CUNA
  • Advocacy
    • Priorities we’re fighting for
    • Actions you can take
  • News
  • Learn
  • Compliance
  • Shop
  • Topics
    • Community Service
    • Compliance
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Credit Union System
    • Directors
    • Human Resources
    • Leadership
    • Lending
    • Marketing
    • Operations
    • Policy & Issues
    • Sales & Service
    • Technology
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • COVID-19
  • Advertise
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Contact
Learn More about Member Value

News

Member Benefits
Learn more
Learn more about the benefits of membership.
Home » Let’s do more in 2021
Leadership Subscribers

Let’s do more in 2021

We need to look at what ‘being there’ for members means.

January 10, 2021
Jim Nussle
No Comments
Jim Nussle

This month you’ll read all about the “next normal” for credit unions as we enter a January that looks much different than last year’s.

There was a little bit of normal in 2020 for credit unions. You served members when they needed it the most as financial first responders when the pandemic hit, and you’re helping them get back on track as we try to come out of it.

It is normal for credit unions to be there for our members in good times and bad. But we need to look at what “being there” means.

Our COVID-19 Restart and Recovery Task Force said in its latest industry outlook that the pandemic has hit fast forward on the digitization of financial services.

With in-branch visits and even ATM trips limited by current circumstances, how will you ensure your members can access their money when they need it most?

Convenience, simplicity, speed, empathy, personalization are all demands of the 21st century consumer, and we need to be well-equipped to meet these demands.

This kind of transformation—along with continued innovative products and services and exceptional member service—are how credit unions secure a place in the post-pandemic economy.

‘We can’t be shy, we can’t be bashful, we can’t take for granted that policymakers know everything we do for their communities.’

The products and services you created directly in response to your members’ needs in the face of the fastest economic collapse in history are a great start.

Continuing to enhance the member experience, keeping pace with the evolution of payments, and leveraging the benefits of data analytics are more than task force recommendations, they’re essential elements of modern financial institutions.

And while the next normal involves a degree of self-reflection, we also need to turn outward. We need to tell our story.

We can’t be shy, we can’t be bashful, we can’t take for granted that policymakers know everything we do for their communities.

Strategy 2021

Strategy 2021, sponsored by Origence

Instead, we need to leverage each success story we have into another success by telling decision makers what you’ve done and how you can do it better with their help.

If you haven’t participated in credit union advocacy before, there aren’t any more excuses. Every story we tell is a living, breathing example of the credit union difference and its potential to change members’ lives.

“Normal” for credit unions is people helping people—what we’ve done for nearly 90 years—and what we’ll continue to do. The “next” part means we have to find ways to reach more people with the credit union difference with the tools at our disposal.

Credit unions have done incredible things over the last year, but we’re capable of more.

Let’s do more in 2021.

JIM NUSSLE is president/CEO of Credit Union National Association.

► Read more about strategy in 2021, sponsored by Origence.

KEYWORDS advocacy nussle strategy 2021

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine - Spring 2021

Spring 2021

Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2021 edition features CUNA's 2021 advocacy agenda, strategic planning guidance, and labor market insights.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • CFPB proposes foreclosure moratorium until 2022

  • Cheryl Deborde named Credit Union Hero of the Year

  • PCA flexibility coming soon from NCUA

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

How have vaccination efforts affected your remote work policy?

View Results
More

Champion of America’s Credit Unions

Credit Union National Association is the only national association that advocates on behalf of all of America’s credit unions. We work tirelessly to protect your best interests in Washington and all 50 states. We fuel your professional growth at every level and champion the credit union story at every turn.

More CUNA

  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Recommended Websites
  • Privacy Policy

Resources for

  • CUNA Board Members
  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Vendors