations threatened to limit the future growth of credit unions everywhere. The League displayed unwavering support and commitment in helping credit unions achieve passage of H.R. 1151. League activities focused on gathering and putting to work the collective voice of more than one million members statewide. Through lobbying efforts, letter-writing campaigns, member communications, and countless hours of effort, the League committed every available resource to the Campaign for Consumer Choice for more than two years.

Together, member credit unions were able to round up their members’ support. Working with them at the next level, the League was there to channel those members’ voices to the right ears in Washington, while keeping credit unions and members well informed in the process.

The passage of H.R.1151 was a giant step toward permanent protection for the rights of credit union members. However, threats of credit union taxation are already being aired in Congress, a product of banking associations’ continued efforts to tax and/or eliminate their perceived competition from member-owned credit unions.

CUNA and Affiliates estimates that more than $23 million a year is saved by members as a result of the affordable financial service offered by credit unions. As the threat of taxation and other concerns keep credit union officials and staff on edge, the League stands ready to once again be a representative for the collective voice of credit unions. Still employing full-time lobbyists on behalf of credit unions, the LCUL waits, watches, and seizes every opportunity to gather information and be a resource for the preservation and protection efforts of credit unions. From tenacious political activity like organizing rallies and trips to Washington, the League has proven its willingness and ability to bring credit unions together.

The League produces a variety of publications to help keep every member credit union “on the same page” and ready for the challenges ahead:

• A weekly electronic newsletter, e-News, provides regular glimpses of timely credit union issues;
• The quarterly newsmagazine, Fleur De Lis, gives a more in-depth look at issues and highlights League services that may help credit unions to achieve their goals;
• Information Releases via fax and technical releases by mail each week help to keep credit unions current on operations issues and tips;
• The Compliance Communiqué and Compliance Beacon are periodically produced to help credit unions stay abreast of the latest regulatory requirements and changes.

The time, resources, and funds invested in publications and communications with member credit unions demonstrates the League’s commitment to furthering the credit union movement. Everything we do, and pledge to continue doing, works to unify and support credit unions in Louisiana.

Also to support the credit union movement, the League proudly provides a connection between credit unions in Louisiana and powerful partners in the credit union industry. Through our relationship with CUNA and Affiliates, the League connects member credit unions to the world’s largest national credit union association. CUNA houses not only a wealth of credit union product and service resources, but also connections to groups such as the World Council of Credit Unions, the National Credit Union Foundation, and the Association of Corporate Credit Unions.

The Louisiana Credit Union League also partners with CUNA Mutual Insurance Group to provide credit unions with a variety of insurance products and services. CUNA Mutual Group is the leading financial services provider to credit unions and their members worldwide. Their mission is creating financial security, and their vision is to be the best at serving credit unions and their members.

CUNA Mutual offers more than 300 insurance, investment and technological solutions through strategic relationships and multiple service channels. No other company in the world offers so many credit union-specific products.

The League has taken the lead by researching and providing products and services that are cost effective and affordable to Louisiana credit unions. The League offers ATMs, credit/debit card programs, IRAs, share draft printing, mortgage lending, e-commerce through the world wide web, member surveys and much more.

Cooperative activities among credit unions are supported by the League whenever possible. In each local Chapter, marketing and advertising opportunities are evaluated and often shared. League training and resources make this possible.

Cooperation is the key word in which our Credit Union Service Center Network operates. The League was instrumental in developing this service for Louisiana credit unions, and currently has 37 credit unions participating. We have proven that credit unions are willing to cooperate together with us in improving the financial well being of their members.

SECTION 6:

Through direct financial support or other in-kind contributions, the Louisiana Credit Union League strives to be an active partner in communities throughout Louisiana. Chapter activities include coordination of local food and gift drives during the holidays. League staff have served every cause from the March of Dimes to the Campaign for Consumer Choice and the preservation of Americans’ rights to choose where they do business. Last Christmas, for example, senior citizens in New Orleans and Harahan received gift bags of fruit, candy and can foods as a result of one of these efforts. League staff members had organized a similar effort at Thanksgiving, and the idea grew. These programs will be repeated and enhanced to benefit the credit union image, credit unions and the communities they serve.

Through recognition programs and awards, credit union leaders are rewarded for their efforts in political involvement and distinguished service to members and consumers.

Through correspondence and other training programs, credit union employees are taught the importance and the history of credit unions helping the communities they serve. Further the League works to inform and educate credit unions, their staff, and their members of the credit union philosophy and how it benefits everyone. Through publications and other communications, the League encourages credit unions to become involved in benevolent/social awareness projects, and to encourage member participation as well.

Like the credit unions we serve, the Louisiana Credit Union League vows to practice good corporate citizenship. Together, our efforts can help raise the overall social and economic well being of those in our communities. Further, our direct connection to the community better positions us to reach out and serve the credit unions most in need of our services.

Copyright © 2008 - Credit Union National Association, Inc.