Adriana "Adri" Brunner on LinkedIn: #networkingevent #holidaymixer #sandiegobusiness #filamchamber #faccgsd… (2024)

The credit union mission is an important part of what all CHROME employees are asked to embed in their work everyday. We are excited to congratulate our very own Michele Wilson, CUDE, Director of Retail Operations, on her recent certification from The National Credit Union Foundation's Development Education (DE) Program in Madison, Wisconsin this fall. We asked Michele to share more about her experience and learning from the program, and her next steps and focus in her leadership in the credit union industry. Here is what she had to say:➡ Michele, tell us your greatest takeaway from the Development Education (DE) Program?My greatest take-away from this program is how well positioned credit unions are to help address large-scale world problems at our local level. It is easy to feel like each of our small organizations can't make an impact but our network is strong and our mission of “People-Helping-People” unites us. Together we can accomplish so much to help our communities. ➡What learnings were you most excited to bring back to CHROME?I appreciated the opportunity to dive further into two credit union concepts: Cooperative Principles and Financial Well-Being for All. Knowing that the cooperative principles are guiding all co-op businesses, expands our network exponentially. Just within our field of membership there are dozens of food, housing, and other co-ops with community-focused values and missions. Building connections within this network can help us strengthen community ties and provide access to new members who may not be familiar with credit unions. ➡ What impact do you think this program will have on you, your credit union, and most importantly, your community?Defining Financial Well-Being for All was really important for me because people at all income levels deserve some peace of mind around their finances. I now find myself trying to identify all of the different communities that we serve and considering ways we can offer products and services that are inclusive.➡Final Thoughts?This program expanded my understanding of credit unions and our potential community impact. It renewed my sense of connection to the movement, to the importance of DEI initiatives, and introduced me to others who have similar goals and challenges from around the world. I simply was not aware of the global connections and impact of what we are doing. I left with a broader perspective about so many things. The learnings, perspectives, and tools Michele gained through the DE program will help continue to guide CHROME in our cooperative and financial wellness efforts for the community we serve here in southwestern PA. We are proud to have Michele on our team and in our community to help lead this mission!#creditunionmission #peoplehelpingpeople #cude #ncuf

23

4 Comments

Banking while Black … In 1986 Public Finance was dominated by the majority firms on Wall Street. Daniels & Bell had a public finance team and we were making strong gains into the sector as a co- managing underwriter. Travers was an idea guy and encouraged the team to do the research and come up with ideas. Rates were rising and crossover refundings were very efficient since arbitrage rules allowed Issuers to borrow money, place the funds in an account making a higher rate than the bonds, and apply the arbitrage earnings to the refunded bonds. Travers was raising money for Black people running for local office. The NYSE was a frequent location for lunch with politicians in town with a fundraiser later in the evening. This was the era of Tom Bradley, Andrew Young, Harold Washington, Hank Parker, Wilson Goode & many others. Local politics were dominated by white men and so raising money locally was very difficult for a black politician, but Trav created a fundraising pipeline on Wall Street with allies like Sydney Holmes, Marianne Spraggins, Garland Wood, and other Black professionals at major firms on the Street. This proved to be a crucial source of money for Black elected officials and we would win races in the 80s like Mayor of Denver, Chicago, & eventually New York City in early 90s and many other municipalities across the country. The first municipal bond deal I worked on was a Water & Sewer deal for the City of Chicago. I was living in Hyde Park Chicago ( as did Harold) and doing business with Harold’s team was so exhilarating for me. I literally ran to work every day bursting with energy to show I belonged and had value with ideas. So when I called the banker from Bear Stearns about when the first meeting would be he informed me that there was no need to attend the meetings, we would get our check when the deal closed. I howled in protest, “ I’m not here for a check, I’m on this financing team to add value” .. I could hear his muffled laughing, and he explained co managers don’t come to the meetings. I was fuming, so I called Lucille Dobbins who was finance director at the time. She & Brenda Gains were powerhouse Black woman in Harold’s administration breaking down the doors of systemic racism in Chicago government. Believe me these were iron steel doors that had not ever allowed Black people in. But Lucille & Brenda were not afraid and they kicked them damn doors every time they refused to budge. So when I reached Lucille and told her Bear Stearns wasn’t allowing me to the meeting, she gave me the details of when & where and said “ I’ll handle Bear Stearns” I was at that meeting, a document session where you go through the offering doc page by page. Now I was learning the business and of course everyone was congenial at the meeting but I had the impression this was the first time a Black owned firm was at the table in Chicago. It felt GREAT! …. Continued …

