Montana Credit Unions - Montana Credit Union Network
Transcription
Montana Credit Unions - Montana Credit Union Network
June 2008 Montana Credit Unions A Historical Perspective Credit Union Muscle VITA Sites Montana CU Awards pg 3 pg 5 pg 13 editorial & reports From My Perspective cover story Montana Credit Union Muscle page 3 From Desk Drawer to Drive Through page 4 The Umbrella Man Lives On page 5 Ask Compliance page 7 Montana CU Awards page 13 members; today there are more than 374,500 members, and every person in Montana has access to at least one credit union. This is the result of charter changes and the move toward more commuPatricia Garvin nity charters. Now, every county in Montana has access to credit union services. Credit unions don’t look the same today as they did back then. In 1980 there were 132 League-member credit unions with assets ranging from a high of $72M (Valley CU) to less than $25,000 (Operating Engineers 375 FCU). Over the years mergers have reduced that number to 62 credit unions today while the number of members and the assets have increased significantly. In 1980 we had 154,000 credit union Significant changes have occurred in services over the years—we've added share drafts, IRAs, credit cards, first mortgage and home equity loans, student loans, ATMs, home banking, indirect lending, debit cards, and more. Credit unions have had to reach for higher levels of sophistication in operations and manage- LSG Partner offers Marketing Services page 15 Hot Fla hes ~ In Each Issue ~ Leslie: So, we’re talking about the history and evolution of credit unions, huh? page Cover Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Philosophy in Action. . . . . . . . . . 4 For Your Dues. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6, 7 TSCCU Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 9 CUsource Update. . . . . . . . . . 10,11 UniPro Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Recognition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 League Service Group. . . . . .14, 15 Events Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Network News Publication Staff Beth Satre Editor and Design/Layout Photographer As the employee who has been at the Network the longest, I have the honor of journeying back through the years to highlight the many changes throughout my tenure. In May of 1980 my journey began. New to credit unions, under the leadership of President Herb Walberg and Jeff Kirkland, Director of Government Relations, the philosophy of credit unions became a part of my life. While there have been many changes through the years, the commitment to our philosophy has endured. Editorial Board Tracie Kenyon, Tabitha Garvin, Tracy Houck, Donya Parrish, Eddie Black, Jeanne Saarinen, Karen Smith, Ranel Smith, Tracy Thornburg 2—network news from my perspective (continued on page 7) Tracie: Yeah, when did you start in the movement? Leslie: 1975 … how about you? Tracie: You’ve got me beat by ten years—I started in 1985. Leslie: We’ve seen a lot of changes in our time, haven’t we? Tracie: Absolutely, share drafts were still a pretty new service when I started … and IRAs were a really hot item! Leslie: ATMs—the first real “electronic” service that most of us offered—were just coming of age. We hadn’t even thought about Internet access or online bill pay. We were still paying single rate share and loans! Tracie: I worked at First Tech CU in the early 1990s—they were one of the first credit unions to offer “personal branch” (Internet access)—it was amazing to me. Leslie: Now we take these services for granted, don’t we? Tracie Kenyon Leslie Hunter Tracie: Do you remember the first letter that you wrote to Congress in response to a banker attack? My first letter was sent in 1986! Leslie: Yep, in some cases, the more things change, the more they stay the same … banker attacks were happening long before we joined the movement, and I guess that they’ll be attacking credit unions after we’re retired. Tracie: Unfortunately, I bet you’re right! Leslie: So, what’s with the “glamour shot” picture from the mid-80s? Tracie: Hey, I could ask you the same thing about your picture! We were styling (break out the Duran Duran)… Cover Story Montana Credit Union Muscle a history of advocacy, or … who are you calling a dumbbell? Like bodybuilders owe their strength to dumbbells and barbells, credit unions owe their grassroots strength and success to constant banker resistance. Students of credit union history know that the idea of people banding together to save and borrow in a not-for-profit cooperative structure first emerged in rural 19th century Germany. Similar needs for reasonably priced consumer and small business credit brought credit unions to rural Montana with the original Montana Credit Union Act in 1929, predating the Federal Credit Union Act by five years. Montana First Credit Union in Missoula was the first credit union in Montana, chartered in 1931. (See related article, page 4.) The Montana Credit Union League was established to advocate for credit unions in 1937. Under League leadership, general revisions to modernize the state act were successful in 1975 and 2003. Bankers attacked early credit unions as socialist or communist for not having the pure capitalist structure of for-profit stock ownership. In the 1970s credit unions attempted to give their members the convenience of share draft/checking, and bankers responded with lawsuits and legislative offensives. Credit unions launched the successful “Save Our Share Drafts” (SOS) grassroots lobbying campaign. Then came the 1980s and the credit union V.O.T.E.S. Campaign or “Victory On Tax Exempt Status,” in response to a banker-backed bill in Congress that sought to repeal credit unions' income tax exemption. Representative Byron Dorgan (D-ND) became a credit union champion when he successfully moved the House Ways and Means Committee to delete the repealer. In 1991, regulatory consolidation became the issue as bankers pressed Congress to eliminate NCUA and allow credit unions to be swallowed up in the banking regulatory system, leading to our ultimate demise. Credit unions launched “Operation Grassroots.” In addition to all other forms of grassroots lobbying, Congress witnessed a rally of over 15,000 (50 from Montana) credit union activists gathered in front of the Capitol. Once again, credit unions prevailed. A History of advocacy (continued on page 6) In February 1991, more than 15,000 people rallied in front of the U.S. Capitol as part of Operations Grassroots. They delivered petitions signed by six million credit union members. i was there by Bob Pyfer It was a mild, sunny day in February 1991. Over 50 Montana credit union activists, wearing blue sweatshirts emblazoned with the “Operation Grassroots” logo, headed down the steps of the U.S. Capitol having just lunched in the Mansfield Room with the Montana Congressional Delegation. With the imposing backdrop of an enormous portrait of storied Montana Senator Mike Mansfield, I had the honor of delivering a brief luncheon message. Putting credit unions under bank regulators as proposed by bankers would eventually lead to the demise of the credit union charter, and credit unions were going