Credit Union Charters – Are They Recyclable?

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My tank is full. I am inspired. I’m ready to get to work on credit union strategic planning, not just for my clients – I mean a collective strategic plan. All thanks to the many conversations I had at the most recent GAC. The energy and ideas that were discussed in many meetings are now seeing some action. But there’s one that might be too big for just one person to accomplish.

“How do we avoid mergers?”

Ideas were plentiful, and of course, succession planning was discussed as an important matter. But what if…

What if every merger application to the NCUA was met with a list of things to be looked at before approving that merger to move forward? For example, prior to a merger being approved to proceed, what if it were a requirement to go to that community to ensure no one was left behind in terms of financial services. Perhaps the original group that chartered that credit union is no longer a growth opportunity, but I have to believe there are groups in every community that could benefit from a credit union. And if chartering a new one is such an uphill battle, let’s at least not kill off viable credit unions that could be re-purposed.

So, XYZ Employees Federal Credit Union is no longer truly affiliated with the XYZ company, however, a great need still exists for [fill in the blank with ITIN lending, affordable lending, etc.]. XYZ Employees FCU can change its charter to fulfill this new need within the community. This opportunity is brought to the city and county officials, local churches and other community organizations to make sure no stone is unturned before we euthanize another potentially life-changing credit union.

“It can’t be done,” will be the hue and cry of many.

If you are one of the many who have been a part of credit union strategic planning session with me, you know what’s coming: “Can’t never did a thing.”

I’m looking forward to collaborating with others who are passionately committed to the cause of preventing mergers of the lazy and selfish to instead preserve financial institutions that could play a part in changing a community and individuals for generations to come. This is just one way we could pump the brakes and rethink this mass exodus of credit unions from the world.

The story of Inspire FCU illustrates that there is a way. This credit union’s board was toying between finding a new leader who could grow the credit union and merging. The board decided to fight and picked the right leader to do it in Jim Merrill. During his tenure as CEO, the credit union has grown from $83 million in assets in 2014 to $265 million today, completely organically. Read the rest of his story at CUinsight! We’re helping Inspire FCU to thrive. We can help your credit union, too. Let’s chat!

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Dexter Ochoa

Development Assistant

When it comes to blending logical thinking and creative problem solving, Dexter’s abilities are undeniable! Beginning his career as a Web Developer, he’s no stranger to the wide world of Marketing and Advertising. Calling Biñan City in the Philippines home, Dexter has a burning desire to visit the Alpine peaks and valleys of Switzerland. While that journey may be far off, he is still no stranger to international travel. While visiting Japan, he was able to enjoy his favorite delicacy: Sushi and Sashimi. He also learned unexpected facts about Japanese Yen, specifically that it has special markings for the blind to know its value!

Living life by his motto to “Do good even if the world is unfair,” Dexter would also advise his younger self, “It’s hard, but you’re doing good!” Whether he’s enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or the occasional Pale Pilsen in the evening, Dexter is eager to work with the talented professionals of YMC, and we’re just as eager to add his talent to the team as well! His marketing words of wisdom? “Be creative, and just do what you want!”

Andrew Wyche

Copywriter

Hailing from the NC state capital (that’s Raleigh if you didn’t know), Andrew is YMC’s Copywriter extraordinaire. That’s why he knows that “The verb form of ‘reconnaissance’ is ‘reconnoiter.’ The former is, strictly speaking, a noun.” Seriously, he knows his words and he’ll use those words to get bold and weird (in a good way) with his copy. Fuelled by a love for pasta, shellfish, a good single malt, or a meal consisting of all three, Andrew navigates life with a motto engraved in his heart: “Choose kindness. Always.” It is this guiding principle that has led him to explore the realm of marketing, driven by a desire to connect with people in meaningful ways. As he continues to chase his dreams, one bucket list item stands out above the rest – a pilgrimage to Scotland. With his heart set on adventure and his pen poised for creativity, Andrew’s journey is far from over.

Alex VanHaasteren

Senior Web Developer

Alex is YMC’s Senior Web Developer and, as the title suggests, she is an absolute pro! While she initially started in graphic design – working long and hard to expertly bring concepts to life – she also felt drawn to technology and applying her natural ability to problem solve. Web Development proved the perfect blend of her creative passion and technical savvy.

When Alex is out with friends – including her YMC colleagues – she’s up for Greek cuisine or some good pulled pork BBQ washed down with Diet Coke. Or an Old Fashioned, if the occasion demands. Someday, she hopes to go to Africa on a safari. Hopefully she’ll see a giraffe in the wild, because – as she’s pointed out – its neck is too short to reach the ground!

When she isn’t jamming out to T-Swift, she’s happy to impart some marketing words of wisdom, “Aim to create something unforgettable.” For day-to-day inspiration, she would remind you of two fundamental truths: You decide your happiness, and Ice cream is its own food group—not just a dessert.

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