1

"Michael T. Pugh says Black business owners crunched for cash should look to community-based financial institutions for help.“Learn more about them; we have a very different scope [regarding loan arrangements]. “We have to make sure we extend our arms and get out there and tell people what they need to know to start achieving that generational wealth.”Pugh, the CEO of New York-based Carver Federal Savings Bank tells Forbes of community banks. Black businesses generated $206 billion in annual revenue and supported 3.56 million U.S. jobs in the last decade, according to the non-profit Brookings Institution. However, though Black people comprise 14.7% of the U.S. population, the community represents 12.4% of sole proprietorship and only 2.4% of employer businesses. The Brookings Institution said the stats show “disparities” that hold back Black entrepreneurs and “restrict economic opportunities for entire communities, which in turn impacts local prosperity.”"Pugh suggests owners tap into local Community Development Financial Institutions that receive money from the Treasury Department’s CDFI Fund. The CDFI fund started in 1994 and has grown to over $7.4 billion in grants awarded to eligible institutions like Carver Federal. The fund aims to promote economic activity and help support small businesses, especially during economic turmoil, by offering favorable, non-debt-punishing loans."Harold Blackwell Gillian Marcelle, PhD Samantha Katz Richard Venegar Mike Green #blackstoriesmatter #blackentrepreneurs

49

10 Comments

CELEBRATING CREDIT UNION DAY!Tomorrow, October 19th, is the 75th Anniversary of International Credit Union Day! This day recognizes the impact the credit union movement has had worldwide while sharing member experiences throughout the years. Credit unions began with the mission of people helping people. At GSCU our priority is serving our members and empowering their financial future! To celebrate, we're raffling off a Solo Stove® Smokeless Fire Pit and s'mores kit* to help one lucky member get ready for some fall fun! Contest ends 10/18. Winner will be chosen on 10/19. Enter to win: https://lnkd.in/eh6_AUhdDon't forget to stop by our branches tomorrow on Credit Union Day, Thursday, October 19th, to pick up some giveaways and special treats!*Participation is limited to U.S. residents age 18 or older. Employees and volunteers of Granite State Credit Union (GSCU), and their immediate household are ineligible to participate or win. To enter, participants must fill out an entry form on our website between October 2, 2023 and October 18, 2023. One entry per person. All eligible entries have an equal chance of winning. Odds of winning are based upon the number of entries. One winner will be randomly selected and notified on October 19, 2023. Prize valued at $275.00. Winner must claim prize within 30 days of October 19, 2023, or such person shall forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be selected. Entrants agree to allow Granite State Credit Union to use his or her name, likeness, and information of their submission in any GSCU publication, including Granite State Credit Union’s website, social media pages, and in-branch displays. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these official rules. Winner agrees to hold Granite State Credit Union, its directors, officers, employees, and agents harmless. This promotion is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, or LinkedIn. Void where prohibited by law.#creditunionday #focusonimpact #fall #giveaways #firepit #smores #peoplehelpingpeople #creditunion ⁠

6

More exciting news from the team at Washington Business Bank!

20

This was my final project at the Methodist Agogic Centre, as their HR, therefore it was a bittersweet moment for me. It took some time to complete, but when I finally received the call, I was overjoyed. “ Credit, unions, known by many names throughout the world, are member-owned, non-profit financial cooperatives that offer its members access to savings, credit, and other financial services. Membership in a credit union is based on a shared connection between savers and borrowers who belong to a certain group, organization, religion, or place of employment. Instead of relying on external funding, credit unions combine the savings deposits and shares of its members to finance their own loan portfolios. Members gain from higher savings returns, reduced borrowing rates, agenerally lower expenses. Members of credit unions from all walks of life can access much more than just financial services. They give members the opportunity to run their own financial institution and assist them in developing chances to start small enterprises, farm businesses, form families, and send their kids to school. Each credit union member has the right to run for the volunteer board of directors and participate in elections, regardless of the size of their account balance. Members may experience democratic decision-making for the first time through their credit unions in some nations. “ I thought this would be good for our workers because credit unions often provide lower fees, higher savings rates, and a more individualized approach to customer service for its members. Credit unions are typically more flexible, which enables them to provide equitable banking and financial inclusion. Your credit history, work situation, or circ*mstances may cause big banks to reject you. Alternatively, credit unions adopt a more individualized strategy. Before making a choice, they will attempt to investigate each person's unique situation. I want to thank ACU once more for allowing the Methodist Agogic Centre to join.

