Volume 27, Number 8                                       April 30, 2007

League Hosts 49th Annual Meeting &
Trade Show

Annual Meeting Gets High Marks
     The 2007 League Annual Meeting and Convention was a success, according to participant comments during and after the event. It was held on April 19-21 at the Baycenter in Dewey Beach.
      As usual, the exhibit hall was the center of much of the convention activity. Inspired by James Bond, the protagonist of Ian Fleming’s novels, the theme of this year’s meeting was “2007 Credit Union Royale.”
     Keynoting the opening education session was George Hofheimer of the Filene Research Institute. Friday night over 200 participants attended the annual dinner dance, which again featured the David Christopher Orchestra.
     All in all, it was a very successful convention. The League thanks all of you who participated.

Business Meeting Highlights
     The 49th Annual Business Meeting of the Delaware CU League drew the interest of delegates and alternates representing 32 (out of 34) credit unions, as well as other interested staff, volunteers, and guests.
     Several CU system representatives gave reports: Bill Rupertus, CUNA Mutual Group division vice president; Jay Murray, Mid-Atlantic Corporate FCU senior vice president; Herbert Yolles, NCUA Region II associate director; and Christopher Pippett, the League’s retained counsel.
     During the election for the board of directors, incumbents Cheryl Chilcutt of Chestnut Run FCU and Joel Romaine of DPL FCU and newcomer Allen Riley of Sussex County FCU were unanimously elected, since there were no other candidates.
     At the re-organizational meeting of the League board of directors, Joel Romaine (DPL FCU), was re-elected board chairman; Jerry King (DEXSTA FCU), vice chairman; Kate Toner (Wilmington Postal FCU), secretary; and Meredith Jeffries (New  Castle County Delaware EFCU), treasurer. Other board members include Cheryl Chilcutt (Chestnut Run FCU), Sharon Schaeffer (Delaware First FCU), and Allen Riley (Sussex County FCU). In a special presentation, the League recognized outgoing board member Jim Everhart (Louviers FCU) for almost 10 years of service on the League board, six of them as board chairman.

League board members (l. to r.): Kate Toner, Joel Romaine,Cheryl Chilcutt, Jerry King, Meredith Jeffries, Allen Riley, and Sharon Schaffer

Governor Minner Attends Business Meeting
     On Saturday morning, Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner attended the League’s business meeting to accept a copy of the Delaware peach blossom print that hangs in Credit Union House in Washington.
     The peach blossom print is one of 51 original water color paintings (including the District of Columbia), which were painted by landscape artist Margaret Huddy.
     In her comments when accepting the print, which will be displayed for 30 days in her executive office, Governor Minner informed the audience that Delaware adopted the peach blossom as the state flower on May 9, 1895. It was selected because of the state’s reputation as the “Peach State.” At that time, Delaware’s orchards contained more than 800,000 peach trees and yielded a crop worth thousands of dollars.

League president Patrick Mahaney presents peach blossom print to Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner

     Interested credit unions (or individuals) can purchase a copy of the same print given to Governor Minner. Print #1 hangs in the League office, and currently ten prints have been sold. Therefore the next person to purchase a copy would receive print #11. The cost of the print is $295, with proceeds benefiting Credit Union House.
     If you are interested in purchasing an unframed print or would like to see the artwork, please stop by the League office or contact Alice Smith (alice@dcul.org).

Hyland: Credit Unions Need Single Focus – Serving Your Members
     Comparing credit unions’ mission of “member centricity” to the supremely focused missions of James Bond, National Credit Union Administration board member Gigi Hyland challenged credit unions to maintain the single focus of serving their members, during her keynote address at the League Annual Meeting.
     Addressing key issues such as service to low- and moderate-income members, CURIA, taxation and hostile takeovers, Hyland said that for all the challenges credit unions face today, there’s also a golden opportunity to shine in a marketplace that desperately needs us. “This is the time for credit unions to do what you do best,” said Hyland, “and that is to reach out and serve everyone in your field-of-membership. In my 14 years in credit unions, this time, more than any other time, reflects a challenge for credit unions, which I know they’re up to, to really stay true to your mission, to be able to meet the societal challenges and the needs of your members, as we are confronted with challenges like taxation, issues on how to address predatory lending, what to do to grow your membership, and what you are doing to address your expenses and truly thrive and survive as credit unions.”
     In a recent NCUA press release, Hyland commented about her appearance in Delaware. "Governor Minner is very interested in helping the residents of Delaware strengthen themselves financially, and I was happy to highlight how credit unions are making a difference to all their members.”

