...because operational challenges persist

The latest in a series about the value of League membership

League consultants were busy in 2012 offering support, ideas, knowledge, referrals and more to address a diverse array of complex issues affecting credit unions’ operations, service and financial performance. This past year we:

Analyzed credit unions’ financial statements. League consultants identified ways to reduce costs, free up cash, increase income, target areas for loan growth, improve asset/liability management and more.

Helped credit unions prepare for visits by examiners.

Provided insights and strategic analysis. League consultants helped credit unions prepare budgets and budget forecasts that include a balance sheet, analyze the cost and impact of adding new services, prepare for board meetings, complete planning sessions and simply navigate everyday challenges via hundreds of phone calls and in-person visits annually. The Small Credit Union Initiative – which offers participating credit unions assistance valued at $10,000 – walked participants through a prescribed plan for growth.

Completed the required 990 tax form filing for two-thirds of Wisconsin credit unions.

Provided individually tailored HR consulting and training addressing policies, hiring and/or termination, recordkeeping, performance evaluations, position descriptions, wages and hours (exemptions, hours worked, etc.), suspicious activity reporting, absenteeism/leave, disability, and internal investigations.

"I am on the road and on the phone all year offering credit unions advice, referrals and feedback about virtually any concern," said Senior Consultant Rockeman.

"Credit unions can feel overwhelmed at times and I feel good that I am there to help," he said. "Smaller credit unions in particular need support and they know I'm just a phone call away, whether they have a financial question, a concern related to exams or just want to know what issues they need to consider when making decisions on almost any issue."

"League Membership is invaluable to so many credit unions in that their access to our consulting staff offers the combined experience of many credit unions we've helped over decades. Credit unions want guidance that's informed and relevant to what they're experiencing, and we have that," Rockeman said.

Watch League News for more about what we have accomplished together in 2012 as a united League. Our entire article series is being archived as it unfolds at www.theleague.coop/membershipmatters.