Credit unions have the opportunity to play important roles in the lives of members and communities, but to remain relevant, they must continually strive to help members achieve their goals.

The CEOs of Canopy Credit Union and Med5 FCU offer insights into sharing branch space with unlikely partners.

Org charts reflect key responsibilities, but what do variations in top-level structures say about business strategies, compliance goals, CEO priorities, and more?

CU Strategic Planning’s Chief Strategy and Advocacy Officer Mike Beall, along with John McKechnie, Senior Partner of Total Spectrum, discuss the current environment for CDFI certification.

At Together Credit Union, ensuring pillars aren’t silos is at the heart of creating a change culture based on data and collaboration.

Canvas Credit Union wants to be known for its people, and a different way of approaching HR is helping it achieve that goal.

Credit Union Of Texas is requiring employees to be vaccinated before returning to work, a decision it says reinforces its core values and serves the best interest of its communities.

The Empire State cooperative’s Global Sustainability Program has evolved to encompass more goals, a broader network, and more conversations with industry participants.

As economies reopen and life regains a sense of normalcy, the industry must consider how business might evolve in the years ahead.

Jonathan Dubuc focuses on “getting the right things done right” at Gulf Winds Credit Union.

A reworked strategic plan and employee resource committees have helped Verity Credit Union fast-track efforts to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Clearwater FCU adopted a values-based banking approach in 2017 and has made significant strides in building a resilient, transparent, and socially and environmentally aware cooperative.

The Tennessee cooperative says PPP lending helped borrowers and the credit union alike — but at the cost of strategic initiatives.

Credit unions proved in 2020 that they are at their best when times are tough.

Credit union chief executives share key takeaways from 2020 and talk about how they’ll turn challenge into opportunity in the year ahead.

Credit union chief executives share takeaways from 2020 and talk about how they’ll turn challenge into opportunity in the year ahead.

Credit union chief executives share takeaways from 2020 and talk about how they’ll turn challenge into opportunity in the year ahead.

Callahan’s new video series provides strategic insights to help today’s credit unions prepare for tomorrow’s planning sessions.

Based on November traffic (and our editorial instincts), here are the top articles and blogs that appeared on CreditUnions.com.

Putting tech tools into play, and into their proper place, requires following strategy and letting the experts do the leg work.

A Global Sustainability Program at United Nations Federal Credit Union comprises eight goals and programs to complete over a five-year period.

Five can't-miss data points this week on CreditUnions.com.

A happy, motivated workforce presents operational as well as member-facing benefits.

Incorporating peer analysis is an ideal way to enhance the impact of planning season.

Jennifer Platt helps Suncoast integrate technology and business to meet consumer needs and expectations in an age of digital disruption.

Based on May traffic (and our editorial instincts), here are the top articles and blogs that appeared on CreditUnions.com.

Today’s smart credit union leaders are leveraging data to benchmark and track goals, identify opportunities, and uncover weaknesses.

Real strategy sets the credit union’s course for a decade or more and helps decision-makers determine where to invest and how to grow. It deserves undivided attention.

Five can't-miss data points this week on CreditUnions.com.

Los Angeles Police FCU dedicates time every year for board members and executive management to come together to learn about the industry and stretch their collective imagination.

The DC-area credit union has changed its name, its charter, and more as it works from a regularly updated strategic plan.

CAP COM FCU is on a forward-leaning data aggregation mission that crosses platforms and connects silos across the organization.

Doing the right thing is a business model that combines profit, passion, and the pursuit of happiness.

Learn more about the key steps any organization can take to identify where it is now, build an action plan, and maintain its True North.

Industry suppliers dish on how to win the hearts and wallets of credit union members in the year ahead.

Five can't-miss data points this week on CreditUnions.com.

Tech-savvy credit union executives and seasoned consultants share strategy and payments plays that deserve a second look.

Credit unions can’t predict the future, but they can prepare for it by thinking about how to respond to change.

Jon Jeffreys, managing partner of Callahan & Associates explores the tough questions credit unions are beginning to ask themselves and what steps you can take to ensure relevancy.