to the mat to prevent this disaster for consumers. As we descended to the large mall park area just west of the Capitol, we joined with 15,000 credit union people from all over the country protesting the regulatory consolidation proposal. Every state had a 25-foot red, white, and blue pole sign. We took our place under the “Montana” pole and heard pro-consumer speeches from Congress members and CUNA leaders. But as is always the case, the most powerful words came from rank-and-file members who simply love their credit unions. The air crackled electric with enthusiasm for the cause, and this show of American democracy ultimately led to the sound defeat of the consolidation proposal, with the entire Montana delegation on our side. Just when we thought the he day couldn't be more perfect, someone at the podium made a special announcement: the Gulf War had ended! The crowd erupted—Life is Good! network news—3 Philosophy in action From Desk Drawer to Drive-Through Montana's First Credit union by tyler Disberg Montana First Credit Union was the first officially sanctioned credit union in Montana. Chartered in 1931 to serve the financial needs of the Region One Forest Service employees, it was originally named Missoula Federal Credit Union. Initially, our credit union was run out of the Forest Service desk drawer of Ms. Mabel Allen. Mabel took deposits from her post at the Region One office. At the end of daily business, she walked the whole of her transactions down the street to deposit them at the local bank. In 1931, a total of 15 members had combined assets of $64 with $0 in outstanding loan balances. This credit union thrived through the commitment of members like Mabel Allen and Morris Hankins. During the depression, loan demand at the credit union was outpacing deposits rapidly. In a true act of selflessness, a blast from the past … …who are These people? Mr. Hankins took a second mortgage on his home to allow daily credit union operations to continue as usual. With the passage of the 1934 Federal Credit Union Act, no non-federally chartered credit unions could use “federal” in their names. Therefore, Missoula Federal Credit Union became Montana Credit Union Association. By 1941, the credit union had 174 total members with assets of $8,923 and 63 loans totaling $4,952. Through the years our name has changed, but our member-driven focus has stayed the same. This was reflected in the decision to become Government Employees Credit Union and to serve the needs of all area State/Federal Government workers. GECU served Missoula up until 1998 when the state regulator granted us a community charter and we became Montana First Credit Union to reflect the fact that we were the first chartered credit union in Montana. Credit Union History Continues to Inspire 1 3 2 4 The credit union movement has a rich history of making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. The fundamental principles established by the credit union pioneers Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring, and Alphonse Desjardins continue to guide and inspire Montana’s credit unions to fulfill our social mission. As one of the original signers of CUNA’s constitution at Estes Park, Dora Maxwell worked as an organizer for the movement’s trade association. She was an early credit union pioneer who magnified credit union social responsibility by working with community organizations on behalf of the poor. Louise Herring truly embraced the “people helping people” philosophy as an active supporter, organizer, and champion of credit unions. She believed credit unions should work in a practical manner to better people’s lives and that a credit union was more than just a financial institution. 5 7 4—network news 6 8 Credit union pioneer Alphonse Desjardins was personally responsible for the establishment of over 200 credit unions in Canada and the U.S. He pioneered youth savings clubs and in-school “banks” known as caisses scolaires. 9 answers on the sidebar on page 7 Montana’s credit unions continue the legacy of each of these credit union pioneers through their outreach efforts, and several in the state have been recognized through awards in honor of each of them. Whether it is through personal financial education, community involvement, or programs and services for your members, our past is reflected through the efforts of Montana’s credit unions. philosophy in action time marches on … and so does the credit union mission Montana Credit Unions for Community Development March 3, 2003—certainly a noteworthy date given that it reads 03/03/03. There’s another reason this date is important—it is when Montana Credit Unions for Community Development (MCUCD) came into existence. The history is short but dynamic. Shortly after Tracie Kenyon’s arrival as Montana Credit Union Network CEO, she added “outreach services” to the core functions of the trade association (along with compliance, education, advocacy, and public relations). This resulted in the creation of MCUCD, the charitable arm of the Network. MCUCD’s mission is to provide the tools and support to help credit unions offer services that improve the social and economic well-being of their members. This concept is not new to credit unions, of course. Offering affordable and empowering financial services has been at the core of credit union existence since President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Federal Credit Union Act into law in 1934. The opening lines of the Act read the same today as they did 74 years ago: “An Act to establish a Federal Credit Union system … to make more available to people of small means credit for provident purposes through a national system of cooperative credit …” While this is not an original idea, many of the services that can help those of modest means the most are new. That’s where MCUCD comes in— providing support to credit unions in developing and implementing these innovative services. native to predatory payday loans, 12 credit unions sponsor a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site each year, and nearly every credit union offers some form of financial or consumer education to members. Anyone trying to prove Montana’s credit unions are not living up to their historic purpose would have a hard time doing so. We have come a long way, but there’s still so far to go. Continued support of your trade association in providing these services, as you have done in the past five years, ensures we are able to continue and expand this important work. The Umbrella Man Lives On free tax assistance by Carin McClain Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a national program that offers free tax help to low-to-moderate-income people through a partnership with the IRS and community organizations—such as credit unions. A Look at the Statistics Our VITA program started in 2006. That year two credit unions hosted four sites in four communities, and we prepared 92 returns. Since then the program has experienced tremendous growth: in 2007 eight credit unions participated, hosting eight sites and preparing 859 returns. This past tax season 11 credit unions participated, and we staffed 13 sites across the state and prepared 1,366 returns. CU