Education Keynoter Reports on Innovative Services for CUs
     George Hofheimer, director of research for the Filene Research Institute, described several of the programs found in the agency’s most recent report, Key Findings 3.0: Innovation through Cooperation. This report describes seven innovations developed by the Filene i3 (ideas, innovation and implementation) program. The first two innovative products, Prize-based Savings and the No Excuses Savings Club, can be used to help consumers save money to survive financial emergencies, plan for the future, and retire comfortably. My Community Connection is designed to help reconnect consumers with their communities and build on the long-term credit union brand of “people helping people.”
     CU PICK 64 and iNFORM each provide new and exciting ways to expose young adults to credit unions and the financial education and assistance cooperatives can provide. Both of these i3 innovations encourage ongoing contact with the credit union as a way of deepening the financial relationship.
     The final two innovative projects are directed to “pain points” in consumers’ lives – moving and aging. Always a Member is intended to assist members with the moving process while retaining them within the credit union system. Decision Point is designed to help prepare, organize, monitor, and/or manage elderly members’ financial affairs in order to lighten the burden on caregivers.
     Contact Bernadette Hines (bernadette@dcul.org) at the League for a copy of the report. You can also download Mr. Hofheimer’s presentation for 30 days at www.filene.org/free/dewey.
     Filene Research Institute acknowledges that the following are institute members for 2007: the Delaware Credit Union League; Del-One (Delaware FCU); DelawareState Police FCU; Dover FCU; and Seaford FCU. Staff and board members of these credit unions have access to all Filene Research Institute publications on Filene’s website. Credit unions who are not yet a member may join by visiting the Institute website, www.filene.org/membership. Membership levels are based on CU asset size.

Educational Awards
     League education director Bernadette Hines announced at the business session that 102 certificates were earned by six credit unions in 2006. As a result, the following credit unions received awards:
        •  CU attending most seminars in 2006 – Delaware Alliance FCU
        •  CU earning most STAR/MERIT certificates – Delaware FCU
        •  CU earning most VAP/VLP certificates – New Castle County School Employees                  FCU

Education awards were accepted by the following individuals:
Bob Seaburg, Del-One (Delaware FCU); Terri Keene and Ray Christian, New Castle County School Employees FCU, and Michael Dunlap, Delaware Alliance FCU

2007 CU Anniversaries Recognized
     The League recognized those CUs that are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2007:
            First State FCU – 35 years
            Peninsula Methodist FCU – 40 years
            Delaware First FCU – 45 years
            Delpart FCU – 45 years
            DPL FCU – 45 years
            Delaware V.A. FCU – 50 years
            DEXSTA FCU – 70 years
            Edge Moor Dupont EFCU – 70 years
            Newport Site EFCU – 70 years
Patricia Price, board chairman of Delaware V.A. FCU, accepted a 50th anniversary recognition plaque, presented by the Credit Union National Association and the League.

Golf Outing Results
     The pre-convention golf outing had 79 duffers hitting the greens at The Rookery near Milton. The winning team was Allen Riley, Mike Sturgeon, Sonny Clough, and Elmer Frantz (pictured left to right).
     The second place team was Bob Oakes, Kevin Oakes, Wayne Needles, and Anthony Hinds. The following prizes were also awarded:
    Closest to pin ladies – Toni Wilhite
    Closest to pin men – Kevin Oakes
    Longest drive ladies – Joyce Swanson
    Longest drive men – Sterling Nowka
     A special note of thanks goes to Dick Stoops, who made the two drivers that were donated by Sussex County FCU and used for the Governmental Affairs Committee fund-raiser. Thanks also to Mid-Atlantic Corporate for sponsoring the beverage cart, and all the vendors and credit unions that provided prizes or sponsored signs. Proceeds from the event went to the League scholarship fund and governmental affairs.