Credit unions are different, and better. Consumers are catching on, but market share indicates untapped opportunity awaits.

Jay Johnson, partner at Callahan & Associates and sought-after industry strategist, explores how credit unions can leverage positive momentum and ask tough questions as they go into planning season this fall.

Five can’t-miss data points this week on CreditUnions.com.

The process of strategy requires year-long attention.

San Mateo Credit Union’s strategic plan is a primer for how to set goals and stay the course.

Every detail in the member experience sends a message about how they should act. Thoughtful tweaks on the credit union’s part can lead to smarter choices from members.

Chris Howard, senior vice president of Callahan & Associates, discusses why spending time today thinking about strategy makes for a more productive planning season in the fall.

A day-long meeting at Visa headquarters provides insight into technology challenges.

Federation credit unions told to tell the story, while blockchain pioneers paint a picture of potential.

How a small San Diego credit union uncovered a novel way to catch the attention of non-members.

CreditUnions.com puts a wrap on 2017 with a look back at some of the most popular strategies, insights, and stories generously shared by credit unions.

Kathy Elser talks about her first six months at the helm of SF Fire Credit Union.

Small can be mighty when it comes to stealing market share and serving it better than the banks.

A long-term approach to succession at Tower FCU ensured a smooth passing of the torch at the top level of leadership.

Five can't-miss data points featured this week on CreditUnions.com.

A monthly collection of Callahan content that, together, addresses a single topic from a variety of perspectives.

An NCUA webinar series relays tools and tips from which all credit unions can benefit.

This look at the daily financial lives of everyday Americans could spark strategic thinking for credit unions serving the growing gig economy.

Summer is the perfect time to think strategically about how the credit union will tackle strategic planning in the fall.

The impending retirement of Truity Credit Union’s CEO prompted the cooperative to prepare for other C-suite departures.

Callahan managing partner Jon Jeffreys talks with CUbroadcast's Mike Lawson about member service, disruption, and team-based learning.

The debate over credit union mergers should be about engaging member-owners as much as throwing shade at sales jobs by self-serving insiders.

A focus on aspirations and results trumps obsessing about weaknesses and threats.

Industry attorneys add that banker lawsuit is not a reason to avoid applying under the new NCUA rule, especially as application demand ticks up.

Talk about action on technology, analytics, touchpoints, and the personal touch highlight the credit union industry’s largest gathering.

For many, thinking about the credit union as a whole is a brand-new experience.

NCUA leader says expansion of acceptable bonds and other criteria for new membership markets is regulatory relief that doesn’t run counter to the Drumpf administration’s ban on new rules. Bankers have sued.

Credit unions seem to be dividing between mission-based and bank lite. What do you see?

Headlines seldom make a business plan or tell you what to do next.

The concern around disruption in financial services is greater than ever before, but your credit union can take critical steps now to look at disruption through a different lens.

A new approach to member service helps credit unions better understand the underlying needs of members and serve them more effectively.

The need for credit unions has perhaps never been greater for the average American household.

Technology providers evaluate 2016 and look ahead to the coming year.

This financial cooperative decided to stake its future on hiring a new leader based on mission, credit union experience or not.

A California credit union finds focusing on mission helps culture follow technology.

The small Oregon-Washington credit union uses internal efficiencies and external outreach to hit new heights.

Credit unions can’t match resources with their big bank competitors, but they can still be outstanding in their field.

Three ways credit union understandings and practices have changed.

Why participants of the program say Callahan's Leadership Team Development is boosting their performance and success rate.

The California credit union gained the framework for team collaboration on innovation through the Callahan Leadership Team Development program.

This webinar shares insights gained while facilitating Callahan’s Leadership Team Development course, Disruptive Strategy With Clayton Christensen, offered in collaboration with HBX, Harvard Business School’s innovative online learning initiative.

A common language, framework can help turn operational survival into strategic thriving. But getting there takes team development.

Callahan's LTD program combines Harvard Business School learning with collaborative, hands-on problem solving.