Timeline A Look at the Service I've filed a lot of claims for people over the past two years, helping them MCUCD’s current programs fall in four categorecognize all the tax credits they're due. But one family stands out. A young ries—free tax services, matched savings accounts woman came into the VITA site. She told me nervously that she hadn’t filed (also called Individual Development Accounts), in a number of years, but money was especially tight. She was counting on financial/consumer education, and combating preda- getting her nearly $100 of withholdings back to pay bills. As we talked, I tory lending. To date, 26 credit unions are or have learned that she was a single mom raising three children under the age of participated in a matched savings account program, VITA SITES (continued on page 16) 15 credit unions are developing an affordable alter1849 Credit Societies were formed using funds from wealthy investors 1901 First credit union chartered in North America (Quebec) 1864 Credit Unions were formed where individuals pooled their savings to create opportunities for others to borrow 1929 Montana Credit Union Act passed 1909 First credit union chartered in the United States (New Hampshire) network news—5 for your dues Your Network Staff Tracie Kenyon President/CEO tracie@mcun.org Robert Coble Program Support Coord., MCUCD robert@mcun.org Tabitha Garvin Chief Operations Officer, LSG tabitha@mcun.org Jamie Guenther VP–Marketing jamie@mcun.org Janet Harper Dir.– Governmental Relations janeth@mcun.org Katie Lockett Administrative Assistant katie@mcun.org Marcy Martin Dir.– HR and Accounting marcy@mcun.org Coleen Noziska Administrative Assistant coleen@mcun.org Donya Parrish VP–Dues Supported Services donya@mcun.org Bob Pyfer General Counsel pyfer@mcun.org Jeanne Saarinen Executive Director, MCUCD jeanne@mcun.org Beth Satre Dir.–Communications/PR beth@mcun.org Karen Smith Dir.–Outreach Services, MCUCD karen@mcun.org Ranel Smith Education Services Director ranel@mcun.org A History of Advocacy, continued from page 3 In the 1990s, bankers filed 19 lawsuits in 12 states, one-member one-vote basis, and return all excess including Montana, seeking to restrict credit union earnings to members. fields of membership. One case Credit unions do not have acgot to the U.S. Supreme Court. cess to capital markets. They In February, 1998, the Court narcan only build capital reserves rowly interpreted the FCU Act to weather difficult times by to disallow multiple employee allocating earnings to capital. groups. The “Credit Union CamTaxing our earnings would paign for Consumer Choice” mean taxing our capital, crebegan immediately, culminating ating a safety and soundness in 1998 with HR 1151, the “Credit problem. Union Membership Access Act.” taxation would also The bill had the support of the dis-incent our consumer entire Montana delegation, inorientation and lead to the cluding Representative Rick Hill demise of our volunteers, as (R-MT) who cosponsored the credit unions would eventubill as a member of the Bankally seek to pay directors and ing Committee. The campaign Ken Meske, then Great Falls Teachers FCU get the tax deduction—put was a bitter battle, played out in President/CEO visits Capitol Hill in the 1990s. another way, we would lose the media as well as the legislaour philosophy, our “soul” if you will. tive arena, with bankers pulling out all the stops to pressure Congress. Instead of previous hefty banker banks have absolutely no right to complain. They campaign contributions, Rick Hill started getting have numerous advantages, including unrestricted checks for $11.51. commercial lending powers, greater investment powers, full trust powers, unlimited customer Without a doubt, credit unions owe their success to fields, more lenient capital standards, and greater the ability to mobilize rank-and-file members in adeconomies of scale (The two largest banks have asdition to employees and volunteer officials. Members sets that exceed all credit unions put together.) love their credit unions because they are the owners and they are treated as owners. Despite their vast no bank has ever converted to a credit union. resources, bankers can’t match this. In political adYet over 30 credit unions have converted to bank vocacy, people truly are “worth more than money,” charters to avoid restrictive regulation. This is as stated in the “America’s Credit Unions” brand. proof positive that the bank charter is more adBut vigilance is essential and we need to continue to vantageous from the purely business standpoint. build the corps of credit union advocates who can Credit union advocacy would be much easier articulate the credit union difference, the reasons for without the incessant complaining and resisthe tax exemption, and why banker whining about tance from banks, but our grassroots strength unfair competition is totally misplaced. Here are a wouldn’t be as great. We can always count on few simple points about credit unions. our friends the bankers to give us a good workCredit unions are exempt from income tax because out. As we’ve proved time and again—if we stay they are not-for-profit cooperatives, without capiin shape, the collective pectorals and triceps of tal stock, run by volunteer directors elected on a 89 million members can bench press a bank! 1931 Montana's first credit union chartered (see story–pg 4) 6—network news 1935 CUNA National Board meets and creates the CUNA Mutual Insurance Society (see story–pg 14) 1934 Federal Credit Union Act passed and CUNA formed 1937 Montana Credit Union League formed 1974 U.S. Central Credit Union formed (see story–pg 8) 1938 Federal income tax exemption granted 1975 Montana's Credit Union Act modernized for your dues Ask Compliance League Board Q: Has the support the Network Compliance Department provides to affiliated credit unions changed over the years? A: Yes and no. Credit unions have relied on the Network for assistance in complying with regulations for years. Whenever a new regulation comes along, credit unions anticipate resources and training being provided to them in a timely manner. The Network held regional training sessions in the late 1980s on the Bank Secrecy Act and CTR reporting, in 2001 when Privacy regulations were implemented, and for refreshers on many other topics in between. This in-person support continues today with the recent regional training sessions on the Red Flags of Identity Theft Rule (held in May 2008). The biggest change in the Compliance Department is in availability of information. Credit union staff at nearly every level has access to the Internet and email now, and so many resources are on the Web, including the compliance TABs manual the Network produces. Once nearly all contacts with the ‘Compliance Hotline’ were via phone, but now many questions come in through email. The fax machine is rarely used anymore since so many documents are available with the click of a mouse. Even the manual updates and alerts go to credit unions via email and the research files at the Network have shrunk from several file drawers to only a few! This modernization of information makes support timely and efficient, but also means the Network needs to keep up with