Tennessee Credit Union League and CU Services, Inc.

Planning Facilitation

Highly trained Consultants assist management and boards of directors with operational and strategic planning to help the credit union gain a more thorough knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses and to address the future with confidence. From formal planning a credit union achieves: -written prioritized listing of the most important areas of needed improvement in the credit union;
-an analysis to determine why some of these needs are not currently being met together with proposed solutions for each problem identified;
-detailed plans of action & responsibility assignments
-a rational basis for review and feedback on progress toward goals

Benefits:
- Makes on-going credit union operations easier by identifying desired results of all operations
- Increases job satisfaction as board members and staff work together to achieve common goals.
- Saves the credit union money by providing for planned, budgeted expenditures, eliminating costly, seat of the pants management.

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251
Fred Robinson, Vice President Governmental Affairs, Ext. 1210

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Consulting & Business Development           

Trained Consultants are available to work with credit unions on specific technical and operational issues including lending, marketing, policy development, human resource issues, field of membership expansion, budgeting and other issues faced by credit unions on a daily basis.

Additionally, our trained Consultants work with credit unions to implement new services and enhance existing ones.  They are available to help credit unions analyze needs and to recommend other resources.  Alliances and relationships have been established with service providers that help credit unions bring new products to market.  League personnel remain involved to ensure a consistent level of service and timely delivery of products.  Experts are available to assist in budgeting and Strategic Planning.

Geraldine Cardwell, Executive Vice President & CFO, Ext. 1203
Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Member Surveys and Focus Groups

(through CU Market Research)

League member credit unions can have completely customized and affordable credit union member surveys and other market research projects through CU Market Research. Products include:

Mail Surveys     Web Surveys     Focus Groups     Comment Summaries     Marketing Planning

Every project is built to obtain the member feedback clients need for decision-making.
Every client receives a complete analysis with recommendations for change.
CU Market Research consults with clients to help develop their marketing plans. A statistically valid member survey should be included as a major component of a credit union's strategic planning process. Most survey clients choose to benchmark their member satisfaction scores, market share data and demographics for comparison in future survey projects. Research may be conducted every year, but most credit unions want new research every two-five years, depending on the amount of change that occurs in services, service delivery, and consumer behavior. A member survey benefits the credit union in these ways:

-makes money by increasing member awareness and usage of CU services.
-saves money by directing marketing dollars toward best opportunities for increased business.
-saves time by pinpointing needs for management decision-making
-improves vision of the future for more effective planning
-improves image by involving members in their credit union
-educates members about the credit union's services.

David Wilson, CU  Market Research, 423-503-3672

Board Training

Individual credit union training is available to educate board members on their duties and responsibilities.

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Teller/MSR Training

With constantly changing rules and regulations affecting credit union operations and staff turnover, it's imperative that front-line staff receive the necessary training to stay current and provide the best customer service possible while protecting the interests of the credit union.  Customized In-house teller training is available to help you meet your specific training needs.

Sheila Franklin, Account Executive, Ext. 1250

Trish Patterson, Vice President Education & Information, Ext. 1208

Scholarship Assistance

The Herbert Ellison Memorial Scholarship Fund was developed to assist small credit unions in furthering the education of their employees and volunteers related to credit union philosophy, management, and operations. Scholarships are available to small credit unions for attendance at the Southeastern Credit Union School, Certified Credit Union Executive Programs, CUNA Schools, and other educational opportunities.

Geraldine Cardwell, Executive Vice President & CFO, Ext. 1203

CU Succeed Teen Financial Network

(through New Mexico Credit Union League)

With credit union membership under the age of 24 at alarmingly low levels, it's crucial that credit unions begin to recruit younger members. CU Succeed™ will help you do just that - easily, effectively, and affordably!  It is designed to appeal to teens between ages 13 and 18.  This innovative program features full-color print materials at unbeatable prices as well as a state-of-the-art website and cutting-edge e-mail capabilities.  The program is completely turnkey, so it's easy for credit unions to participate. 

Benefits

-increases membership

-makes money by increasing usage of credit union services
-saves money by directing marketing dollars toward best opportunities for increased business
-educates teens with financial education and increases awareness of the credit union difference

New Mexico Credit Union League

800-366-6628

  Printing, Statement Mailing & Fulfillment Services                       

 (through Palmetto Cooperative Services)

Though the trend toward electronic functions will continue, the printed word will remain essential to credit union functions and the member relationship.  Palmetto Cooperative Services has continued to refine their print, mail, and fulfillment services for efficiency and effectiveness, whether it be member statements, direct mailings, or related functions.