Future shock, building a credit union blockchain, and a sustainable initiative to create credit union awareness were all topics at America’s Credit Union Conference.

Analyzing various data sets can unlock valuable insights to the wants, needs, and expectations of an institution's membership. But who owns business analytics at credit unions across the nation?

NAFCU conference attendees hear of hope for change in Washington, how size and gender matters in executive pay, and that risk management includes reputations.

Credit unions correlate giving back and growing loans, while accounting standards and succession planning spur table talk.

This Minnesota credit union mixes marketing and message to revive relationships.

A monthly collection of Callahan content that, together, addresses a single topic from a variety of perspectives.

The best of the best? What’s that mean? Serving everyone is the ultimate sustainable model for capitalism and for credit unions, the original crowdfunders.

Fed’s Faster Payments Task Force reports include credit union participation and spark anticipation for changes to come.

Mountain America Credit Union is a veteran user of cash management analytics, but it’s still learning how to optimize its understanding of and confidence in the system.

Traditional retailers and credit unions are not necessarily on the same side of the digital divide when it comes to moving the model online.

Compliance dance card overflows in 2015 while credit union legal beagles see TRID and true changes in 2016.

Loan growth drives down balances while industry assets overall remain steady.

Huge transportation bill includes some credit union-friendly measures that may, or may not, be harbinger of more to come. Either way, they do provide some regulatory relief.

Whether to complaints or internal vulnerabilities, credit unions must respond quickly and transparently to the questions and concerns of their memberships. The credit unions featured this week on CreditUnions.com demonstrate how to do this — and more — effectively.

Careful planning and transparent communications bolster the beginning and end of disaster planning and business continuity.

Not all dark waters as TRID changes take effect and HMDA changes announced, but much work remains.

Here are some things to think about to attract and serve new generations of self-directed investors.

A panel at BAI Retail Delivery focused on “turning lemons into lemonade” with a culture shift that makes compliance a customer service imperative.

Small or large, ensuring the right business lending specialist has experience and talent is key to successful partnership.

Brookings report details “selective” debt crisis; outlines impact of non-traditional borrowers and for-profit colleges.

How the right data analytics can empower credit unions to target members with offers that offer timeliness and real value.

A key to success with a credit card program is a strong cardmember lifecycle marketing strategy.

Surveys show Facebook, Twitter not being used effectively enough to reach consumers where they digitally live.

Credit unions have found these creative strategies help raise deposits and fund lending, among other objectives.

Lower cash balances drive longer average life as derivatives usage slowly grows.

Being able to make hay with big data is just the beginning for credit unions that turn to experts.

In a day and age when cyber security is of utmost concern, how can expanding your payment acceptance capabilities protect both you and your borrowers?

If you want to measure your website’s ROI, start tracking conversion instead of consumption.

Jay Johnson, executive vice president of Callahan & Associates, offers insider tips on how to create a more engaging, effective strategic planning session.

Accurately measuring a credit union’s performance is the foundation to making successful strategic decisions. But what’s the best way to measure performance? By using similar financial institutions to create meaningful benchmarks.

First United Credit Union offers insight into how to maximize the benefits of shared staffing.

A look at why Lending Club is disrupting so much loan volume and what credit unions can learn.

Jon Jeffreys, managing partner of Callahan & Associates, discusses the role of innovation in today's financial services space.

Steve Webb, COO of Neighbors Federal Credit Union, discusses how the credit union is realigning its strategy and turning its design upside-down in the process.

To meet tomorrow's demands, credit unions today need to take a fresh look at their leadership roles and organizational structure.

One Montana credit union relies on transparency and open communication to assimilate new employees gained through a merger.

Critical security controls from Center for Internet Security can help credit unions better protect member data.

Preparation, communication, and simple hospitality can go a long way toward making the grade with the regulator.

The growth of the millennial immigrant population has handed the credit union movement a great opportunity and obligation.

CEO Benson Porter and board member Porsche Everson discuss how BECU attracts and keeps cooperative governance talent.