the expectations of our clients. For that reason, an email quarterly compliance newsletter is being started and new training venues and methods are being researched. A podcast may be the delivery means for the next new regulation. What hasn’t changed is that questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome! From My Perspective, continued from page 2 ment while continuing to maintain the personalized manner of serving their members. The same is true of the League and LSG. Our services and expertise changed through the years to help Montana credit unions offer more to their members. LSG's supply department for credit union forms closed, the cards processing center ran its life cycle, consultants residing in Billings and Great Falls centralized in Helena and started to spend less time “on the road” and more time on the telephone. Now those consultant tasks are a part of the responsibilities of administration and the compliance, government relations, and education departments. Conversely, some things have remained the same. The credit union philosophy has been tested by time and remains strong. Credit unions were started to assist the little man. “Not for charity, not for profit, but for service” remains the credit union ideal. Credit 1977 TSCCU chartered and began operations (see story–pg 8) Chair Kathy Shea Vice Chair Chris Sisco Secretary Jeremy Presta Controller Wally Berry Director Bob Bjelland Director Tom Boos Director Bernie Neibauer Director Greg Strizich Director who are these People? unions continue to be not-for-profit, tax-exempt, led by volunteer boards of directors, sensitive to the needs of their members, and encourage thrift. The motto “credit unions—where people are worth more than money” remains true. The standard of excellence, strong ethics, and high ideals has made the journey through the years something I have been proud to be a part of. And the bonus has been rubbing shoulders with the caring people who make up Montana’s credit unions and the Network. Thank you for the great friendships over the last 28 years. It has truly been a pleasure to be a part of credit unions. answers 1. Janice Lehman SEG FCU 2. Clint Van Atta Billings FCU 3. Dolly Sawitke Rocky Mountain CU 4. Wally Berry Montana FCU 5. Herb Walberg Montana CU League 6. Roxie Wedgewood Helena Community CU 7. Myrt White Treasure State Corporate CU 8. Gene Rice Patricia Garvin was the Network's Senior VP for Education Services before she retired on May 2, 2008, after serving Montana's credit unions for 28 years. We'll miss you! 1991 Operations Grassroots (see story–pg 3) 1988 CUsource formed (see story–pg 10) Leslie Hunter Rocky Mountain CU 9. Bob Bjelland Fergus County FCU 1998 Credit Union Membership Access Act passed 1995 UniPro formed (see story–pg 12) 2003 Montana's Credit Union Act updated and MCUCD formed (see story–pg 5) network news—7 CEO Corner Taking a jaunt down history lane is occasionally very instructive. It gives us a sense of just how fast and furiously the changes in our industry have taken place, and it gives us a chance to speculate on the future. Not only that, but it’s fun, too! For many, reminiscing conjures up feelings that romanticize “the good old days.” Of course, people who spent the Steve Howke, President/CEO “good old days” working in operations are a major exception. Rarely do you hear about the glories of calculating interest and dividends by hand or balancing individual ledger cards on a daily basis. … In fact, those conversations often Your TSCCU Staff take on a “we had to walk seven miles uphill both ways just to pump two hours from a well to get a drink of unflavored water” story line. However, it is precisely these individuals to whom we owe our current level of productivity. And, thank goodness for progress! In the years since it was born out of a need to provide liquidity to a rapidly growing and evolving credit union movement, Treasure State has changed immensely. If you've forgotten some of our past, the articles on these pages will nudge your memory. One thing is clear: special people, with special foresight and talent, spent many hours to organize Treasure State and direct its future success. Under my direction, we will continue to enhance and build upon the service our members have come to know and expect. Steve Howke President/CEO (128 steve@tsccu.org Sylvia Jackson Director of Compliance and Risk Management (129 sylvia@tsccu.org Tracy Thornburg Director of Administration and Operations (139 tracy@tsccu.org Kara Connors Business Development Analyst (137 kara@tsccu.org Frances Calhoun Operations Assistant/MSR (125 frances@tsccu.org Diane Halferty Member Services Representative (130 diane@tsccu.org www.tsccu.org 8—network news Serving the Past, Present, and Future Needs of Credit Unions The Corporate Credit Union Network The leaders of the early credit union system, including Edward Filene and Roy Bergengren, firmly believed that credit unions needed to control their own destiny if they were to survive and prosper. They believed that central credit union facilities were vital to the credit union movement’s future. With the concept of a “credit union helping credit unions,” the corporate was chartered and began operations February 14, 1977, with a deposit from Great Falls Teachers FCU. Treasure State's first elected officers were Donald Schroer, President; T. Eugene Rice, Vice President; Herbert Walberg, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer; and Glenn Lardy and Charles McLean, Directors. In 1974, the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) created a regulation for a defined central credit union structure under the leadership of General Herman Nickerson, NCUA's first director. As Montana's credit unions achieved growth and success, Treasure State mirrored their success. From 1977 to 1982, total deposits grew from $7 million to $43 million. Bob Bjelland had assumed the post of Chief Operating Officer. With the passage of the 1980 Monetary Control Act and the designation of corporates as “bankers’ banks,” Treasure State launched a variety of correspondent services to member credit unions. Those services included check collection, corporate share drafts, coin and currency delivery, wire transfers, automated settlement, and ACH services. The 1974 NCUA regulation set the corporate credit union system into motion immediately. Jim Jukes, former president of the Kansas Credit Union League, was one of the organizers of U.S. Central Credit Union, which began operations on March 25, 1974. U.S. Central was designed to meet the growing liquidity needs of corporate credit unions and the credit union movement on a national level. Treasure State opens its Doors The history of Treasure State Corporate reflects and revolves around the entire credit union movement. By 1987, total assets in Treasure State had reached $100 million. Under the leadership of Myrt White, the 1990s brought further refinements and enhancements in investment, liquidity, and correspondent services to meet the evolving needs of our member Transferring Money … No More Paper Checks The Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments system was designed to allow corporations and consumers to