Blog Archives

#4033: Community 1st CEO Highlights NASCUS Summit Talk on Exploring Risks and Opportunities in Green Lending...

8/21/2025

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In our continuing NASCUS 60th Annual State System Summit preview, Dan LeFree, President and CEO, Community 1st Credit Union, joined us to highlight his upcoming Summit presentation on "Green Lending: Exploring Opportunities and Addressing Risks."

Specifically, Dan talked about the financing of products and projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as solar panels, energy storage, electric vehicles and heat pumps -- all have become a very relevant and attractive loan types to credit unions.

Some credit unions have developed innovative Green Lending programs to attract new members. Some have purchased Green Loans on the secondary market. Many are considering adding Green Loans to their traditional lending lineup.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details -- as well as register for the 60th NASCUS State System Summit taking place in San Antonio, TX, September 17-19, 2025.

#4032: Why Lake Michigan Credit Union Commits $12 Million More to Its Award-Winning HomeAssist Program...

8/21/2025

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Lake Michigan Credit Union’s VP of Community Lending John Harpst joined us on the show to share why LMCU has doubled down on homeownership support with a multi-year, $12 million commitment to its award-winning HomeAssist Program.

Launched in 2024, John talked about how the program has already helped 184 first-time homebuyers with grants of $10,000 or more to get into their new homes and start transformative wealth building for their families.

He added that the multi-year, $12 million expanded commitment reflects the urgent need for accessible home financing and LMCU’s long-standing role in supporting Michigan communities with real, sustained investment.

John discussed how HomeAssist has benefit the credit union and ultimately it members, as well as providing some valued advice for other credit unions looking at doing something similar to HomeAssist.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

#4031: How Credit Unions Can Help with Financial Stress Affecting Members' Mental Health...

8/20/2025

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Ocean Financial Federal Credit Union Community Relationship Officer Taynia Vendryes joined us on the show to share her insights and expertise on financial stress adversely affecting members' mental health and how credit unions can step in and help.

Specifically, Taynia talked about credit unions, like Ocean Financial, providing essential support through resources and community outreach. She added, by stepping up in this area, credit unions can build trust by assisting members during financial difficulties, fostering loyalty and encouraging referrals. Taynia emphasized the importance of seeking help for financial stress and the value of gradual improvement -- all stemmed from credit union help.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details.

#4030: Nuvision's Roger Ballard Talks Better Serving Community Small Businesses...

8/20/2025

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Roger Ballard, President/CEO at Nuvision Credit Union, joined us on the show -- in the Nuvision headquarters -- to share how his credit union has expanded small business services by leveraging ENABLE Technologies' loan origination platform and digital account opening (DAO) system that simplifies lending and deposit originations for consumers and businesses.

The goal here, according to Roger, is to leverage this technology to enhance member experience -- especially those who run small businesses, improving the account opening and loan processes while balancing in-person and online services.

He also talked about future offerings including treasury and merchant services, tailored to small business needs, emphasizing the importance of talent and technology for credit unions to effectively support small businesses, which are vital to the economy.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

#4029: Washington State Regulator Stresses More Collaboration Between Credit Unions and Regulators...

8/19/2025

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In our continued preview series of the upcoming 60th NASCUS Annual State System Summit, Amy Hunter, Director of Credit Unions at Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, joined us on the show to discuss the conference taking place in San Antonio, TX, September 17-19, 2025.

Specifically, Amy talked about some of the Summit's timely topics she's anticipating: risk management, green lending, and the effects of cryptocurrency -- as well as the NASCUS benefits from a regulator and board member perspective.

She also emphasized the need for collaboration between credit unions and regulators -- and the NASCUS State System Summit is just the place to do it. Regulators seek to understand public needs to create effective regulations, and NASCUS membership fosters unique partnerships between the two parties.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And be sure to watch the entire episode below for all the details -- as well as register for the 60th NASCUS State System Summit taking place in San Antonio, TX, September 17-19, 2025.

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