Reports show feds quietly raising bar on security and noting demographic differences in mobile banking and payments.

Callahan & Associates analyzes checking account penetration data as a part of Trendwatch 4Q 2014.

Learn how credit unions performed in fourth quarter 2014 and find new opportunities in today's encouraging economic environment.

Callahan & Associates chairman Chip Filson and analyst Sam Taft discuss merger pitfalls and alternative organizational designs.

Callahan chairman Chip Filson and analyst Sam Taft discuss two enormous failed mergers.

Rising wages, employment may be greeted by rate hikes as Fed works to direct economic harmony.

Credit union advocates react to Obama move with call to grab market share while serving up trusted financial resources.

A review of practices that show how and why credit unions are boosting their visibility and viability.

Strategists, new Filene report say credit unions need new metrics to show the world how and why they matter.

Doug Fecher, CEO of Wright-Patt Credit Union, talks about leadership styles and what it takes to be the driving force behind a credit union.

Callahan’s leadership team weighs in on what’s happening around the industry.

Callahan & Associates discusses competition and strategies in the delivery channel space.

Callahan & Associates talks about the credit union opportunity to grow market share among Generation Y members.

Five tips to make the most of credit union strategic planning sessions.

Fostering communication across departments requires transparency, teamwork, and small groups of volunteers.

To remain competitive, consider the benefits of software as a service.

This week, CreditUnions.com is all about benchmarking and the power of data.

Why Member One converted its core system and how it chose a new provider.

IT is increasingly working with operations, facilities, and marketing to make drastic changes happen successfully.

How Wright-Patt Credit Union reorganized in the face of a changing payments landscape.

As credit union services and solutions become increasingly tech-focused, you need the right people helping to make the best business decisions.

It’s natural to be complacent when things are going well, yet that’s the perfect time to re-imagine your future.

A proper corporate social responsibility platform creates a win/win/win situation for the credit union, its members, and the community.

A properly designed CSR platform creates a win/win/win situation for the credit union, its members, and the community.

With a wealth of different options available, here’s what credit unions should really be looking for in a trusted partner.

Today’s financial services marketplace requires more from the board, and the roles and responsibilities of its members are expanding.

A by-the-numbers look at the benefits and drawbacks of term limits for board members.

Unlocking your board’s full potential is a complex undertaking. Without board confidence, no governance model will be successful.

It’s time for credit unions to build on the momentum gained during the economic downturn and make long-term plans for the future.

Pathways demonstrates how mergers can be an asset for small and midsized credit unions.

Changing market dynamics mean that credit unions have to redouble their efforts to secure their position as members’ go-to financial provider.

Credit unions fought back growing competition to post strong first quarter performance.

Co-Ops for Change is crowd-sourcing data on each corporate credit union’s portfolio that was taken to collateralize the NCUA Guaranteed Notes (NGN).

This credit union knows how to make the best of hard times and capitalize on good ones.

Credit unions need to evaluate financial performance results using not-for-profit parameters and a cooperative lens.

Economic turbulence had an entire Florida community singing the blues, but the reinvigoration of a cooperative cornerstone changed the outlook.

Next Generation Credit Unions embrace the idea that just plain good is never good enough.

Why tomorrow’s cooperative workers will need to know more, do more, and own more, and how we can help them get there.

After a period of rebuilding, Coastal Federal Credit Union posts three record-breaking years.

St. Helens Community hopes to simplify, stabilize, and strengthen its core competencies and relationships in the coming year.

Maps Credit Union is an innovation goldmine in an Oregon valley.

Two of the nation’s best-known brands offer insight on how credit unions can use information to improve products and strengthen member ties.

Staff has to believe the credit union’s products and service are the best around; then they can sell the members on the benefits of the credit union’s offerings.

A culture change is a major undertaking and a CEO needs to be its champion.

A successful sales culture needs to work for the long-term benefit of the member.

It takes commitment and planning, but a successful sales culture can have a major positive impact on credit union growth.