reduce or eliminate the use of paper checks to make routine payments. to allow an originator to debit the banking account of the payer, it increasingly is used for other types of payments, such as insurance premiums, purchases of stock, and consolidation of corporate cash balances. The ACH system can process large volumes of individual payments electronically, and it has become the largest payments system in the country. In 2000, over 4.8 billion items with a total value of more than $12 trillion were processed using ACH. By year-end 2007, those totals had reached 13.97 billion transactions and involved a value of $28.8 trillion. The need for a credit union-centric ACH product drove the development of APEX-ACH—a flexible, user-friendly, and low-cost solution for ACH receipt and origination designed specifically for the credit union network. APEX-ACH is a turnkey solution, performing all back office processing duties used by more than 2,500 credit unions and by more than 400 select employee groups nationwide. The software is built with Internet-based technology, making it easy to integrate with other credit union applications. Additionally, the application is all-inclusive; you do not have to purchase separate modules. To date, most of the payments transferred over the ACH have represented recurring credit payments intended for the accounts of the receivers. Typical payments are salaries, consumer and corporate bill payments, interest and dividends, and Social Security and other entitlement programs originated by the U.S. Treasury. Because of the ACH’s ability to process large volumes of payments efficiently and its ability Are your members inquiring about ACH origination? Call Tracy Thornburg today at 800-745-5546 ext. 139 for more information. Your TSCCU Board of Directors Kevin Mayer Chair • Richland FCU Steve Grooms Vice Chair • 1st Liberty FCU Kathy Briggs Secy/Treasurer • Family First FCU Gary Clark Director • Missoula FCU Annamarie DeYoung Director • Sky FCU Rhonda Diefenderfer Director • Avanta FCU Paula Ruddock Director • Rimrock CU Asset/Liability Committee Brent Martin Chair • Helena Community CU credit unions and service organizations. The automation of processes freed up time to develop robust payment systems. Treasure State Today Treasure State was created in order to provide liquidity to a growing and rapidly changing credit union movement. Today, the corporate provides a myriad of investment, payment system, and liquidity services to its membership, and members continue to turn to Treasure State for service solutions as their primary financial institution. In addition to our expanded investment, liquidity, and correspondent services, former CEO Brad Miller introduced ALM education and management services, bill pay services, and member business services. Our rich and successful history—combined with the tremendous support Treasure State Corporate receives from its membership—builds the foundation for future success. In addition, the remarkable contributions by our official family (Board of Directors, Asset/Liability Committee, and Supervisory Committee) and our staff ensures we will keep member needs at the forefront of everything we do. Annamarie DeYoung Sky FCU Gary Clark Missoula FCU Al Vukasin Bear Paw CU Steve Howke and Sylvia Jackson TSCCU Supervisory Committee Teri Krakowka Chair • Southwest Montana Community FCU Ed Gillig Valley FCU Laura Scoville Gateway Community FCU Greg Strizich Helena Community CU network news—9 Corporate Office 501 Park Drive S • Great Falls, MT 406.452.2731 Shirley Bailey President / CEO shirley.bailey@cusource.com Mark Mauler Sr Network Service Specialist mmauler@cusource.com Kevin Hollingworth Technical Dept. Supervisor kevin.hollingworth@cusource.com Brandi Holefelder Application Dept. Supervisor bholefelder@cusource.com Tracy Houck Marketing & Business Dev. tracy.houck@cusource.com Patty Nicholls Executive Administrative Asst. pnicholls@cusource.com Judy Morran Sr. Administrative Asst. jmorran@cusource.com Leona Reese Sr. Application Representative lreese@cusource.com Heather Doland Application Representative hdoland@cusource.com Sue McKenzie Sr. Software Specialist sdorrcooper@cusource.com What Did Credit Unions Want in 1988? Big hair bands? Levi Jeans? Computers without green screens? Credit unions wanted the same thing in 1988 they want today: control of their data processing system. Their expectations also included best pricing, high values, and state-of-the-art, memberdriven products and services. Throughout the cooperative movement, both in Montana and the rest of the nation, credit unions have always been leaders. So it is not surprising that back in 1988, the President/CEOs from a trio of Great Falls Credit Unions—Jim Balzer of Montana Federal Credit Union (FCU); Steve King of Golden Triangle FCU,* and Ken Meske of Great Falls Teachers FCU—joined together and started a feasibility study to see just what it would take to form a cooperative credit union service organization (CUSO) to handle their data processing needs. As They Say … “The Rest is History” Since the first credit union was brought on to the UltraData Enterprise platform in October of 1988, CUsource has handled 27 mergers and data-processing conversions. Over the years, CUsource has merged with similar companies when it made finan- As a result, CUsource is able to support credit unions with over 20,000 members as well as credit unions serving less than 1,000 members. We are still using the UltraData Enterprise package to manage our credit unions’ transactions and back office functions, and our credit unions control the products and services they offer. Cooperative ownership and a commitment to credit unions have allowed CUsource to maintain low prices and great customer service. Throughout the years, there has been tremendous change in technology as well as numerous other changes in the credit unions we serve including: hair styles, fashion, and lobby music; yet our vision has never changed. Shared vision ~ Shared Solutions. In 2008, we are celebrating 20 years of excellence. While our services have expanded, our technology expertise has increased, and—just recently—our logo and Web page have been updated, you can still expect the great service that has made us Montana’s premier full service data processing CUSO. *Golden Triangle FCU became Community FCU, which recently merged with Montana Federal FCU Terri Vaden Sr. Software Specialist tvaden@cusource.com Gary Burnley Sr. Technician gburnley@cusource.com Sam Algeo Technician salgeo@cusource.com Joe Wasilewski Technician jwalsh@cusource.com Heath Fudge Technician / Operator heath.fudge@cusource.com Clyde Bonde Operator cbonde@cusource.com CUsource, LLC 800.823.2876 www.cusource.com 10—network news cial sense and added services as the credit unions’ needs changed. Remember this training! Moving Forward by Shirley Bailey Based on the principle of cooperation and the ability to offer products and services with joint purchasing power, CUsource was very pleased to announce significant price reductions for our clients and investors at the begining of 2008. Our staff recommitted to our mission promising to employ high-quality, innovative, value-added, competitively