Outstanding CU Professional/ Volunteer Named for 2006
    

Sharee Coleman, Del-One (Delaware FCU), and Bill Crowther, New CastleCountySchool Employees FCU

     This year’s Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer Award went to John W. “Bill” Crowther, who has been a member and volunteer of the New Castle County School Employees Federal Credit Union for over 52 years. He has served as chairman of the credit committee and as vice president of the board. Bill’s nomination letter made the following statement:
     “Throughout the entire history of the New Castle County School Employees Federal Credit Union, Bill has shown a keen interest in bringing about improvements to provide better service to our membership. His main concern during his tenure has been providing those services which would make the credit union a well-run service organization. 
      “As one of the original members, the credit union might not be in existence without his efforts, as well as those of his co-workers at Mt. Pleasant High School. He was an initial member and has continued through the last 50+ years to make the credit union a better financial institution. Bill is always there to assist or provide his opinion to the loan officers or general manager on loan requests from the membership.”
    
     This year’s Outstanding Credit Union Professional Award was awarded to Sharee Coleman, vice president of marketing for Del-One (Delaware Federal Credit Union). Sharee has been a marketer for 15 years, the last five with Del-One. Her list of accomplishments in that short time is highlighted in her nomination letter.
     “With the help of the credit union’s business partner, Visions, Ink., Sharee and her marketing team developed an interactive, mini compact disk, no bigger than a business card. The CD allowed our credit union to speak to multiple, key decision-makers at once. The CD made its recipients curious enough to play it and allowed them to look at the information according to their schedules, not ours. The CD worked so well and produced such great results that it earned a 2006 NAFCU Marketing Award.
      “Sharee has produced rewards programs that have directly resulted in increased membership, increased interchange income, and increased product penetration through innovative, cost effective ideas, which have created programs entitled “It Pays to Belong,” “Win, Don’t Pin,” as well as member-only loan/deposit offers and Visa rewards programs.
She also served as a leading force in the implementation of a new trade name and logo, marketing collateral, expansion of branch locations, and development of the first corporate center.
     “Sharee brought MCIF software, Raddon Integrator, to the credit union, helping Del-One improve targeted marketing efforts, while bringing the cost of the marketing initiative down immensely.
     “Finally, Sharee is a fantastic leader, helping her staff reach career and personal goals. She leads by example and by providing opportunities and useful advice. Sharee is a leader in the community, teaching others how important it is to share one’s time and resources to help the less fortunate. She also makes it a priority to teach young people the importance of saving money. She lives the credit union philosophy every day.”
     In addition to their individual awards, Bill and Sharee will have their names added to a perpetual plaque displayed at the League office.

DELAWARE NOTES

DELAWARE ALLIANCE FCU recently took first place in the 2007 Credit Union Executives Society Golden Mirror Awards in the Direct Marketing/Mail Single Category for credit unions with less than $150M in assets. Sherry Ford accepted the award for the CU at the CUES Nexus Conference held on April 24-26 in Dallas, Texas. This prestigious honor was a significant accomplishment considering there were more than 800 creative and results-producing entries in this year’s competition. Delaware Alliance Federal Credit Union more than doubled its used car loan portfolio in this two-month-long promotion to recapture member auto loan financing, by reducing members’ auto loan rate by two percent.

DOVER FCU held the grand opening of the CU’s newest branch at 7 West Glenwood Avenue in Smyrna on April 23. This is the sixth branch office of Dover Federal Credit Union, and “not the last,” according to David Clendaniel, President and CEO. He continued, “We are here for the 3,000 members in the Smyrna area.” Sharing his excitement are Branch Manager Diana McAllister and staff: Tricia DeLong, Denise Breedlove, Chrissie Kryzanowski, and Amber Startt.

LOUVIERS FCU held a spring reception for their Sussex County members on Friday, April 20, in the Sunnyside Room at Ruddertowne in Dewey Beach. At this first-time reception, 37 members, three board members and two staff members were in attendance. The event was such a success that LFCU plans to hold another Sussex County member reception in 2008.

Delaware First Federal Credit Union is looking for:
•  1 part-time teller for the Middletown branch
•  1 part-time teller for the Wilmington office
•  1 member service representative with lending experience for the Wilmington branch.
Please mail resumes to Delaware First FCU, 1815 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808. Fax:  302-998-1754 or email jlawson@delawarefirst.com.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

May QuickBites Teleconferences
One-hour sessions run from 11 a.m.-noon:
•  5/3   Making the Most of Your Communication Style
•  5/9    Internet Security: Spoofing, Spamming & Phishing
Two-hour sessions run from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.:
•  5/31  Asset-Liability Management
The fee for the one-hour session is $99; the two-hour session is $169. Deadline to register: one week prior to the session. Call Bernadette Hines to enroll or email bernadette@dcul.org.