Palmetto Cooperative Services, LLC

800-235-4290, ext. 415

Sprint Nextel Credit Union Discount Program

(through CUCorp's Invest in America Program )

CUCorp, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Michigan Credit Union League, partnered with Sprint on a national program to offer credit union members discounts on their cellular and wireless services.  In 2008, the incentives paid to the 250 participating credit unions and leagues totaled nearly $2,000,000 and credit union members have saved $33 million since 2006.  Now you, too, can participate in this program through a partnership between the Tennessee Credit Union League and CUCorp. 

Credit union members and business members can take advantage of the discounts.  They simply need to identify themselves as a 'credit union member' and the discount will be applied to their existing or new account and appears on their bill every month.  Marketing materials are provided free of charge to participating credit unions.

Credit Union Members receive:

•  10% discount on their recurring monthly charges

•  Waived activation fees

•  Waived upgrade fees

•  Periodic promotional discounts on equipment

Credit Union business Members (on business accounts) receive:

•  15% discount on recurring monthly charges

•  Waived activation (new accounts) fees

•  Waived upgrade fees

•  Equipment discounts

•  20% off accessories

For more information, call 800-572-7359: 

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Membership in CO-OP Network entitles credit union cardholders access to 25,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, including 6,000 that accept deposits.  CO-OP Network grants cardholders access to surcharge-free ATMs virtually anywhere in the country and, through links to almost every national and regional network, they'll actually have access to more than 800,000 ATMs worldwide.  Through CO-OP Network, Tennessee credit unions have an opportunity to build a state-wide, credit union owned, surcharge-free network that eliminates many of the hassles that accompany the administration of local surcharge-free networks.

Benefits:

-Provides convenience to credit union members in accessing their accounts.

-Reduced cost through special pricing for Tennessee credit unions
-Credit Union owned network

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

CO-OP Debit Processing

(through CO-OP Financial Services)

As the nation's largest credit union owned and operated EFT network and processor, CO-OP has developed a leading-edge signature and PIN debit processing platform just for credit unions.  Coupled with their comprehensive offering of Card Services products, your credit union will have everything it needs to develop a robust debit program, including:

     •  Customized Debit Card Programs

     •  Flexible Authorization Options

     •  Fraud and Risk Management

     •  Plastics Management

     •  Streamlined Backroom Management

     •  Support and Training

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

CO-OP ATM Processing

(through CO-OP Financial Services)

Meet member expectations, cope with new technology and keep up with regulations without investing in products you'll have to staff and maintain yourself.  CO-OP ATM Processing takes care of tasks that take up too much of your time, energy and money so you can take care of your members - and grow your business.  You'll get everything you need to run an economical, reliable, leading-edge ATM program at maximum efficiency, including:

    •  Check Imaging - the first system that captures electronic images of checks and verifies deposits at the ATM             

    •  Device Inquiry - view the status of all your ATMs online

    •  Gasper Online - Web-enabled tool that allows you to monitor, notify and track ATM faults and incidents remotely

    •  Cash Manager - instantly view ATM cash positions and eliminate unnecessary cash supply trips

    •  Data Navigator - real-time access to transaction data for research and easy-to-use exception processing system

    •  ATMContent Manager - create and download advertising and graphics to targeted ATMs

    •  Remote Key Distribution - the most economical and efficient way to manage ATM keys

Behind the tools is a team of professionals who take care of the complexities - they supply solutions, implement, train, support and inform.    

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Shared Service Center Network

(through CO-OP Financial Services )

CU Service Centers are a unique cooperative service for credit unions which provides branch office services to their members on a cost-sharing basis.  The Service Centers are electronically linked through our Next Generation Network (NGN) platform allowing members of participating credit unions to use any Service Center location in the network to conduct business as if they were at a branch of their own credit union.  A credit union with an under-utilized branch office may open one or all of its locations as an "Outlet" to serve members of credit unions that participate in the CU Service Center Network while reducing their overhead costs of operations.  Credit unions may participate as a "User Only" or as an "Outlet Owner - User".

