We have moved!

The National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions has moved it's BLOG to "Firefighter Newsroom". 
You can reach us through our website www.ncofcu.org or directly at www.firefighternewsroom.blogspot.com

Michael Tobler Chairman CEO Albany Fireman's FCU

OUR INVITATION TO YOU Join the Movement Join NCOFCU Now Our Mission To educate, create and maintain a climate of safety, soundness, innovation and unity among firefighter credit unions in order to promote and enhance the initiatives of the credit union movement.

MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO ALL FIREFIGHTER CREDIT UNIONS THEIR STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS.

Protecting and preserving the vision and purpose of firefighter credit unions is paramount to the continued success of the firefighter credit union movement. In order to achieve this, members of the firefighter’s credit union network joined forces through NCOFCU  in an effort to bring innovation, collaboration and shared vision to their common goals.

CREDIT UNION (PAID) MEMBERSHIP -- NEW Member On-Line Application    /   NCOFCU Renewal

Key benefits Include:    

• Annual conference registration discount rate (Available 2013)
• Networking opportunities with credit union colleagues
• Access to membership database
• Listed on NCOFCU website and conference menu boards
• Members Share Policies and Procedures
• Discussion Forums
• Exclusive CEO network
• Exclusive Volunteer Network
• NCOFCU Voting privileges
• Member discounts; purchases, webinars, etc.
• Opportunity to serve as a director or committee member
• Unlimited Staff and Volunteer participation

ASSOCIATE / LEAGUE / TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP –  On-Line Application

Key benefits include  

• Annual conference registration discount rate (Available 2013)
• Networking opportunities with credit union colleagues
• Access to membership database
• Listed on NCOFCU website and conference menu boards
• Discussion Forums

CREDIT UNION (GUEST) MEMBERSHIP –  Guest Membership Application  /  Guest Member Renewal

Key Benefits Include 

• Networking opportunities with credit union colleagues
• Access to membership database
• Members Share Policies and Procedures
• Discussion Forums
• Exclusive CEO network
• Exclusive Volunteer Network
• Unlimited Staff and Volunteer participation

VOLUNTEER / STAFF Membership -- Volunteer / Staff Membership Application

You have all the benefits your credit union is entitled to.

• Networking opportunities with credit union colleagues
• Access to membership database
• Members Share Policies and Procedures
• Discussion Forums
• Exclusive CEO network
• Exclusive Volunteer Network
• Unlimited Staff and Volunteer participation

Download;  Application- Credit Union Membership Invoice

 

Firefighters National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions

2011 Election Results
At NCOFCU's 10th annual conference, the 2011 board of  directors of the National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions were elected. This is the first board elected by the membership and is an excellent representation of the firefighters credit unions across the country.

Top Row; Eugene Benick, CEO Newark Fireman FCU, David Lantrip, Director Houston, Sean Costello, Director Boston, Jerry Horwedel, Director LA Fireman's, Scotty Shelton, Director Baton Rouge FCU, Grant Sheehan CEO NCOFCU,

Bottom Row; Michael McCormick, Director San Diego Firefighters, Frances Reed CEO, Firefighters Credit Union Tulsa OK, Linda Williams, CEO Akron, Michael Tobler, CEO Albany Fireman’s FCU.

Officers; Michael Tobler President, Jerry Horwedel VP,  Michael McCormick Secretary,  Eugene Benick Treasure.

MyBoardPacket

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Through MYBOARDPACKET.COM's simple and straightforward tabular navigation, the employee-user can be up and running in just minutes. Because the software is entirely Internet-based, there's no costly software programs or hardware to install or support. The sole requirement is that the user has an Internet connection with a current browser, such as Microsoft Explorer® or Netscape Navigator®.

