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Committees Allow Credit Unions to Help Shape
MCUL Programs and Services

Diane Leier and Dan Moss, branch manager and president/CEO of Michigan Catholic CU (OC), respectively, speak with U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg, R-Bloomfield Hills (left), at the CUNA Hike the Hill. One of the duties of MCUL committees is to assist in shaping advocacy priorities and strategies relating to legislation and interaction with lawmakers.

For the MCUL to best determine how to improve and develop its advocacy efforts, education and CRI programs, Web site, publications and other areas, it relies on input from the very credit unions that utilize these resources. Through MCUL committees, councils and working groups, members can interact directly with the MCUL and other credit union staff throughout Michigan. They help shape the priorities of the credit union community, while staying up-to-date on how certain issues are affecting other credit unions and their members.

It’s easy for any credit union staff member to get involved and have an influence in all aspects of MCUL services. Through open dialogue and idea sharing, the committee system is designed to help credit unions network, innovate and continue to take advantage of opportunities that push the industry forward.

“Joining an MCUL council or working group means connecting with credit union folks across the state to make a concerted effort toward improving the industry’s involvement in many areas,” said MCUL Executive Vice President Patrick La Pine. “Credit unions in different locations and with different asset sizes and memberships will have unique perspectives they can bring to the table. That way, members are able to learn from each other and create more comprehensive solutions and recommendations, while the MCUL receives input from an accurate representation of the industry as a whole.

“These committees can’t exist without volunteers from the credit union community,” La Pine said. “We urge staff members from all credit unions to consider joining one of these groups.”

In the fall, credit unions will receive a mailing from the MCUL inviting staff to nominate themselves or others to join a committee, council or working group, along with more information on their choices. CEOs are encouraged to alert all staff to this opportunity, as these groups are comprised of volunteers from all backgrounds and levels of leadership. The MCUL’s councils and working groups meet at least once a quarter to discuss their area of focus. Current membership listings for each committee and descriptions of each group’s responsibilities are available on the MCUL Web site.

“By being part of a committee, members can help the MCUL provide the most relevant and useful services to credit unions,” La Pine said. “This will ultimately help them help their members, and provide the knowledge and resources that improve the credit union’s ability to assist people in today’s current financial landscape.

“Committees also help give the MCUL guidance on positioning itself and the industry to have a say in important legislative matters, and how best to spread the credit union message to the public through cooperative advertising,” La Pine added.

This year, there are a few changes to the MCUL committee structure to address timely, key areas of Michigan credit union involvement. The Governmental Affairs Committee and the Legislative Forum will be combined into the Government and Political Affairs Forum to provide policy recommendations to the MCUL regarding legislative and regulatory issues, as well as to get members involved in grassroots legislative advocacy. Additionally, under the umbrella of the CRI/Future Vision Committee are three new councils: the Economic Solutions Council, Modest Means Council and Financial Education Council. The councils will look for solutions to issues such as foreclosure, student loans and financial literacy. New CU Access and Growth and Public Communications working groups were created to discuss membership growth and the best ways to communicate the credit union message to the public, respectively.

Committees covering education, informational needs, award programs and more are available for interested credit union staff. Meeting dates and times are e-mailed to credit union CEOs. To express interest in joining a council or sitting in on a meeting, contact Renee Cullimore at rac@mcul.org or MCUL ext. 348.

Visit www.mcul.org and click on the “CU Community” and “Committees and Task Forces” tabs for further information on each individual group.