CUNA 2021 Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), like nearly every conference in the last 12 months is going virtual. That's big news for the industry's biggest gathering because it was about this time last year when GAC -- which many of us attended, seeing each other in person for the last time.

Much of the industry has been anticipating how CUNA will conduct its premiere conference in a virtual environment and we'll get to do so next week.

To give us a sneak preview, we invited CUNA Chief Products and Services Officer Todd Spiczenski on the show. Todd pretty much coordinates and plans the event with an incredible team that goes to great lengths to produce a successful, major event. This year, obviously, is a bit different with its virtual environment -- of which Todd goes into great detail how it will all work, as well as what's in store for attendees, vendors, speakers, and more.

Enjoy our conversation with Todd and let us know your thoughts. And don't forget to register for GAC.

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Watch the short clip above and/or check out the entire episode below the show notes.

Each quarter TransUnion provides the industry with its Industry Insights Report, covering such items as lending, credit, delinquency, and much more. Its latest report on Q4 2020 revealed insights on:

• origination activity rising
• consumer credit activity picking up
• lender forbearance programs impact in delinquency rates
• what another stimulus package will mean for financial institutions
• and much more

For a deeper dive on these items, we invited TransUnion Vice President of Research and Consulting Matt Komos on the show. In a very spirited talk, Matt explained what's going on in each of these trends and how they will affect credit unions moving forward.

Many takeaways in this talk with Matt, so check it out and let us know your thoughts. And watch the entire interview with Matt below for all the details. TransUnion will also host a webinar on Wednesday, February 24, discussing many of these insights for attendees.

​Visit our sponsors:
www.canvas.org
www.corelationinc.com
www.alogent.com
www.co-opfs.org
www.trellance.com
www.finastra.com

Watch the short clip above and/or check out the entire episode below the show notes.

When Northwest Credit Union Association President/CEO Troy Stang was appointed CUNA Board Chair at the 2020 GAC about this time last year, little did he or any of us know what was about to happen in just a few short weeks afterward. COVID came crashing down on our normality, resulting in nearly a year of frustration, loss, anguish, isolation, anger, and that's just scratching the surface.

Troy came on our show to share his thoughts on how the credit union industry reacted to the pandemic, showing just how resilient we are when pushed. Addressing members' needs in challenging times wasn't an anomaly, it was the daily norm in 2020. Credit unions stepped up to the plate and delivered when it truly counted -- and continue to do so.

Troy also talked about the importance of consistently sharing the credit union story to lawmakers -- especially relaying the incredible worked that took place in 2020. In addition, he discussed the significance of emerging fintech and the opportunities it presents to credit unions moving forward.

Lastly, Troy polished his crystal ball and shared what he believes is in store for credit unions in 2021.

Another insightful conversation with Troy, so check it out and when you get a chance and let us know your thoughts. And watch the entire interview below for all the details.

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Watch the 5:09 clip above and/or check out the entire episode below the show notes.

For many of us, the elections are still fresh in our minds as the new administration gets settled and sets the tone for the next four years. For credit unions, this election always means opportunity to educate -- whether our congressional representatives are established or brand new.

One group that has a lot to do with credit union-focused candidates getting elected to office is CUNA's federal PAC called CULAC -- the Credit Union Legislative Action Council. So what is this council and how does it work for credit unions at being so effective at getting a vast majority of credit union-focused candidates (from both sides of the aisle) elected, which ultimately helps credit unions do what they do best?

To answer these questions and more, we invited Trey Hawkins, CUNA's Vice President of Political Affairs, on the show. Trey provided us with a "CULAC 101" education, as well as its significance and tremendous results -- even in the last election (95% success rate in wins).

CUNA will have a session on CULAC at the upcoming 2021 Governmental Affairs Conference entitled: "Credit Unions & Political Action: How We Advance Credit Unions at the Ballot Box." It will take place on Wednesday, March 3, 1:00-2:00 p.m. (CST).

Check it out and let us know your thoughts. And watch the entire episode with Trey below for all the details.

​Check out our video sponsors:
www.corelationinc.com
www.alogent.com

Watch the 5:27 clip above and/or check out the entire episode below the show notes.

Digital products and services were a "nice-to-have" prior to the pandemic. But post pandemic, they have become a "must-have" offering for today's credit unions. It's expected now.

To discuss how online services like e-signatures and digital transaction management have become crucial for credit unions' success in serving members -- especially remotely, we invited IMM SVP of Strategy and Innovation Michael Ball on the program. 

Michael shared with us some ways credit unions are leveraging digital tools like e-signatures to ensure a seamless member experience in remote environments. In addition, he talked about they can protect both the member and the employee in today's challenging times. He also provides a bit of advice for credit unions struggling to connect and engage with members using these digital tools.

Very informative discussion with Michael. Check it out and let us know your thoughts, as well as your experiences in this area. And watch the entire interview below for all the details.