Credit Union 24® ATM and POS Network New Exhibitor 2011

Credit Union 24 is a credit union-owned, full-service EFT network that brings nationwide ATM and point-of-sale (POS) access to credit unions. Founded as a credit union alternative more than 30 years ago, Credit Union 24 offers a flexible, cooperative EFT environment designed to empower credit unions to attract and retain members. Credit Union 24 is the only national credit union-owned POS network. Credit Union 24 also counts 250,000 ATM locations nationally and internationally, many of them deposit-taking, and offers the nation’s largest surcharge-free ATM access with over 65,000 locations.  Visit their website at; http://www.cu24.com/CREDIT_UNION_24/ 

New Exhibitor 2011

 

Let's give FISERV a big welcome to the 2011 conference.
Fiserv, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISV) is the leading global provider of information management and electronic commerce systems for the financial services industry. We are trusted by more than 16,000 clients worldwide including banks, credit unions and thrifts of all sizes; mortgage lenders and leasing companies; telecommunications and utility companies; brokerage and investment firms; healthcare and insurance providers; and retailers and municipalities.

We help our clients solve complex business challenges. Maybe they want to grow deposits or do a better job of attracting and retaining customers. Maybe they are fighting fraud or need to get a handle on regulatory compliance. We provide the expertise and tools to help them deal with these types of issues.
Visit their website at; http://www.fiserv.com/

New Exhibitor 2011

Let's give Enterprise a big welcome to the 2011 conference!

For more than 30 years, Enterprise Car Sales has partnered with Credit Unions, generating almost $10 billion in auto loan volume. As the leader in the used car marketplace, we offer an auto-buying service that helps you increase loan volume and strengthen member loyalty.

Visit their website to see all they have to offer firefighter credit unions.
http://www.enterprisecarsales.com/carsales/deeplinkmap.do?cur=e2_cs_tile&page=home

Loans Loans Loans!

LOANS LOANS LOANS should be the number one priority for most all credit unions. But how to do it? With interest rates on investments near 0% and non-interest income being threatened, the best way to increase income is adding loans. Callahan's Peer to Peer 2.0 will indicate some interesting facts such as average return on loans and average loan balance in comparing firefighters credit unions to all credit unions.

*if you would like to see where your Firefighter credit union places, contact me directly at twogrant@aol.com

Financial Understanding for Directors

CEOs and CFOs play key roles in helping boards understand a credit union’s financial picture. Last week in San Diego, John Oliver presented “Fundamentals of Financial Understanding for Credit Union Directors.” This summary of that presentation might help you think about your own directors’ current financial knowledge and future learning needs.
Read complete article

Firefighter Credit Unions Should Use Passion and Technology to Engage Members

Generally speaking, consumers view banking as a chore and commodity. And while we try to compete by offering varying degrees of ease, convenience or price differentiation, it’s simply not enough. Besides, in this interest rate environment, differentiation on price is difficult and adds to the commodity mindset of the consumer. We need to act differently and better align with member needs. We should be talking with our members, not talking at them. Read Complet Article

Electronic Voting, Great article from CUES' magazine about setting up for E-Voting.

Credit unions do a great job in conducting the democratic election of board members. And, in this day and age, many are moving to electronic ballots as a way to better serve members and reduce election costs.

But some inhibiting factors exist. The first is obtaining consent to communicate electronically from a sufficient percentage of the membership to make the process worthwhile. The second devolves from the current National Credit Union Administration’s standard bylaw requirement that obligates a CU desiring to use electronic voting to provide all members, except those who have chosen to receive electronic communications, a paper ballot when sending a “notice of balloting.”
Read Complete Article

Executive base pay grew 4.35% in 2010

COVINA, Calif. (1/27/11)--U.S. credit unions' executive base pay increased by 4.35% in 2010--only slightly higher than what was reported in 2009, and significantly lower than the increases seen in the earlier part of the decade.
However, there are signs of the recession lifting, with executives accepting bonuses they voluntarily gave up last year, said Executive Compensation Solutions (ECS) seventh annual Employees and Executive Compensation Benefits Survey for the Credit Union Movement.

ECS is a credit union compensation and benefits provider.

Two notable executive compensation trends since the inception of the survey in 2004 are the increase in the prevalence of pay plans and performance-linked long-term incentive plans, the survey said. The use of severance pay plans has grown to nearly 60% from roughly 20%. In a time of uncertainty, this requires more sophistication in plan design and greater protection for credit union executives, ECS said.

