CUNA News
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • LOG IN
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
  • Credit Union Magazine
    • Buyers' Guide
    • COVID-19
    • Digital Edition
    • Credit Union Hero
    • Credit Union Rock Star
    • Subscribe
    • Advertise
    • Contact
  • Advertise
  • 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
  • Awards
    • Nominate Credit Union Hero
    • Nominate Credit Union Rock Star
  • Podcasts
  • Videos
  • Contact

News

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 strategy

Post a comment to this article

Report Abusive Comment

Credit Union Magazine: Spring 2023

Spring 2023

Credit Union Magazine’s Spring 2023 issue features the 2023 Credit Union Heroes and examines CUNA-League advocacy priorities, board leadership, the impact of financial well-being efforts, fee-related compliance issues, predictions for the year ahead, and more.
Digital Edition •  Subscribe

Trending

  • CUNA Mascot Madness: See the West winner and vote for the South champ

  • Compliance: FinCEN issues issue BOI reporting guidance

  • Bill would establish ‘appropriate compliance timeline’ for section 1071

Tweets by CUNA_News

Polls

CUNA Mascot Madness: Which South Region mascot is your favorite?

View Results
More

Champion for the Credit Union Movement

Credit Union National Association is the most influential financial services trade association and 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

  • Membership
  • Contact Us
  • Careers

Resources for

  • Credit Union Advocates
  • Leagues
  • Press
  • Providers

Our Affiliates

  • American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL)
  • Credit Union Awareness
  • Credit Union House
  • CUNA Strategic Services
  • National Credit Union Foundation
GET CUNA UPDATES
© 2023 Credit Union National Association | ADA Compliance Notice & Legal
Email Us