Nearly everybody in this industry knows that credit union membership must get younger to succeed today's average 48-year-old-or-so member. That's why you see a flurry of Gen Y/Millennial stories and initiatives flood the industry each year.
There's one such group that annually sets the bar to new levels and that would be The Cooperative Trust's "Crashers" who politely and with permission crash various credit union events. Its flagship crash is CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference, which, unbelievably, is just around the corner. But this young group of CU professionals continue to make headlines for the industry's persistent push to get younger.

With that in mind, we invited The Cooperative Trust and lead Crasher James Marshall on the program to discuss plans and goals for crashing the 2015 GAC. In addition, we talk about why it's so important established credit union professionals embrace these young folks for a solid exchange of ideas. We can all learn from each other to make the industry that much better. We also discuss what will be different about the Crashers' activities at the upcoming GAC, as well as plans for the rest of the year.

So if you see one of these folks, they're the ones usually full of energy -- even on the third or fourth day of the show, stop them, sit down, and get to know them. Perhaps there are ideas you can share that will benefit you and the industry as a whole. Check it out.

Visit:
www.trust.coop
Apply to Crash the 2015 GAC

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Ok, it's about as obvious as fruit cake sending you straight to the gastroenterologist over the holidays that the media is overly obsessed with Apple Pay. To keep this "Apple-loves-it" trend alive and well, we're doing a story on Apple Pay, too. This time it's with the folks at CO-OP Financial Services, who have announced its VISA designation for Apple Pay. That sounds like mighty fine news for CO-OP and the industry, but what does it really mean?

To get to the bottom of this news, we invited CO-OP's Senior Product Manager Michelle Thornton on the program to discuss the "designation," credit union payments, and, yes, more Apple Pay-palooza. We cover such inquiries as...

What does it mean for credit unions?
How did CO-OP achieve this designation?
Why Apple Pay is so important to the industry?
And what other Apple Pay items CO-OP is cooking up for credit unions?

So sit back and enjoy our episode with Michelle and let us you know your thoughts on Apple Pay and what this designation means for the industry.

Visit:
co-opfs.org
CO-OP's Tokenization Resource Center

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We've all heard about President Barack Obama's Executive Action on Immigration, which will have a huge effect on millions of undocumented immigrants nationwide. This move will obviously impact the country in many ways. But bringing it closer to home -- credit unions, what does it mean for us?

Well, we invited Coopera Consulting CEO Miriam De Dios to find out how credit unions can benefit from this action and the many, many ways they can provide assistance to these folks -- ultimately becoming a primary financial resource for them in the process. No matter your political lines and/or where you fall on this issue, it certainly provides a great opportunity for credit unions' growth and future business.

As Miriam states in this discussion, the Hispanic community is very close knit. So once you provide them with genuine assistance that will make their lives better, word spreads fast. That said, credit unions can be poised for further growth in the Hispanic community via President Obama's recent Executive Action. Let us know your thoughts on how credit unions can help in this situation.

Visit:
cooperaconsulting.com

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In part 2 of our chat with Filene's Research Director Ben Rogers, we shed a little light on how vital it is to the success of a credit union to have a Board renewal strategy -- which ultimately can have a positive (have one) or negative (don't have one) impact on the organization. Just about everything is affected by the Board from leadership to lending to technology and much, much more.

Join us as we break down Board renewal strategies and also what's on the horizon for credit unions in 2015 based on Ben's research. Don't miss it! And let us know what your Board renewal strategy is. Other CUs may be keen to know.

Visit:
filene.org

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In this episode we visit with one our fan-favorite, recurring guests Filene's Research Director Ben Rogers. Ben is always ready with well-researched and practical information to benefit the industry. And in part 1 of 2, he doesn't disappoint, discussing how credit unions need to ramp it up with technology and design to remain relevant in 2015. What he means by technology and design is some mighty fine insight based on reports he's produced this year and currently producing. So it's some fresh content you won't want to miss -- and definitely use in 2015.

Oh, and we also touch on his recent CU Times Trailblazer 40 Below acknowledgement, as well. Congratulations and a well-deserved achievement for sure. Check out our chat and let us know what you think of Ben's findings.

Visit:
filene.org

Short on time? Watch the trailer below...

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