| Volume 25, Number 8 |
April 30, 2005 |
2005 League Annual Meeting Highlights
Convention Highlights
Dewey Beach was again the place to be for
education, networking, fun, and prizes as over 200 participants from around the
state gathered for the Delaware Credit Union League’s 47th Annual Meeting, April
21-23.
After a special Thursday night preview, the exhibit
hall opened early on Friday morning with 26 exhibitors participating.
On Friday evening,
Cornell Gunter’s Coasters provided listening/dancing music for the 240 guests.
Annual Meeting
Keynote Outlines Insights from Member Survey
Nationally recognized
credit union expert Michael Hudson kicked off the Saturday morning keynote with
a humorous anecdote about a dog sitting on a nail and howling, but not moving
because it didn’t hurt enough to move, just enough to sit there and howl once in
a while…reminding us of the importance of speaking up when we have an idea or a
concern, because the League exists for its members! Hudson then shared the
following “Key Results”
from the recent CEO survey
and focus group process held on Friday at the Annual Meeting:
1. People are generally
pleased with the League staff and support.
2. Negative perceptions
don’t always mirror reality.
3. Awareness of the
League’s array of products and services is mixed.
4. The "Civil War" continues
in Delaware with up and down state issues of travel and training.
5. Expanding volunteer
capacity is critical to the League’s future.
6. Inter-League alliances
to expand access to programs and services are desirable.
7. Opportunity exists to
improve service by improving communication.
8. There is a desire for
the League to engage in more credit union marketing.
Considering these
outcomes, Hudson then shed light on the critical strategic decision facing the
League as it looks to thrive in 2010 and beyond…the choice between being a:
◘ Generalist one-stop shop that
attempts to meet the needs of all Delaware CUs;
◘ Specialist that provides only
specific services where it has developed specialized expertise;
◘ Provider that creates and
warehouses the services and programs that Delaware CUs need; or
◘ Facilitator that resolves credit union needs and ensures that those needs are met, but does not provide
the actual programs.
Survey respondents and
focus group participants tended to suggest that the League should position
itself as primarily a Facilitator, but also as a Specialist in selected areas;
and there were a cluster of responses leaning toward the Provider perspective.
Hudson indicated that the Board needed to discuss these options further and
determine the best decision for the League.
Action Requested.
In closing, Hudson reminded the audience that the League needs them, just as they
need the League, and invited everyone to share their ideas with the planning team
by:
Friday
Education Events
The Friday morning education program was presented
by Rick Olsen, who described ways CUs can turn satisfied members into raving
fans. According to the American Customer Service Satisfaction survey, Americans
say that service is worse than it has ever been. For CUs to provide “raving fan”
service, they must discover what members want through surveys, focus groups and
general feedback and then deliver. That represents a great challenge and a great
opportunity. Cutting edge credit unions are turning members into raving fans,
who then become the finest possible marketers.
The afternoon topic
tables featured ideas on bankruptcy, collections, marketing, auditing,
investments, compliance, and volunteer issues.
Business
Meeting Highlights
The 47th Annual Business Meeting of the
Delaware CU League drew the interest of delegates and alternates representing 33
(out of 36) credit unions, as well as other interested staff, volunteers, and
guests.
Several CU system
representatives gave reports: Paul Butler, CUNA Mutual
Group division vice president; Lori Gall, Mid-Atlantic Corporate FCU vice
president; Ed Dupcak, NCUA Region II director; and Christopher Pippett, the
League’s retained counsel.
During the election
for the board of directors, Samuel Simpson (Dupont Stine-Haskell EFCU) withdrew
his name from consideration, leaving three candidates for two three-year terms.
After the ballots were counted, the newly elected directors were Meredith
Jeffries (New Castle County Delaware EFCU) and Jerry King (DEXSTA FCU). The
League would also like to thank Ted Henderson of Dover FCU for standing for
election.
At the
re-organizational meeting of the League board of directors, Jim Everhart
(Louviers FCU) was re-elected chairman of the board; Joel Romaine (DPL FCU),
vice chairman; Kate Toner (Wilmington Postal FCU), secretary; and Cheryl
Chilcutt (Chestnut Run FCU), treasurer. Other board members include Michael
Whaley (Delaware State Police FCU), Meredith Jeffries, and Jerry King.
In a special
presentation, the League recognized outgoing board members Charles Miller (Dover
FCU) and Betty Sartin (Newport Site EFCU) for their years of service – Mr.
Miller, nine years, and Ms. Sartin, six years.
