Free in-depth analysis & recommendations valued at $10,000
 that help small credit unions (assets of $30 million or less)
identify growth potential and maximize performance

Smaller credit unions are challenged with operating effectively and efficiently in an increasing complex regulatory and economic environment. There aren't enough hours in the workday for many credit unions to address on their own all the issues that can help them evolve, grow and better serve members. This program gives them that "edge."  The program is customized to meet the specific needs of individual credit unions and the program content is discussed with the CEO prior to the start of the initiative.

Because The League invests significant time and resources in the effort, participating credit unions are expected to play an active role throughout the process and make strides toward improvement using their Development Plan (see box) thereafter.

As many as 6-7 credit unions a year complete this program.

How the Program Works
 

The League's Senior Consultant Bill Rockeman:

• Visits the CU once a week for 2-3 months (some issues extend beyond this)
• Conducts an in-depth review of a CU's operations
• Examines areas of particular interest to the CU
• Facilitates a free, 4-hour strategic planning session
• Presents to your Board a detailed Development Plan (see Plan)
• Offers continued support as recommendations are implemented

Your credit union:

• Signs a formal agreement spelling out program roles & responsibilities
• Involves the CEO from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when the League is present
• Consults other CU staff as needed during League visits
• Completes the Board of Director Training Series (two at no charge) including:
  • Board Duties & Responsibilities
  • Succession Planning for Board & CEO
  • Developing, Writing and Implementing Policies
  • Financials for the Non-Financial Person
• Engages the President & Directors in an overall program assessment

Development Plans Include Strategies to Improve

• Accounting
• Advocacy
• Asset/liability management
• Board meeting packets & minutes
• Budgeting
• Business plan development or updating
• Collections
• Compliance
• Expense controls
• Human resources
• Investments
• Lending
• Management practices
• Marketing
• Member deposits
• Policies
• Products & product pricing
• Service outreach
• Vendor management

Meet Bill Rockeman The League's Senior Consultant, whose column From Red to Black appears regularly in League News, is a former CFO of a $90M Sun Prairie Credit Union for six years, board member for 8 years and Chairman for 3 years. Credit unions benefit from his strong background in accounting & financial analysis. Contact Bill at brockeman@theleague.coop or 262-408-6024

CU Feedback

Credit unions who've graduated from the Small CU Initiative have said:

• "At first we were all a bit overwhelmed due to the time commitment involved, and as all small credit unions know, there is just not enough time in the day to get our work done.  However, I would recommend the initiative to all small credit unions.  Bill and League staff made the learning process fun and easy, and it was very much worth our time!"
• "You are guaranteed to learn a better way to do things."
• "For a smaller credit union it is a reinforcement that you are doing things correctly and gives you ideas on how to better streamline and serve your members the best ways possible.  We would recommend every credit union take advantage of the League's professionalism and expertise at making it easier to survive in today's highly competitive and volatile marketplace."