FCUL hosts meet and greet with CFO Alex Sink and Tallahassee CU executives

FCUL's Aletta Shutes and Guy Hood pose with CFO Alex Sink (center).

The Florida Credit Union League (FCUL) hosted a meet and greet dinner with Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink for Tallahassee-area credit union executives this week to provide them with an opportunity to get to know their regulator.

FCUL President/CEO Guy M. Hood and FCUL Executive Vice President Aletta Shutes welcomed the CFO and her staff and then invited the group to introduce themselves to the CFO. Foy Thompson, Florida DOT Credit Union; Bill Enfinger, FOCUS Credit Union; Sue Massa, Flag Credit Union, Judy Surles, Jefferson County Teachers Credit Union; Deb Enfinger, SCORE Credit Union; and Ray Cromer, Envision Credit Union, were in attendance and shared, with the CFO, their experience with credit unions and why they were passionate about credit unions. League lobbyists Jim Smith, Bernie Parrish, and Lee Moffitt also spoke about their involvement with credit unions.

A former banker, herself, Sink addressed the opposition banks have against credit unions.

"When it comes to the market, if you're not willing to compete, then get out of the way," said CFO Sink. "Credit unions play a critical role in providing financial services to everyday Floridians."

(l to r): Foy Thompson, FL DOT CU, and wife Janice; Bill Enfinger, FOCUS CU; and Justin Thames, FCUL.

Sink went on to explain her role as the Chief Financial Officer for Florida as looking after the financial well-being of Floridians and taking the risk "off the table." Sink stated her office is "all about consumers and the little guy who need access to financial products." Something credit unions know all about.

Sink believes there is also a critical need for financial literacy to help educate young people and seniors. Her creation of the Financial Literacy Task Force supports this. FCUL Senior VP of Administration Cassandra Grayson is a member of the task force.

CFO Sink also expressed her appreciation for the financial support credit unions gave her early in her campaign.

"Alex has been great to us," said FCUL Executive Vice President Aletta Shutes. "She has been that way from the get-go."

Florida Credit Union League Signs partnership with Brazil's SICREDI

The Florida Credit Union League (FCUL) and Confederação Interestadual das Cooperativas Ligadas ao SICREDI (SICREDI), a trade association for 130 Brazilian credit unions, signed a partnership agreement last week in a mutual effort to improve services to member credit unions in both countries. The partnership brings to 27 the total of World Council of Credit Unions' (WOCCU) international partnerships between U.S. states or Canadian provinces with credit union movements in developing countries. 

“This partnership is singular in that SICREDI and the Florida Credit Union League come from developed credit union movements, which isn't always the case,“ said Victor Miguel Corro, manager of WOCCU's International Partnerships Program. “It will be interesting to see the interaction of two peers in advancing their respective credit unions to deliver enhanced products and services to their members.“

Officials from FCUL and SICREDI gathered in Porto Alegre, Brazil last week to sign a partnership agreement. Back row (left to right): Luiz Carlos Wanderer, SICREDI Regional Manager; David Brock, Community Educators CU President/CEO; Cassandra Grayson, FCUL Senior Vice President Administration; Joshua Fetting, WOCCU Program Specialist; Enio Meinen, SICREDI Vice President and Director. Front row: Bill DeMare, Bay Gulf Credit Union President/CEO; Orlando Borges Müller, SICREDI Central RS Manager; John Hirabayashi, Community First Credit Union President/CEO and FCUL Chairman; Alcenor Pagnussatt, SICREDI President; Victor Corro, WOCCU International Partnerships Manager; Ademar Schardong, SICREDI Cooperative Bank President.

Five Florida credit union and league representatives travelled to Porto Alegre, Brazil to meet with SICREDI executives and discuss areas of cooperation. The partnership will focus on advanced objectives such as international shared branching, reducing the cost of remittances between the United States and Brazil and staff exchanges between the two organizations in the areas of technology, marketing and efficient management of investment and liquidity at central financial facilities. Given the role Florida plays as a popular vacation destination for many Brazilians, these are key areas for the partnership. Florida credit unions are also looking into providing some services to Brazilian travelers through shared branching.

At SICREDI's Porto Alegre headquarters last week, Florida representatives heard presentations on the Brazilian organization's unique infrastructure and how it serves its members. SICREDI's business model differs from U.S. league structures in that the association owns a cooperative bank that provides back-office support and services to its 130 member credit unions. SICREDI credit unions also share the same branding, look and feel in each of their service centers. Though collectively part of the same network, every credit union has its own governance structure and management.

The Florida delegation also visited cooperatives that have partnered with SICREDI exclusively to use its business-oriented products. The Aurora Winery Co-op and Santa Clara Dairy Co-op, for example, use SICREDI's payroll and factoring services. The employees of these cooperatives have a long history of membership at SICREDI and were some of its very first members.