41

Exciting news! I🎉 In its third year, the Technology and Capital Improvement Grant Program has awarded $130,282 to 11 deserving credit unions for their 2024 projects. A huge shoutout to this year's grant recipients for their dedication to strengthening our small credit unions. Special thanks to Coastal Credit Union, SECU, and the Carolinas Credit Union League for their generous support, making this season's grant pool even bigger than before.Here's a glimpse of the incredible projects being funded:ARCADE CREDIT UNION: New computers and printersBROOKLAND FCU: New mobile app and online banking updatesCS CREDIT UNION: Phone system relocationGreater Kinston Credit Union: Centralized HR managementGREENSBORO MUNICIPAL FCU: Affordable housing solutionsHealthshare Credit Union: ITM installation at a remote hospitalMcDowell Cornerstone Credit Union: Enhanced security through managed IT servicesSecured Advantage Federal Credit Union: Cybersecurity and vulnerability testingSelf Memorial Hospital Federal Credit Union: New cameras, firewall protections, and phone system updatesShuford Federal Credit Union: Shared branching interfaceTCP CREDIT UNION: Instant-issue debit card machinePlus, there are more grants and opportunities on the horizon:CUDE Scholarships: Apply by Nov 30, 2023, for CUDE Training in 2024, no asset limits.TalentGuided Coaching Grant: Covering part of the cost for professional coaching services, available year-round.Performance Pros Consulting: Discounted on-site visits for loan policy review and frontline coaching to boost loan growth, available year-round.Hamilton Fund: Making it easier for credit unions with assets under $100M to access professional development funding year-round.Your support makes a significant impact on these small credit unions. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on how we're empowering the credit union community! 💙🏦 #Empowerment #CreditUnions #Grants #ProfessionalDevelopment #CUDE

15

Don Arkell , I wanted to thank you for the time you’ve spent with Members First CU this week. While I’ll be sure to check out Pappys the mere declaration of best chicken tender in Manchester has been known to cause riots in the streets in these parts!And I agree Manchester, NH, is where the foundational stones of credit unions align with the golden-brown excellence of the original chicken tender. It’s a place where financial prudence meets culinary delight, a combination as rare and satisfying as finding an extra fries at the bottom of your takeout bag.In the same way that Manchester holds the honor of birthing the first credit union, offering a beacon of hope and financial empowerment to the working class, it cradles the origin of the chicken tender, a culinary masterpiece that elevates the humble chicken to gastronomic heights. This isn’t just about banking or dining; it’s about pioneering spirits that transformed ordinary concepts into cornerstones of community and culture.While Pappy’s may have an amazing tender, the true cradle of the chicken tender lies within the historic walls of the Puritan Back Room, where Arthur Pappas, in a stroke of genius, transformed an underutilized cut of chicken into the now beloved chicken tender. This innovation mirrors the ethos of the credit union movement—both born from a vision to extract value from overlooked resources. Just as Pappas saw potential in a piece of chicken that others disregarded, the founders of the first credit union recognized the strength in pooling the modest savings of the working class, turning small contributions into a powerful collective resource. This shared spirit of ingenuity and resourcefulness underscores a profound truth: greatness often emerges from the most humble origins, serving the community by elevating the undervalued into something indispensable and cherished.Just as many of Manchester’s chicken tenders are not merely strips of breaded chicken but a transcendent experience that encapsulates the care, dedication, and passion of those who create them, credit unions are not just financial institutions. They are the embodiment of community spirit, where every loan given and every deposit made weaves a stronger fabric of mutual support and prosperity.This harmonious blend of financial and culinary innovation—serves as a reminder that the essence of true quality, whether in banking with credit unions or savoring the unparalleled taste of one of Manchesters many great chicken tenders, lies in the values, commitment, and community focus of those behind the scenes.So, let us take this lesson from Manchester, NH, to heart: Choose not just where you dine, but where you bank, with intention and purpose. For in doing so, we support not just the growth of our assets, but the flourishing of our communities. And perhaps, in the process, find that the secret sauce of life’s greatest pleasures often lies in the most unexpected of places.

26

5 Comments

What makes credit unions unique is our people helping people mission and commitment to the communities we serve. Discover how implementing these practices can help your #creditunion authentically connect with your community and drive membership growth.#coopsolutions #creditunions

6

What makes credit unions unique is our people helping people mission and commitment to the communities we serve. Discover how implementing these practices can help your #creditunion authentically connect with your community and drive membership growth.#coopsolutions

15