Y-12 Federal Credit Union Business Systems Analyst and CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec Finalist Lindsey McMillen joins us to discuss her contest project: Risk-based check cashing. Lindsey also shares why she entered the NTCUE contest, how the process has been for her, and what she plans to do if she wins.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And click here to see more details on Lindsey's project.

Callahan & Associates Partner Jay Johnson joined us to share credit unions' stunning performance in member growth, lending, and more for Q2 2017. Jay provided some eye-popping stats in growth that our industry hasn't seen since, dare I say it, the 1970s.

Here are a few stand-out items from TrendWatch 2Q 2017:

• Member growth is at an all-time high of 4.4%, with credit union membership expected to reach 110.8 million
• 8.2% total year-over-year share growth, its highest rate since 2009
• MBL year-over-year growth is projected to come in at 26.6%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than last year

These are obviously fantastic numbers, but we asked Jay why this upward trend continues to occur and how can credit unions keep the good times rolling. We also inquired if there were any surprises or possible challenges ahead for our industry.

Always a super interesting and entertaining talk with the highly-informed Mr. Johnson. Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

Digital Growth Institute Founder/CEO James Robert Lay is a Houston local and he has seen many hurricanes and tropical storms over the years but nothing like Hurricane Harvey. So we invited James Robert on the show to provide us with a first-hand account what happened during the hurricane -- and more importantly what's occurring afterward in regards of helping those who have lost their homes. Credit unions are already playing a significant role in these efforts.

James Robert has also set up a donation site, where 100% of the proceeds will go to help area families get back on their feet after this devastating storm. Check it out and let us know your thoughts -- and don't forget to help out in some way possible.

Always a fun and informative time with CU Service Network's Vice President of Compliance Gaye DeCesare -- and that's saying a lot when the main topic is regulation overload. So kudos to Gaye for keeping it light, yet practical for us.

But before we ventured into the land of compliance, we discussed the fairly recent news of COMPASS 4 CUs becoming a part of CU Service Network and what that means for credit unions nationwide -- especially in these turbulent times with regulations upon regulations being heaped on our heads.

Which brought us to the meat of our conversation: the state of compliance in our industry today. Gaye said that credit unions need to take a "wait and see" approach to the current climate based on what's happening in our country's administration. Will there be a reduction in regulations? Only time will tell.

But this doesn't mean to rest on one's laurels. Gaye adds that we all still have to work diligently to maintain compliance even if such changes occur. So steady as she goes and keep doing what we're doing to maintain -- and lend a helping hand to those smaller credit unions short on resources in this area, as well.

Check out our conversation wth Gaye for all the details and let us know your thoughts. Enjoy!

Premier America Credit Union President/CEO Rudy Pereira President/CEO and Mountain West Credit Union Association Director of Business and Product Development Rick Cranston joined us to discuss the recent news of CULedger recently becoming a CUSO and what this means for credit unions now and in the future.

According to Rudy and Rick, the future looks very bright for both CULedger and credit unions, creating an industry ecosystem ripe for R&D of cutting edge technologies that will accelerate innovative products and services -- just the thing to enhance credit union relevancy. But there's still a lot of work to do as this new CUSO and its leaders set a solid foundation for an opportunity-laden future.

If you have any questions, need more information, or would like to participate in this platform's advancement, Rick provided his email address for inquiries: ​[email protected]. CUNA and Best Innovation Group are also a significant drivers of CULedger, as well.