“As we live in an increasingly interconnected world, SICREDI adopted as one of its core activities the 'internationalization' of our institution,“ said Alcenor Pagnussatt, CEO of SICREDI and a WOCCU director. “In every country we visit, we look for best practices to continually advance and modernize SICREDI credit unions. We are very happy to now have a direct link with the U.S. through the Florida Credit Union League.“

Learn more about WOCCU's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.

Call for Nominations for FCUL's Professional of the Year & Volunteer of the Year Awards

Do you know a credit union professional who exemplifies the credit union way? How about a credit union volunteer that has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his or her contributions to the credit union movement? If so, provide them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for FCUL's Professional of the Year Award or FCUL's Volunteer of the Year Award. 

The deadline to submit nominations for both the Professional of the Year Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award is May 15, 2007. Nominations will then be reviewed by the Awards Nominations Committee. Recipients will be recognized and honored 2007 FCUL Annual Convention & Expo in June.

For more information about the awards, including nomination forms, click here, or click the image to download the nomination form.

For further information regarding these awards, you may also contact Amy Jowers in FCUL's Communications Department at 800.342.1266, ext. 1020 or amy.jowers@fcul.org.

FCUL now accepting entries in Dora Maxwell and Louise Herring Awards competitions

The Florida Credit Union League and CUNA & Affiliates are pleased to sponsor two recognition programs for credit unions:  the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Recognition Award Program and the Louise Herring Award for Philosophy in Action.

These two programs identify credit unions that demonstrate the credit union "People-Helping-People" philosophy. The Dora Maxwell Award program honors the work of credit unions in the community and the Louise Herring Award program recognizes the practical application of credit union philosophy in daily internal operations.

When you enter either of these awards competitions, your credit union will compete with others in the same asset category.  Individual chapters involved in community activities are eligible to enter the chapter category. There is no chapter category for the Louise Herring Award program.

State winners in the two programs will advance to national competition for judging.  All state entries must be submitted to the League office by May 12, 2008.  State winners will be recognized at the FCUL Annual Convention & Expo in June. FCUL strongly encourages you to enter any or all of these programs.  These programs are an excellent way for your credit union to be honored for its efforts and serve as an example for others to follow.

Click here to view more information about the awards. You may also contact or email Amy Jowers in FCUL’s Communications Department at 800.342.1266, ext. 1020 if you have questions.

FCUL to hold third annual Disaster Planning Conference

The Florida Credit Union League will be having its 3rd Annual Disaster Planning Conference on May 22, 2008, at Tropical Financial Credit Union in Miramar, FL. With predictions for the 2008 hurricane season calling for 12 to 15 named storms with seven to nine becoming hurricanes, this seminar will help to provide tangible strategies to prepare for the quickly approaching storm season. 

This year the League is pleased to have Ed Rappaport, Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center invited as a featured speaker. Also featured are speakers from the NCUA, the Office of Financial Regulation, and Shared Services.

Presidents, CEOs, Senior Operations Personnel, and anyone else involved with developing and implementing the disaster preparedness plan for their institutions should plan to attend for their institutions.

Click here for the registration form and the agenda.  Space is limited, so please register early.

For more information please contact Andy Price at 800.342.1266, ext. 1026 or Bill Berg at ext. 1028.

FCUL meets with state senate candidate seeking credit union support

The Florida Credit Union League's Governmental Affairs staff met with State Senate Candidate Chris Smith. Smith is running for 29^th district senate seat. In town for a campaign fundraiser, Chris came to ask for the support of credit unions. Having been an ally of the credit union movement during his eight years as a state representative, the league is pleased to support his campaign.

(l to r): FCUL staff, Andy Price, Director of Legal Affairs; Aletta Shutes, Executive Vice President; and Justin Thames, Political Action Coordinator; pose with Smith (second from right).

FCUL's second Small Credit Union Conference coming to Ft. Lauderdale area

If you are a credit union with up to $50 million in assets, this conference is for you.  Join FCUL staff, a state regulator, an NCUA representative, and your peers for a full day (8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.) of relevant information and training...at a location convenient to you! Registration is just $99; bring a co-worker for an additional $79. Registration includes a continental breakfast and a box lunch.

Pick a date, any date, that works for you! 

• May 20th – CU location TBD, Ft. Lauderdale 
• September 16 – CU location TBD, Jacksonville
• October 16 – CU location TBD, Pensacola

Registering for the conference automatically puts you in the running to win a grand prize! (Must be present to win!) Scholarships through the Florida Credit Union Foundation are also available for this conference.

Click here to download the 2008 Small Credit Union Conference registration form. Click here to view the conference agenda.

If you have any questions, contact Connie Stoutamire, Director of Horizons, at 800.342.1266, ext. 1052, 850.558.1052, or connie.stoutamire@fcul.org.

