Inspired credit union leaders

by. Theresa Witham

Each August, I have the great pleasure of reading and editing profiles of the CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec Top 15 Finalists. These 35-and-under CU employees are a diverse bunch, but they all have a passion for their work and the industry. Reading the profiles, I feel inspired and energized. And I am frequently impressed by each finalist’s well-thought-out credit union project.

Recently, the field of 15 was narrowed to the NTCUE Final 5. Here are small tidbits from each of the 2013 finalists. Hear their final presentations in person at CUES’ CEO/Executive Team Network, Nov. 3-6 in San Diego, where you will help select the 2013 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec. (We’ll also have a play-along-at-home viewing/voting option at www.ntcue.com).

Amanda Brenneman, business development officer at $460 million Maps Credit Union, Salem, Ore., describes her project, the “Buy Local” program: “The Buy Local program–designed to encourage growth and sustainability of our local economy– as a ‘win-win-win.’ Locally owned businesses ‘win’ with free advertising, and free money when they participate in the ‘featured partner period’; members and non-members ‘win’ with free items and exclusive discounts; and the credit union ‘wins’ with community-wide recognition and enhancement of its philosophy: ‘people helping people.’”

Robert Carabelli, senior marketing strategist at $325 million McGraw-Hill Federal Credit Union, East Windsor, N.J., writes: “Credit unions provide a full-service, high-tech, high-touch experience that’s just like Bank of America–only better, because credit unions have a vested interest in the financial wellness of its participating membership.”

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