When you're a smaller credit union, you are always looking for effective ways to level the competitive playing field that will enhance your member value. That was part of the thought process behind First Education Federal Credit Union's ($70 million; 5,600 members, Cheyenne, Wyoming) reasoning to launch CULedger's MemberPass digital ID technology.

We invited First Education's President Jim Yates on the program to share details on why they implemented this forward-thinking technology. Here's what we asked him:

• Word has it your credit union went live with MemberPass. How’s it going so far?
• Member/staff feedback to share?
• How is your credit union using it currently?
• Being a smaller-sized credit union, why did your credit union sign up to use MemberPass?
• How does it help you compete with larger financial institutions in the area?
• How did COVID impact your decision to use it?

Check it out and let us know your thoughts.

With the 2021 CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council award nominations just on the horizon, it should be one of the most compelling years for marketing and business development projects/efforts in quite some time due to, well, you know -- COVID-19. How this industry delivered its unwavering services to members -- many caught in dire straits -- this year will make for one of the most engaging yet. Can't wait to see the nominations -- and I'm sure there will be no shortage of them.

To give us an inside look at the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council awards programs, we invited two previous winners on the show: First Heritage Federal Credit Union Marketing, Business Development, and Sales Professional Julie Monahan (2017 winner) and Baylor Healthcare Systems Credit Union President/CEO Andy Reed (2013 winner).

Julie and Andy provided their individual experiences winning Professional of the Year in their respective years. They also talked about what these awards mean to them and their credit unions, the significance of these awards to the industry that ultimately spread award-winning ideas to everybody, what it takes for individuals and/or credit unions to win, and much, much more.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And don't forget to nominate an individual and/or a credit union. Nominations will be accepted as early as December 21, 2020. 

During the California/Nevada Credit Union Leagues 2020 REACH Conference, Humanidei President/CEO Jill Nowacki provided an in-depth presentation on "Building an Inclusive Organization in a Divided World." In this clip, Jill talks about organizational readiness for an inclusive workplace.

Many takeaways here from Jill, so get your notepad ready -- and let us know your thoughts. Check out the entire session and others on the 2020 REACH website.

During the California/Nevada Credit Union Leagues 2020 REACH Conference, three renowned California credit union marketing executives participated in a panel on "The New Marketing Paradigm for 2020."

Moderated by California/Nevada Credit Union Leagues Senior Vice President of Member Solutions Larry Palochik; Erica Dias, VP, Marketing, Communications & Community Banking at SAFE Credit Union; Michelle Hunter, Chief Communications & Experience Officer at Credit Union of Southern California; and Royce Ngiam, VP, Marketing & Business Development at Partners Federal Credit Union shared their thoughts how credit unions can still deepen relationships and build loyalty with their members even though the use of digital technology has increased at such a rapid rate.

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. Loads of takeaways in this discussion. Check out the entire session and others on the 2020 REACH website.

During the California/Nevada Credit Union League's 2020 REACH Conference, California/Nevada Credit Union League President/CEO Diana Dykstra participated in a Q&A with Mitchell Stankovic & Associates' CEO Sue Mitchell. In Diana's opening comments, she shared a few anecdotes on her humble beginnings in the credit union industry, how the Global Women's Leadership got started, and some wise words to live by from Diana.

Never a dull moment with Diana and one of our planet's truly great people. Enjoy!