Leadership Councils of Florida to meet at 2008 FCUL Convention & Exposition in June

Join your peers at the summer meeting of the Leadership Councils of Florida. June 11, 2008, the CFO, HR/Training & Development, Lending, Marketing & Business Development, Operations, Sales & Service, and the new Technology Leadership Councils will meet in Orlando, Florida at the 2008 Annual FCUL Convention & Exposition. Don't miss this opportunity to network with peers, discuss issues concerning your profession, share best practices, and hear experts in your field. This is an excellent opportunity to create and establish deeper relationships with other senior managers from credit unions around the state.

Click on the links to view the complete agendas and to register for each workshop.

• CFO Leadership Council of Florida Workshop - Creating a Solid Foundation for Spend Management: The Case for a Formal Contract Management System
  Speakers: David Bush, CEO & David Cravens, Managing Director, SE Region of Iasta, Inc.
• HR/Training & Development Leadership Council of Florida Workshop - Are You See-Worthy? The Art of Professional Communication & Presentation
  Speaker: Janelle Winston, President of SpeechCoach Company 
• Lending Leadership Council of Florida Workshop - Integrated Lending: Bringing Staff, Technology, & Members Together for Lending Excellence
  Speaker: Tim Lerew, President of Tim Lerew & Associates
• Marketing & Business Development Leadership Council of Florida Workshop - Marketing as Theatre: Creating the Experience that Members Want to Buy
  Speaker: Laura Illig, Founder & Lead Principal of Corinthian Consulting, LLC
• Operations, Sales, & Service Leadership Council of Florida Workshop - Smart Growth Tactics: Studies on Today's Top Performers
  Speaker: Bill Dean, Vice President of NewGround

And, FCUL will be introducing the Technology Leadership Council at the June meeting, the newest addition to the Leadership Councils of Florida.

• NEW! Technology Leadership Council of Florida Workshop - It's Full Speed Ahead with Mobile Banking: Are You Ready?
  Speaker: Greg Schratwieser, President of International Consulting, Inc.

The registration fee for each council meeting is $185. For more information about the Leadership Councils of Florida, or if you have questions, contact Jennifer Hazday, FCUL Director of Professional Development, at 800.342.1266, ext. 1198, 786.395.1094 (direct line), or, by email,  jennifer.hazday@knowmore.net.

Registration is now open for CUNA Mutual's 2008 Discovery Conference

Online registration is open for CUNA Mutual Group’s 2008 Discovery Conference, which will be held June 18-21 in Hollywood, Florida.  Credit unions who register three or more attendees from their organization will receive a discounted rate of $1125, a $125 savings off the regular rate.

Best-selling author and world-renowned authority on productivity and management, Marcus Buckingham, will be the Opening Session keynoter. Marcus has been the subject of in-depth profiles in The New York Times, Fortune, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, USA Today and the Wall Street Journal. He is the influential, bestselling author behind the “Strengths Revolution”.

On Saturday, our closing keynote speaker is Peter Sheahan. He is a globally recognized expert in workforce trends and generational change. He is the author of Generation Y: (Thriving and Surviving) with Generation Y at Work and his new work, FL!P.

New this year is Friday night’s evening event “Party with a Purpose,” with music by “The BoDeans.”

For complete information on Discovery Conference’s 45 learning sessions, accommodations, and to register, go to www.cunamutual.com/discovery.  Direct questions to Linda Nesheim (linda.nesheim@cunamutual.com), 800-356-2644, ext. 8892, or Paula Shaw (paula.shaw@cunamutual.com) ext. 7505. 

Pen Air FCU presents $50,000 check to Navy Marine Corps Relief Society

Pen Air Federal Credit Union representatives presented a $50,000 check to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, recently.  The check follows the credit union’s 8^th Annual Charity Golf Tournament, which was held at A.C. Read Golf Club onboard NAS Pensacola last month.

“Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society deserves every penny of the money the annual golf tournament raises,” said Pen Air FCU CEO/President John Davis.  “They do an exceptional job of helping military personnel in financial need, which aligns perfectly with the credit union motto: ‘People helping people.’”

(Left to Right) NMCRS Director Mark Harden; Pen Air EVP/CFO Ron Fields; Captain P.J. Dougherty, commanding officer of Naval Aviation Schools Command; Captain Peter Frano, commanding officer NAS Pensacola; Pen Air President/CEO John Davis and Pen Air EVP/COO John Ochs.

Over the last eight years, Pen Air’s Four-Person Scramble Tournament has raised more than $250,000 for NMCRS.  Last year’s tournament yielded $45,000.  This year, the credit union satisfied its goal of topping that number with $50,000.

“I am very pleased with how this year’s Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society golf tournament turned out.  Pen Air always does a great job setting it up and it is always sold out weeks ahead of time,” said NMCRS Director Mark Harden. 

NMCRS will use the $50,000 donation to continue its mission of relieving military financial burden.  The society offers interest-free loans to military families so they can stay focused on their role in protecting our country.  Harden says more contributions are needed.

“In February of this year, the Pensacola office provided over $83,000 in loans and grants to sailors and marines for basic living and other expenses,” said Harden.