•  Financial Management Council – Wed., May 9, from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Our speaker will be Judy McKinney-Cherry, director of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO). She will speak on the impact of Daimler-Chrysler’s possible closing of the Newark plant and will share information about DEDO’s programs to provide jobs today and in the future. There is no charge for council members. Non-council members can attend for a fee of $75. R.S.V.P. to Charlie Jenkins (charlie@dcul.org) by May 2.

•  Cards Council – Thursday, May 10. The topic for discussion will be “Debit Cards.” Highlights will include reloadable debit cards and card rewards. The session will be held at the League office from 10 a.m.-noon, ending with lunch. There is no charge for council members. Non-council members can attend for a fee of $75. R.S.V.P. to Jane Bailey (jane@dcul.org) by May 3.

•  Information Technology (IT) Compliance – Tuesday, May 15, from 10 a.m.-noon. Bob Frank of Mid-Atlantic Corporate FCU will discuss the current relevant security mandates from NCUA, including multifactor authentication, business continuity, and data encryption. The fee is $35. Register by May 8.

•  Teller Fundamentals – Tuesday, May 22, from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This full-day session will focus on general teller skills and effective member relations. Participants will be trained on cash handling and maintaining an efficient teller station, as well as compliance issues such as the Bank Secrecy Act and the Expedited Funds Availability Act. The fee is $190. Register by May 8.

Mark Your Training Calendars!

June 5      Everything You Wanted to Know About NCUA, But Were Afraid to Ask
                 9 a.m.-noon, League office
June 14    Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) Training
                10 a.m.-noon, League office
Contact Bernadette Hines (bernadette@dcul.org) for more information.

•   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 annual meeting golf outing, meals, and evening events: Premier sponsor CUNA Mutual Group and platinum sponsor Mid-Atlantic Corporate. In addition, the League would like to thank Visions, Ink., for providing the artwork for the League’s annual report and convention folders.

•    Although the preparation for the League’s annual meeting takes a great deal of time for the staff, we welcome the challenge of finding new themes, educational topics, and fun activities for our member credit unions to enjoy.
     Each League staff member has responsibilities related to the annual meeting:
            President Patrick Mahaney – golf outing, reports to the membership
            Executive Assistant Ruth Lawley – voting credentials and name badges   
            Information and Research Director Susan Fallon – the election and bylaws
            Financial Administrator Charles Jenkins – all financial matters and the golf outing
            Education Director Bernadette Hines – Friday’s education session and topic tables
            Communications Director Alice Smith – annual report and yearbook, CU directory, business meeting organization and minutes, CULAC fundraisers, post-conference publicity
     And most importantly Executive Vice President Jane Bailey. Many of the creative touches that happen during the weekend are due to Jane’s extraordinary talent for taking a theme and making all aspects of the meeting reflect that theme. Jane is completely responsible for working with the vendors and the exhibit hall. She designs the registration form and schedule that is mailed prior to the event. She works with the Baycenter in selecting meals and organizing the various functions held there. She selects the entertainment for the Friday night dinner-dance and always does a wonderful job emceeing that event, as well as all the door prize drawings during the weekend. Finally, Jane was responsible for purchasing door prizes and for assembling all the gift baskets that were auctioned off for Children’s Miracle Network, which raised over $1200 for that charity. Although the entire staff pitches in to carry out all those events, it is Jane who ultimately is the “annual meeting coordinator.”

Annual Meeting Pictorial Highlights

Retiring League board chairman Jim Everhart relaxes in the chair he received as a thank-you gift.	League president Patrick Mahaney dressed the part of the suave super agent.
American Spirit FCU’s board of directors and volunteers	Del-One (Delaware FCU) board members
DEXSTA staff member Mary Brien- Duch, CEO Jerry King, and board chair Marie Davis	Dover FCU board and staff
	Photo credits: Jim Chilcutt, Regina Mahaney, Alice Smith
ICI board members

TOGETHER is published on the 15th and 30th of each month by the Delaware Credit Union League, 4 Quigley Boulevard, New Castle, DE19720. 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).