The use of performance-linked long-term incentive plans addresses a concern raised by credit union board members and senior management--how to ensure that all elements of executive compensation adhere to a stated compensation philosophy that results in the overall betterment of the credit union. ECS said it anticipates a continuation of many of the 2010 trends.

"Credit unions were not exempt from the uncertainties the economy presented in 2010," said Don Curristan, ESC principal. "The past 12 months have seen an increase in mergers, consolidations and National Credit Union Administration involvement that only heighten the importance of attracting and retaining the best executive talent needed to take credit unions to the next level.

"A comprehensive executive compensation and benefit philosophy is necessary to achieve this objective," he concluded.

The Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) most recent "CEO Total Compensation Survey" showed that in 2009 total compensation for credit union CEOs nationwide declined, with CEOs experiencing a median net income change of -5%.

CheckAlt Sponsors Police Officers' and Firefighters Credit Union Conferences

CheckAlt provides Check 21 processing to Credit Unions and remote deposit capture (RDC) solutions to its Credit Union business customers. The company's patented software enables the forwarding of check images to the banking system, with additional modules that empower Credit Unions to search, process, and manage inclearing share drafts,while also simplifying return check processing.

"We're pleased to be a part of both the Firefighter Credit Union Summit and the Police Officer's Credit Union Conference," according to Shai Stern, CEO of CheckAlt Payment Solutions. "We believe our Check 21 services are an ideal fit for these groups of Credit Unions, and we are proud to support organizations that play a key role in the financial health of vital members of our community."

"Our Firefighter Credit Unions are pleased to welcome CheckAlt Payment Solutions to their first-year sponsorship of our conference," Bill Rogers, Conference Manager for the Firefighters National Credit Union Summit, said. "Each year our conference grows in attendance and in subject matter, and so the role of sponsors is key."



NCUA Sets Effective Dates for FCU Director Duties Rule

The NCUA rule has set the dates for when federal credit union boards will have to comply with its new director duty regulation.

The regulation will be effective Jan. 27, 2011, and compliance with the financial literacy portion of the rule will be required by July, 27 2011. Directors not elected or appointed until after the Jan. 27 date must satisfy the financial literacy requirements within six months following seating.

The regulation says all FCU directors, including existing directors, must have the ability to read and understand a credit union balance sheet and income statement. “Directors who do not yet have this ability should plan to receive financial literacy training in 2011,” NCUA stated. “Training will be available in workshops presented by NCUA’s Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives, as well as through private sector providers.”

In addition to the financial literacy requirement, Section 701.4 requires that all FCU directors carry out their duties in good faith and in the best interest of the credit union membership.
Credit Union Times

Come celebrate, with the National Coalition of Firefighters Credit Unions Inc., the 10th anniversary of the Firefighters Annual Summit in New Orleans, October 9-12, 2011.   Firefighter Credit Unions will be "puttin' on the Ritz" at their annual summit in New Orleans. The location is the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Mark your calendar to join the growing network of firefighter credit union officials from across the country. The 2011 summit will the the 10th annual gathering. The first conference was held in New Orleans in 2001 attended by about 30 representatives. The attendance at this year's program was over 100.
For more information visit http://www.ncofcu.org/

The National Coalition of Firefighter Credit Unions Inc. (NCOFCU) Annual Meeting and Firefighter Credit Unions Annual Summit Ends With Record Attendance

The National Coalition of Firefighter Credit Unions Inc. (NCOFCU) Annual Meeting and Firefighter Credit Unions Annual Summit Ends With Record Attendance


San Antonio, TX October 6, 2010 - Firefighter Credit Unions from across the country met in San Antonio on October 3-6 to discuss issues facing their credit unions. This was the 9th annual summit for credit unions serving the firefighter community.

Conference manager, Bill Rogers, said this was the largest attendance since the conference started nine years ago. “Conference attendance has increased each year for nine consecutive years.” Rogers added, “This is not your run-of-the-mill conference. It’s unique as all attendees have a common bond in serving their select group of members – firefighters.”