priced solutions—backed by outstanding support. We committed to building long-term relationships with our credit unions and their members while ensuring the long-term financial stability of both your credit union and our organization. We appreciate the opportunity to provide Montana credit unions with solutions they can use and can Highlights from 1988 The Winter Olympics were held in Calgary, Alberta George H. W. Bush was elected President of the USA People paid $3.50 to see Rain Man, Die Hard, and A Fish Called Wanda in movie Theaters George Michael, Bon Jovi, INXS, Areosmith were on the radio At year end, the Federal Reserve interest rate was 10.50% A Gallon of Gas Cost 91¢ The 1st major computer virus infected computers connected to the internet A First Class Stamp Cost 24¢ afford. With the new UltraData Open Path Technology, Montana’s wide open sky is your limit. Our corporate values represent our commitment to the cooperative effort: to provide solutions for Shirley Bailey credit unions. By practicCUsource President/CEO ing these five core values, we continue to meet the challenge of being a leading service provider in the credit union industry. Real Estate Office 3212 Central Ave • Billings, MT 406.259.3636 Dan Eggen Sr. Processing Specialist deggen@cusource.com Chandra Thronson Sr. Processing Specialist cthronson@cusource.com Audrey Arnold Sr. Processing Specialist aarnold@cusource.com Stacy Anderson Processing Clerk stacy.anderson@cusource.com Our five corporate values are Cooperation CUsource is 100% credit union owned, bringing to the table what we need at a cost that is shared by all; Service CUsource backs the products we offer with qualified, trained, and dependable staff; Vision Providing what our customers /investors need, before they need it; Solutions Remaining flexible in order to grow (both ourselves and our credit unions); Integrity Displaying the highest standard of character and ethics by respecting our members, vendors, competition, and each other. Your CUsource Investors and Board of Directors Rhonda Diefenderfer Chair • Avanta FCU Tom Boos Vice Chair • Billings FCU Wally Berry Secy/Treasurer • Montana FCU Anna DeYoung Director • Sky FCU Deb Evans Director • Great Falls Teachers FCU The Check is in the Mail The Federal government is not the only one issuing rebate checks this spring. CUsource, for the first time in their history, is issuing rebate checks to their clients. In 2007, CUsource, under the direction of Shirley Bailey, President/CEO, increased business and decreased costs. This resulted in higher-than-expected net profits at the end of the year. With true cooperative philosophy, CUsource is sharing that profit with their investors and clients. Each client will receive a portion of CUsource profits in relationship to their product usage. Thanks to all of our credit unions who cooperatively share together. Tom Kiely Director • EDTECH FCU Bernie Neibauer Director • Russell Country FCU Chris Sisco Director • Montana First CU Greg Strizich Director • Helena Community CU Larry Tompkins Director • Summit CU CUsource, LLC 800.823.2876 www.cusource.com network news—11 Credit Unions Take Control … and Form UniPro UniPro Management Team Tom Dedman President/CEO ( 101 tomd@uniprosystems.net Eddie Black Executive Vice -President ( 103 eddieb@uniprosystems.net Kelly Calnan Draft Processing Supervisor ( 115 kellyc@uniprosystems.net Mickey Kunnary PMSD Supervisor ( 104 mickeyk@uniprosystem.net Rebecca Rearden NET Services Supervisor ( 107 rebeccar@uniprosystems.net UniPro Board of Directors Chris Sisco Chair • CUsource Kathy Shea Vice Chair/Personnel • LSG Ed Stofko Director • Rocky Mountain CU Teresa Voorhees Alternate • Rocky Mountain CU Tracie Kenyon Alternate • LSG Shirley Bailey Alternate • CUsource UniPro Systems, LTD 800.430.0215 www.uniprosystems.net 12—network news UniPro Systems was founded on the belief that Montana's credit unions needed to work cooperatively to build a share draft processing facility that would give them control over the share draft processing service. During the early 1990s, credit unions were paying exorbitant fees to the banks for share draft processing. A group of credit union executives met to discuss the possibility of forming a new credit union service organization (CUSO) that would offer a great product and exceptional service at a fair price. In 1995, that belief became reality. CUMont (a Billings-based CUSO), CUsource (a Great Fallsbased CUSO), the League Service Group, and State Capital Employees’ CU (now Rocky Mountain CU) formed UniPro Systems and hired Tom Dedman, UniPro's current President/CEO, in March 1995 to get the process started. UniPro processed its first share draft for State Capital Employee’s credit union in July 1995. UniPro currently processes share drafts for 52 credit unions in Montana. Expanding Services to Meet Credit Union Needs It was clear that share draft processing was not the only service UniPro could offer Montana's credit unions. After a brief settling in period, UniPro went to work on its next product offering: statement printing. In July 1998, UniPro processed, printed, and mailed out their first statements for Missoula FCU. UniPro now prints and mails statements for 32 Montana credit unions and 9 additional clients. In 2002, UniPro lead the Montana Credit Union Security Initiative. A study group of IT professionals, compliance experts, and credit union staff researched the requirements of complying with the Graham, Leach, Bliley Act and NCUA’s Regulation 748. UniPro's Security Services was formed to help Montana’s credit unions come into compliance. In May 2003, Great Falls Teachers became the first client to come under UniPro Systems security arm. We currently provide security services for 30 of Montana’s credit unions. Sherry Walter –now Essman (CUMont), Wade Whitmus (LSG), Dolly Sawitke (State Capitol ECU), Tom Dedman(UniPro), Helena Mayor Kay McKenna, and Elaine Balzer (CUsource) took part in UniPro's 1995 ribbon-cutting ceremony. A Brief History of Share Draft Processing Checks started to become popular in the United States in the early 1800s. The Federal Reserve System was formed in 1913, in part, to began serving as a clearing house for them. Three credit unions, including one in Montana, simultaneously piloted share draft programs in the 1970s: Dearborn FCU in Michigan, Travis AFB CU in California, and Montana Central CU in Great Falls, which was created in the mid-1950s to offer loans to credit union officials in Montana. Montana Central began offering check services in 1973. In 2001, over 40 billion checks were processed—an all-time high. Since then, however, check volumes have decreased each year as people (and financial service providers) started to use electronic payments, the use of which has increased at a rate of 12.4% during the last six years. The federal Check Clearing Act of the 21st Century, has enabled credit unions to electronically process checks. The number of institutions who process checks electronically has grown by 250% over the past two years. In October 2005, Sky FCU was the first credit union to electronically capture a deposit item and present the item to the Federal Reserve for payment. There