2005 CU
Anniversaries Recognized
The League recognized those CUs that are
celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2005:
Seaford FCU –
35 years
Delaware River
and Bay Authority EFCU – 40 years
Delaware FCU –
45 years
Delaware State
Police FCU – 45 years
Delaware V.A. FCU – 50 years
Wilmington Postal FCU – 70 years
Educational Awards
◘
CU attending most seminars in 2004
– DEXSTA FCU
◘
CU earning most STAR/MERIT
certificates – DPL FCU
◘
CU earning most VAP/VLP
certificates – New Castle County School Employees FCU
Golf
Outing Results
The pre-convention golf outing had 96 duffers
hitting the greens at The Rookery near Milton. The winning team with a 60 was
Paul Butler (CUNA Mutual), Joe Reiner and Steve Brindamour (Mid-Atlantic
Corporate), and Ryan Stoops (Sussex County FCU). The second place team with a 62
was Don DiMatteo (Pipefitters FCU), Bob Chafey (MD Financial Bank), Paul Torbeck
(Point Breeze FCU), and Ken Welch (Shreiner-Legge). The following prizes were
also awarded:
Closest to pin #9 – Ben Psillas (Allpoint Network)
Closest to pin #15 –
Chris Pippett (Saul Ewing)
Straightest drive #8 –
Don Peterson (Excel Business Systems)
A special note of
thanks goes to Dick Stoops who made the two putters that were awarded to the
winners of closest to the pin. Dick also created the three drivers that were
donated by Sussex County FCU and used for the Governmental Affairs Committee
fund-raiser. Proceeds from the event went to the League scholarship fund and
governmental affairs.
Next year’s annual meeting will again be held at the Baycenter in
Dewey Beach, April 21-23, 2005.
Copies of the 2004 Annual Report and the current Delaware Credit Union
directory are available from the League office.
Outstanding CU Professional and Volunteer Named for 2004
Marie Davis (left) of DEXSTA FCU and Terri Keene of New Castle County School EFCU
Terri L. Keene, CCUE, general manager of New Castle County School Employees FCU, was honored as the2004 Outstanding Credit Union Professional. Terri has been employed at the CU for 11 years and has been general
manager for 10 years. The nomination letter for Terri stated:
“Terri is a professional in every sense of the word, and our Board is unanimous in its support of the outstanding job she has done. The CU has grown under her leadership, as indicated by the new technology she has instituted and the manner in which she has directed the staff to improve themselves educationally.
“In addition to promoting the education of the staff, she has also completed many CU self-study courses to further her own knowledge in order to help improve her CU. She has earned almost every certificate that the Credit Union National Association offers, including the prestigious Certified Credit Union Executive, the Certified Financial Service Professional, and the Certified Financial Management Specialist designations.
“During her tenure, the credit union’s assets have grown from $21 million to $36 million. In addition, the CU has implemented a new computer system, home banking, bill payer, and the PAL line which enables members to obtain their balances by telephone. Her expertise and knowledge about the intricacies of running the operation has not gone unnoticed and is truly appreciated.”
In addition to the nominator’s comments, NCUA informed the League of an additional example of Terri’s commitment to CU service and philosophy. Terri has given her time over the past eight months helping a small CU with its books after the CU’s accountant left. She initially had to go back several months and bring the CU financial records current and is continuing to provide her assistance until the CU is able to perform the accounting functions on its own. Not surprisingly, our recipient has assisted several other CUs over the years in a similar fashion without any recognition for her contributions other than by the CUs that she has helped.
Marie H. Davis of DEXSTA
FCU, a credit union volunteer for 29 years, was honored as the 2004 Outstanding
Credit Union Volunteer. The nomination letter for Marie stated: “Marie gives
countless hours to our CU, as well as to the CU movement. She has served on many
boards in the CU community, including DEXSTA FCU, the Association of Dupont
Credit Unions, and the Delaware Credit Union League. She has also served as a
policyowner representative for CUNA Mutual Group, and she is currently a CULAC
trustee. She is both a leader and an advocate for each.
“She is a passionate speaker regarding
the ‘people helping people’ philosophy. Her focus has always been the member,
and she often helps at special events encouraging CU membership.
“Her opinions carry insight, passion,
and a good measure of a Scot’s shrewdness and humor.
Her determination, focus and leadership make
her an asset to us all.
“Marie is a long-time resident of the United States but is a fairly new
U.S. citizen. That is remarkable because she has always been the model of what
an active U.S. citizen should be: active in her community, current on
legislation affecting daily life, a steadfast family person, and devoted to the
very principles this nation was founded upon. As a result of this activism, she
was recognized for her efforts in the February 28th issue of the
Credit Union Journal.”
Thanks for Meeting
Sponsorship
Special thanks to all the companies who
supported our League Annual Meeting & Trade Show through corporate sponsorships
and exhibitor participation. Special recognition goes to our corporate
sponsors, who helped support our golf outing, meals, and evening
events: Premier sponsors CUNA Mutual Group and Mid-Atlantic Corporate; and
sponsors Clifton Gunderson, LLP, and Visions, Ink. In addition, the League would
like to thank Visions, Ink., for providing the artwork for the League’s 2005
annual report and convention folders.