Key topics discussed included the national economic outlook, corporate central credit unions, mobile banking, business lending, legislation, NCUA regulatory update, member business loans, salary setting methodologies, technology coming at CUs, case study marketing programs and implementing social media programs. Speakers included Harvey Rosenblum, Director of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Buddy Gill, Chief Advocacy Officer, Texas CU League; Diana Dykstra, President, California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues; Bob Rehm, Southwest Corporate CU; Mark Curran, Palmetto Cooperative Services; Robert Shepard, Financial Service Center Cooperative; Loretta Dodgen, Human Capital Solutions Group; Michael Lawson, DML Communications; Wade Oliver, Vining Sparks, Keith Morton & Joe D’Ambre, NCUA and others.

The 2011 conference, celebrating our 10th anniversary, is set in New Orleans, LA for October 9-12, 2011 at the Ritz Carlton.

The coalition meets once a year at the Firefighter Credit Union Summit and continues their established relationships through NCOFCU’s Website www.ncofcu.org , Blog, Newsletters, Facebook, Tweets and Listserve. This exclusive networking leads to the continued discussions of best business practices, products and services which cannot be found anywhere else.

NCOFCU is the only organization exclusively representing firefighter’s credit unions that collectively serve over 650,000 members and control in excess of 8 billion in assets. The purpose of the collation is to protect and preserve the vision and purpose of firefighter credit unions. NCOFCU seeks to leverage its collective resources to further the growth, development and interests of firefighter credit unions nationwide, by providing educational and informational exchange opportunities and promoting firefighter credit unions’ safety and soundness and financial strength.

The coalition is directed by a volunteer Advisory Committee. Members of the committee include Jerry Horwedel, Dir. Los Angeles Firemen’s CU, Linda Williams, CEO Akron Firefighters CU, Michael McCormick, Dir. San Diego Firefighters CU, Joe Galloway, Dir. Syracuse Firefighters CU. The Executive Director of the Coalition is Grant Sheehan, CEO of Sheehan’s Consulting LLC in Miami, FL.

Let's welcome Vining Sparks as a GOLD Sponsor

Vining Sparks is nationally recognized as a leading broker/dealer in serving the investment needs of institutional investors. Credit Unions of Vining Sparks receive access to proprietary analytical tools that assist them in the investment portfolio decision-making process. Just as Vining integrated asset/liability management into the portfolio management process for banks, the firm now assists clients of all types in making decisions that are appropriate based on the client’s specific investment objectives. This assistance is provided through specialized professionals utilizing the proprietary analytical tools mentioned above and is one of the primary reasons Vining Sparks is unique compared with other broker/dealers.  Company Profile

How to Get LOANS

LOANS LOANS LOANS should be the number one priority for most all credit unions. But how to do it? With interest rates on investments near 0% and non-interest income being threatened, the best way to increase income is adding loans. Callahan's Peer to Peer 2.0 will indicate some interesting facts such as average return on loans and average loan balance in comparing firefighters credit unions to all credit unions. CONTINUE TO Newsletter
*if you would like to see where your Firefighter credit union places, contact me directly at twogrant@aol.com

CUPROMOS.COM is Now GOLD

CUPROMOS.COM is now a GOLD Sponsor!
Their National program ensures the lowest prices!
Largest selection specific to the unique needs of America's Credit Unions - all imprintable with your information. High impact promotional campaigns to help promote your credit union. Free graphic support and services with each order.
Expert assistance is available Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST
Easy online ordering with Instant Quotes

What is a E-Mail Listserv?

NCOFCU Listserv is a service offered exclusively to NCOFCU members to provide a convenient venue for the open discussion of issues faced by credit union executives through a members only e-mail network.
NCOFCU Listserv is targeted to help NCOFCU members share information and help peers with decisions.
We hope you enjoy and benefit from this professional development resource.

To send a message to the list, address your e-mail to the list you are a member of; ceos@fcocu.com or directors@fcocu.com If you are not a member yet, please go to http://www.ncofcu.org/ and sign up.

Replying to a message will send the message to all participants.
If you have any questions about NCOFCU Listserv, please contact NCOFCU at 305-591-3306. Or, e-mail us at info@ncofcu.org

Listservs provided by,
Ewart Technologies, Inc.