are now 25 credit unions that participate in a co-mingled Image Cash letter presentment. In February 2008, Montana First CU, Billings FCU, and Summit CU were the first credit unions to receive and process their In-Clearings and Returns electronically. Many thanks to Gene Rice, Ed Naughton and Wally Berry for contributing the history for this article. Recognition Montana Credit Union Awards Each year Montana credit unions confer two special awards that are designed to honor certain individuals whose work and dedication stand out in Montana's credit union landscape. The recipients of those awards—the Mitch Reed Credit Union Volunteer of the Year and the Credit Union Professional of the Year—are nominated by their peers. This year the awards committee selected Gary Clark, President/CEO of Missoula FCU, as the Professional of the Year and the entire Avanta FCU Board of Directors as the Mitch Reed Volunteers of the Year. 2008 professional of the year Gary Clark, President/CEO of Missoula FCU, was named the 2008 Montana Credit Union Professional of the Year. This award, conferred by his Montana peers, recognizes Clark’s contributions to credit unions over the course of his 31-year career. While Clark has been Missoula FCU President/CEO for 13 years, Gary Clark, Montana CU Professional of the Year, MCUN President/CEO he started his credit union caTracie Kenyon smile for the camera. reer as a lender and collector and worked his way up through senior management positions. Along the way, he learned the financial services business inside and out and solidified his belief in credit unions and his commitment to the credit union mission of people helping people. “Gary,” said Tracie Kenyon, Network President/CEO, “is a stalwart supporter of Montana credit unions and credit unions in general. He is an amazing volunteer, willing to share his time and expertise in so many ways.” Over the course of his diverse career, Clark has served on national, regional, and state-level boards and councils and has actively participated on key committees that benefited credit unions around the state. Under his tenure as CEO, Missoula FCU has expanded services and is in the process of opening the first “green” credit union branch in the state. In addition to his work in and on behalf of credit unions, Clark is also actively involved in a number of Missoula community organizations, volunteering for CASA, Habitat for Humanity, the Missoula Chamber of Commerce, and the United Way. Richard Lohof, Bill Pedersen, Robert Fox, Richard Nauman, Sr., and Greg Erpenbach take a minute to pose with their awards at the Annual Meeting. [Dave Grubbs and Michael Mennie are not pictured.] 2008 mitch reed volunteers of the Year The seven members of Avanta FCU’s board of directors were honored for their constant commitment and countless contributions to the Montana Credit Union movement when they were recognized as the 2008 Mitch Reed Volunteers of the Year. Richard Nauman, Sr. (Park City), Robert Fox and Richard Lohof (Laurel), Greg Erpenbach, David Grubbs, Michael Mennie, and Bill Pedersen (Billings) have racked up a combined total of 158 years of experience volunteering for credit unions. “We’re very fortunate to have a group of board members that are so engaged in our credit union, our activities, and the credit union movement overall,” observed Rhonda Diefenderfer, Avanta FCU President/ CEO. “They exemplify the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’” As credit union directors, Avanta FCU’s board members donate their time and expertise, working with staff to make sure the credit union runs smoothly and partnering with other credit unions to keep Montana’s credit union movement strong. “These seven directors are so deserving, it’s amazing! This award is a small tribute to the incredible contributions they have made to their credit union and to their communities over the past 20-plus years,” said Tracie Kenyon, Network President/CEO. This is only the fifth “Montana Credit Union Professional of the Year Award.” Clark joins previous recipients Wally Berry (Montana FCU), Clint Van Atta (now retired, Billings FCU), Chris Sisco (Montana First CU), and Gene Bowen (now retired, Helena Community CU) in receiving this honor. network news—13 league service group LSG Business Partners CO-OP Financial Services Counterfeit Cop CUAdvantage CU Auditing CU Recovery CU Succeed CUNA Mutual Group CUNA Strategic Services Fidelity Card Services HRValue Group ICUL Service Corporation Indirect Lending Technologies (DILLS) John M. Floyd & Associates Mountain West Benefit Solutions Office Depot PolicyWorks Student Assistance Foundation Wolters Kluwer Financial Services Adding or Reviewing Services? Think of LSG First! call Tabitha Garvin 800.745.5546 ext 132 tabitha@mcun.org 14—network news from modest roots to modern insurance society A Short History of CUNA Mutual Group In order to meet credit unions’ need for adequate, low-cost borrowers protection, the original CUNA National Board voted to create a life insurance society at its first meeting in Kansas City, MO, in January 1935. This marked the beginning the CUNA Mutual Insurance Society, born of necessity and nurtured by the strong belief of credit union people in the self-help principle of credit union philosophy. CUNA Mutual opened for business August 16, 1935, at Raiffeisen House in Madison, WI. Four days later, Wichita Postal Employees Credit Union issued CUNA Mutual’s first credit life insurance contract. On October 8, CUNA Mutual paid its first claim, for $40, on the death of Milwaukee Road railroad switchman. Later that year, CUNA Mutual introduced Loan Protection Insurance—an industry first—which the credit union (not the member) purchased. CUNA Mutual’s low rates had an immediate effect on the competition. Historians have reported that its simple organization caused commercial companies writing credit life insurance to cut their rates in half. By 1949, CUNA Mutual was growing faster than any other life insurance company on the continent. Insurance rating agencies gave it the highest marks for security, and the Society returned almost 90 cents of every premium dollar to members—double the industry average. CUNA Mutual continues to fulfill that mission today, paying millions of dollars in claims every day. Fast Forward … Providing Services and Support Today, CUNA Mutual is the leading provider of financial services to credit unions and their members in 60 countries worldwide. It offers lending, protection, financial, employee, and member solutions through strategic partnerships, technological innovations, and multiple service channels. As the company transforms to better serve its customers, it continually reaffirms the values its founders established more than 70 years ago. In 2007, CUNA Mutual provided a record amount—more than $1.47 billion—in benefits to credit unions and individual policyholders. The company also handled 6 million service calls, processed 1.2 million member applications, installed 3,300 credit union products, and trained 9,000 credit union employees. In addition, CUNA Mutual paid out $265.3 million in reimbursements and experience refunds to credit unions. It also provided $32.1 million in