Relocating from Southern California to Madison, Wis., surely has created a fair amount of change for me.

 

Of course, there’s the change in my job title to editor-in-chief. There’s also the change that comes with moving into a new house, and finding a new doctor and barber.

 

And let’s not forget the obvious— the change in weather. I haven’t seen leaves turning colors and snow blanketing the ground since I lived in Cleveland some 17 years ago.

 

Yet, it’s amidst all this change that I see a wealth of opportunities unfolding.

 

As I take a seat at the editor’s table alongside my new colleagues, I can’t help but consider the many new opportunities that will come our way during the next 12 months.

 

Credit Union Magazine will be teaming up with the folks that bring you CUNA’s News Now each and every weekday. Working together will make us stronger and more effective in being your comprehensive source for all credit union news, information, and analysis.

 

As the flagship publication for America’s credit unions, rest assured that our focus will always be centered on you. Our goal is to keep you well-informed on all things that affect the movement, your shop, and your balance sheet.

 

Add to that an array of expert commentary and thought-provoking insights from our seasoned editors and contributors on all the issues facing credit unions today, and you’ll be well prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities coming your way in 2014. Your success relies on it.

 

For instance, in this issue, Craig Sauer, Adam Mertz, and Ann Peterson team up to explain why marketing, technology, and finance are so critically important to your strategic plans in “Charting Your Course Through 2014.”

 

Also, did you know that many credit unions are still struggling from the impact of the Great Recession while others are performing at pre-recession levels? Mike Schenk explains the disparity in “An Uneven Recovery.”

 

And, if you’re wondering how to engage Gen Y consumers in ways that can foster their loyalty while adding to your balance sheet, take a look at my feature discussing private student loans, “Invest in Gen Y.” 

 

These and other articles spotlighting advocacy in action and operational solutions will no doubt prove to be of value to your strategic vision, your balance sheet, your bottom line, and—lest I forget—your peace of mind.

 

Here’s to your credit union’s success in mastering the new opportunities of 2014. Thanks for reading!

 

WALT LASKOS is editor in chief of Credit Union Magazine.