Clyburn FCU's CEO thinks introducing a sales culture is the way to shake up his credit union's strategy to spur growth; 4 credit unions leaders offer advice.

Rhonda and Kelly Cooke advocate that Sam present the board with options for their field of membership, use of equity, and the credit union’s brand.

As the leadership team recovers from the initial shock of losing their core sponsor, Chip Filson sees future options as a source of excitement and a time to rekindle the team’s passion.

To help all credit unions that have faced losing a sponsor, 5 consultants respond to the challenge faced by Circle-W Credit Union in this theoretical case study.

Jim Cardwell addresses Circle-W's new challenge by advocating an assessment of key strengths and then pushing the reset button on their strategy for the future.

Tony Ward-Smith believes merging is one option, but if your people have a strong sense of what the role of a credit union should be in what has become a very competitive, very challenging market, go for it alone!

How Honda, a single-sponsor cooperative, revitalized a dormant sponsor relationship to increase its revenue stream and expand its product line.

Known for its strong investment portfolio, Langley is now shifting its resources to loans. Here’s why.

Now is the time for credit unions to invest in three key strategic areas to drive success in 2013: mortgage lending, younger member recruitment, and sophisticated data usage.

Contractors and other credit unions can ease your way.

Be prepared to devote resources to the effort — even after the main work is complete.

Credit unions must know how to communicate with stakeholders before, during, and after a disaster.

Nathan Hickman, remote workforce manager for BECU, shares lessons learned for managing home-based employees.

Only credit unions can do what they do for communities; let’s get to work and spread the word.

The country is pulling out of the crisis, and credit unions are thriving. Now where do we go from here?

Conduct quarterly internal audits to ensure your vendors are in compliance with regulations.

A rebranding effort has to be driven by values, so find out what similarities make the credit unions stand out in their communities.

The need for member connection is vital, so any changes should complement the credit union’s brand and mission.

Concentrate on four key merger elements that take into account all stakeholders.

A Midwestern credit union needs to appeal to a growing community membership but doesn’t want to alienate its long-time SEGs that represent the heart of the institution.

How the cooperative principles guide the governance of a non-profit based in Washington state. A Q&A with Anne-Marie La Porte, Director of Governance Services, Group Health Cooperative.

With a bright new look and a focus on convenience, TruChoice FCU establishes itself as a financial institution with a clear purpose.

Newly released guidelines for retirement savings can inspire your members and employees to get their savings in shape.

Interra Credit Union started active performance coaching and started streamlined decision making to reinvent its organizational structure.

Builder of WesCorp and 30-year Marine Dick Johnson reflects on what it takes to sustain an organization over the long term.

Look to Veridian for a standout example of leadership and engagement.

Lake Trust Credit Union uses the Carver Policy Governance model in its strategic planning, which tasks the CEO with interpreting the Board’s goals and putting the staff to work on achieving them.

A Loan Saver application that reveals savings in converting to a Belvoir Federal Credit Union loan has already attracted several refis.

Bob Marquette, CEO of Members 1st Federal Credit Union, discusses his credit union's strategic governance model.

A new take on innovation puts employees in control of everything from fixing glitches to building branches.

Two Callahan employees take opposing sides of an old, but still hot, debate.

Kathryn Minor needs to create the best team to carry out the goals of the Board and fulfill her vision for American Flag.

Credit unions can help erase refi frictions for members and put more money in member pockets.

Front-line representatives aren’t just the first contact point for members. They’re a key figure in the efficiency equation.

There are commonalities to sustainability that apply to every business, and it is a strategy that has proven to be profitable.

Take an in-depth look at how GTE got going in tough times.

Pay attention to this Pennsylvania credit union that quadrupled its asset base in a decade.

For every strategic decision, Wright-Patt Credit Union considers three stakeholders equally.

Unlike NCUA’s constantly moving targets, the industry has solid numbers to stand on and build an actionable base to work from.

By law, credit unions at a certain asset threshold must engage an outside CPA firm for an annual audit. But an inspection of today’s modern credit union includes much more than bean counting.