league reimbursements to support member credit union activities. Under increasing pressure from the banking lobby, as well as state and federal lawmakers and regulators, CUNA Mutual has helped the credit union system defend itself. The company has contributed significantly to support the tax exemption for memberowned credit unions. CUNA Mutual is an advocate for credit unions on such matters as RESPA mortgage-lending reform, curtailing the scope of UBIT, and protection against plastic-card fraud. CUNA Mutual financially supports many key organizations in the credit union movement, including • Credit Union National Association • World Council of Credit Unions • National Federation of Development Credit Unions • African American Credit Union Coalition • The Filene Research Institute • America’s Credit Union Museum • Children's Miracle Network • and state Credit Union Leagues. Through the CUNA Mutual Foundation, CUNA Mutual routinely donates money to relief efforts for disaster victims and provides financial support to the National Credit Union Foundation. All the while, CUNA Mutual continues to focus on building a stronger organization to support credit unions by increasing its financial strength and operating with integrity. As the trusted partner of the system, CUNA Mutual Group will continue to provide financial support and leadership for the credit union mission of “people helping people.” league service group New Partner provides CU Marketing Services Started in 1972 as a quick printer by Ron & Mary Reimold, Reimold Printing Corporation soon became a leader in quality printing servicing the midMichigan market. As the company grew, so did the list of national clients. It was the constant investment in new technology that helped to drive this growth and offer clients quality products that represented a true value. Serving Credit Unions In the 1990s, Reimold Printing Corporations started to work with credit unions, opening the door to new opportunities. As more and more credit unions turned to the company for their marketing needs, the company decided to specialize solely on the credit union market and changed its name to CUAdvantage Marketing Solutions to reflect its new focus. Michael & Cathleen Reimold-White purchased CUAdvantage in 2003, and the company now serves the marketing needs of over 100 credit unions across the United States. With representatives in Michigan, Virginia, Arizona, and now Montana, CUAdvantage is proud to work with credit unions to help promote the philosophy of “members helping members.” cuadvantage.com 877.799.0784 Amy Fuerstein 406-465-5368 In Montana Our Montana representative, Amy Feuerstein, resides in Helena and will be happy to personally show you how CUAdvantage can help you with your marketing. We provide custom copy writing, layout and design, large format posters, printing, and direct mail services for all of your needs. We specialize in newsletters, statement inserts, direct mail offers, and annual reports—all catering strictly to the credit union market. We are proud to have been selected to partner with MCUN and look forward to working with you and your credit union. LSG services Human Resource Management Service Strategic Planning Home Equity Loan Program Network Compliance Service LSG … Helping Credit Unions serve their members Originally formed as the CUSERV Corporation, LSG operates as the for-profit arm of the Montana Credit Union Network. Like the other branches of the Montana credit union system, the historical roots of the League Service Group (LSG) are firmly planted in the soil of self-help and cooperation. As credit unions started to grow and wanted to better serve their members by offering them increased services, it became clear that Montana’s credit unions would benefit from an organization owned by, and dedicated to, credit unions. CUSERV’s initial product-offering was providing the documents and forms that credit unions used for their operations. By considering credit union needs and pooling their resources and leveraging their buying power, CUSERV was able to help credit unions keep pace with the times. In the 1980s, this included starting the Correspondent VISA credit card program and inking an agreement with Instant Cash to open the doors for credit unions to offer members ATM cards. The 1990s was a busy decade for CUSERV. It underwent a namechange, helped create UniPro (see story on page 12), and created CU Creations, which provided marketing services for credit unions. Change is fast and furious in the financial services industry, and LSG continues to work on behalf of Montana’s credit unions by exploring new services and partnering with other organizations, CUSOs, and businesses to help Montana’s credit unions grow and offer more to their members. Adding or Reviewing Services? Think of LSG First! call Tabitha Garvin 800.745.5546 ext 132 tabitha@mcun.org network news—15 calendar VITA Sites, cont. from page 5 ten. Despite working three jobs, she only managed to bring home a little over $6,000 in 2007. As I prepared her return I told her about the different credits she was eligible for, like the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits, and her excitement grew. But when I told her that she would get nearly $2,500 back, she looked at me with disbelief. With tears welling up she responded, “But that is almost half of what I made last year.” Moments like this will stick with me forever and remind me that the credit union mission is more than a piece of paper—it is a call to action. By supporting VITA and other MCUCD programs, Montana credit unions continue the proud tradition of “standing up for the little guy” and making our communities stronger. We will be celebrating 100 years of credit unions in the United States in 2009! Plan to join us at the Montana Historical Society on Tuesday, January 13 at 5:00 p.m. for Legislator Appreciation Night. The American Credit Union Museum display will be on hand to help commemorate this historic event. Events Calendar June 11-13 July 8-11 Aug 4-6 Sept 23-26 Oct 14-15 Executive Staff Symposium, Double Arrow Resort................................................................... Seeley Lake Mountain Regional Credit Union Roundtable.............................................................................. Cody WY CEO/Managers Roundtables, Rock Creek Resort......................................................................... Red Lodge Montana Credit Union System Conference, Best Western GranTree Inn........................................ Bozeman Compliance Conference..................................................................................................................Helena In addition to these conferences, the Montana Credit Union Network offers many distance learning opportunities covering a wide variety of topics. Watch for the monthly Education & Events flyers for details. Montana Credit Union Network 1236 Helena Avenue Helena, MT 59601 Phone 406.442.9081 800.745.5546 Fax: 406.442.9085 Web Site www.montana creditunions.coop network news—16 Presort Standard US Postage PAID Helena, MT 59601 Permit No. 221 1236 Helena Ave • Helena, MT 59601
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