DELAWARE NOTES
DOVER FCU has appointed Karen L. Simpson to serve as executive vice president/chief operations officer. The executive vice president position was created to assist the executive team in achieving the strategic vision of the future for Dover FCU. In addition, Ms. Simpson will serve as chief operations officer, responsible for the administrative management of operational, member care, and security functions of the CU. Ms. Simpson is a certified public accountant with over 22 years of accounting and management background, including serving the members of Dover FCU since 1994.
Congratulations to Terri L. Keene, CCUE, CFSP, who recently received her Certified Financial Management Specialist (CFMS) certification from CUNA. This program began in 1999 as a designation targeted specifically at educating credit union professionals specializing in financial services. Terri, who already holds two other certifications, was honored as the 2005 Outstanding CU Professional at the recent League annual meeting.
Employment Opportunities
Vice President of Finance. $100+ million Delaware community federal credit union is seeking a VP of Finance to lead the financial operations of the organization. Responsibilities include preparing financial statements, preparing and analyzing budgets, participating in strategic planning, maintaining asset liability management, and assisting with investment strategies. Candidate must have strong financial management, leadership and organizational skills. Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 5 years experience in a senior accounting position with a financial institution required. Send resume with cover letter and salary requirements to: HR Manager, DEXSTA FCU, 300 Foulk Road, Suite 100, Wilm., DE 19803 or email to: HRmanager@dexsta.com.
Vice President of Lending. Delaware FCU is seeking a VP of Lending. The position requires extensive knowledge of consumer loan policy, real estate policy, credit granting criteria, and interest rates, and how they are computed. The applicant must also be able to formulate lending/collection goals and develop new programs to improve lending services. Third, the applicant must ensure that loan policies and procedures meet federal and state requirements, as well as investor requirements, and must develop and maintain loan policies and procedures. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field and at least three years experience in a lending department, branch office of a credit union, or financial institution required. Send or email resume with salary requirements to: Michelle Edgar, VP of Human Resources, Delaware FCU, 635 Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901. Email: humanresources@delawarefcu.org.
EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
May QuickBites Calls
5/4 Netiquette: Email
Communications. 11 a.m.-noon. $99.
5/12 Open-End Lending. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
$169.
5/17 Introduction to Business Lending. 11
a.m.-noon. $99.
5/25 Lose the “We Don’t Sell” Attitude. 11
a.m.- noon. $99.
The fee for each
session includes unlimited staff participation at your own site. The deadline
for registration is one week prior to the conference call. Call Bernadette to
enroll.
League Classroom Seminars in May/June
§
How to Implement a Sales and
Service Culture. Thursday, May 5. 9
a.m.-3:30 p.m. $125. Instructor: Carolyn Warden.
§
Avoid Sexual Harassment
Complaints. Thursday, May 12. Two
sessions: 9-11:30 a.m.; 1-3:30 p.m. $100 per session. Instructor: Peggy Daniels.
§
Basic Teller Training for New or
Recently Hired Front-line Staff.
Tuesday, May 24. 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. $150. Instructor: Mary Moulds.
§
Supervisory Committee Training
for Volunteers – Loan Reviews and Bank Reconciliations.
Wednesday, June 1. 5:30-8:30 p.m. $80. Instructor: Idora Russell.
§
Account Analysis: Balance Sheet,
Income Statement, Loan Analysis, and Interest Rate Spread
(9 a.m.-noon) + Basic Budgeting Sessions (1-4 p.m.). Thursday, June 2.
$90 per session or $170 for both sessions.
One-Hour Compliance Webinars
§ Thursday, May 19, at 10 a.m. – Bank Secrecy Act and Anti-Money Laundering.§ Tuesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. – USA Patriot Act and OFAC.
§ Wednesday, May 25, at 10 a.m. – CTR and SAR Form Filing Details.
§ Thursday, May 26, at 10 a.m. – OFAC, CTR, and FinCEN Exemption Form Filing Details.
The fee for each session is $100. For more information or to enroll, phone Don Baumann of the co-sponsor Verisure at 315-638-4334.
TOGETHER
is published on the 15th and 30th of each month by the
Delaware Credit Union League, 4 Quigley Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720.
Information to be published should be sent or phoned into the League no
later than the Monday of the week preceding the publication date. Telephone:
(302) 322-9341 or (800) 292-7875. This newsletter can also be found on the
League website:
www.dcul.org. Hard copies of the newsletter will be mailed to each
credit union CEO/manager for distribution to those without computer access.
Readers can receive a reminder when the newest edition is posted to the Web
by emailing
susan@dcul.org. Editor: Alice Smith (alice@dcul.org).