CU Service to Underserved Latino Community Improves with New Outreach, Training Program

December 13, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Katye Long
CUNA Communications; (608) 231-4038;
klong@cuna.coop
Media Contact for IBT: Brian Boudreaux
Arketi Group; (404) 929-0091, ext. 21;
bboudreaux@arketi.com

MADISON, Wis. – Credit unions will have help to tailor their products and services for the underserved Latino community through an expanded agreement between IBT Enterprises, LLC, and CUNA Strategic Services.

Under the new program, credit unions can reach out to the Latino market by offering needed products and services in a welcoming environment, focusing on: promoting financial literacy, providing culturally sensitive branches, and offering traditional and non-traditional banking products, including check cashing services, at fair fees. The program also offers performance training and consulting for in-store associates and managers.

“As credit unions strive to reach out to the underserved, IBT’s knowledge of the Latino community and their specific service needs will undoubtedly prove worthwhile to supporting this effort,” said Wes Millar, senior vice president of CUNA Strategic Services.

“This program allows credit unions to more easily expand into new growth markets and obtain a more visible presence in underserved communities, while helping Latinos become full credit union members and take advantage of mainstream financial services,” said Mylle Mangum, IBT CEO. “We look forward to helping credit unions expand their presence, reach new markets, and achieve their strategic service and growth objectives.”

IBT is currently hosting a webinar series entitled “Helping Credit Unions Attract and Service the Underserved Latino Community,” which provides credit unions with strategies to reach and retain this growing population segment. To register, visit www.ibtenterprises.com/webinar.html.

For more information, go to strategicservices.cuna.org, or contact Shirley Mazanet at (800) 356-9655, ext. 4290, or by e-mail at smazanet@cuna.coop.

About CUNA Strategic Services

CUNA Strategic Services, owned jointly by Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and the state leagues, provides credit unions with access to high quality products, services and technologies delivered with a competitive advantage made possible through volume pricing and strategic program development. CUNA serves more than 90 percent of America’s 9,000 credit unions, which are owned by more than 88 million consumer members. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives providing affordable financial services to people from all walks of life. For more information, visit strategicservices.cuna.org.

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