Benefits:

-  Increased profitability that results from increased access to credit union services through additional locations and more hours of service
-  Increased membership penetration from family accounts
-  Retention of members that move out of state or relocate.
-  Cost reduction for facilities and human resources

Geraldine Cardwell, Executive Vice President & CFO, Ext. 1203

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Shared Branching Video

CO-OP Mobile

(through CO-OP Financial Services)

Credit Card Services

(through Fidelity National Information Services (FIS))

FIS offers a turnkey solution to credit card processing with availability of all MasterCard and Visa products.  FIS handles all back office functions, including accounting, security services, charge backs and customer service.  Credit unions can offer easy unsecured credit to their members while increasing  member convenience and credit union profitability.

Through the Self-Administered Program, larger credit unions can handle their own back office functions with FIS providing training and technical support.  With Internal Credit Card programs, credit unions perform their own credit card data processing in-house with support from FIS.

Benefits:

-Increases profitability through increased loan volume
-Eliminates the headache in administering a credit card program.
-Reduces cost and complications of upgrading a card program as volume increases
-Reduced cost through local training
-Improves member perception of the credit union

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Note:   See "Small Credit Union Service" for additional Credit Card information.

Mortgage Services

(through Greentree Mortgage Company L.P. )  

Greentree Mortgage Company L.P. offers over 250 mortgage programs targeted to the credit unions.  Programs include traditional fixed rate and adjustable loans, Alt-A loans, Government backed loans, including FHA, distressed credit programs, pre-qualification/pre-approval programs, and much more.  Through their Affinity Program, Greentree supplies the credit union with a variety of marketing materials to spur the member to call to inquire about mortgages, programs, and pricing.  With Greentree's Affinity Retail program, their mortgage consultants assist the member directly and obtain all necessary information.  Greentree processes, underwrites, commits and closes the credit union member's mortgage on behalf of the credit union. 

 With Greentree’s Affinity Wholesale program, the credit union loan officers manage the needs of the member and coordinate directly with Greentree to facilitate the closing.  With a “Service First Approach”, and commitment to being a long-term mortgage partner, contact Greentree Mortgage Company, L.P. for all of your mortgage fulfillment needs.

Benefits:

-Increases credit union image as a full-service financial institution
-Eliminates the headache in administering a mortgage program.
-Relieves possible pressures from regulators concerning mortgage lending practices
-Increases income to the credit union

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Steve Von Mann, Greentree Mortgage Company L.P., 615-397-3091

Human Resource Consulting

(through SESCO)

SESCO is one of the nation's oldest and largest management consulting firms that assists credit unions with human resource and personnel issues and keeping up with the most recent changes in employment related laws.  For one low monthly fee, credit unions can have access to unlimited telephone, fax, and research consultation with Human Resource experts.  On-site visits are also available for review, analysis and professional recommendations on personnel systems, policies, work rules, employee handbooks and compliance with state and federal employment laws.  SESCO provides a free monthly HR publication to League member credit unions.

Benefits:

-Provides peace-of-mind that policies and procedures are up-to-date and in compliance with regulatory authorities
-Free monthly publication providing helpful HR information
-Reduces risk  of lawsuit by taking  guesswork out of handling difficult employee issues
-Saves time be eliminating lengthy research
-Saves money through low-cost monthly fee as opposed to having internal expertise or using other outside consultants

Joel Cullum, Staff Consultant, Bristol, TN  423-764-4127

Shared Compliance Program

(through Credit Union Resources, Inc. )

Hired, trained and certified, Credit Union Resources; Shared Compliance Specialists divide their time among assigned credit unions. Services provided include the following:

SHARED COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
- Development, management and maintenance of an effective compliance program

- Providing a risk assessment of existing compliance system

- Monitoring and analyzing new and revised laws and regulations

- Training staff and management on current and crucial regulatory issues

For more information, visit www.curesources.coop or call:

Chad Stanislav, VP Financial & Technology Resources

cstanislav@curesources.coop

800-442-5762, Ext. 6461

    CU PolicyPro        

(through CU Solutions )

Free to League Members!!!

CU PolicyPro is your one-stop shop for over 200 policies to help your credit union manage today's ongoing compliance and operational challenges.  This program typically retails for $525 per year, but Tennessee credit unions receive access to this valuable product as part of the dues service package your credit union receives for affiliation with the Tennessee Credit Union League. 

CU PolicyPro contains comprehensive policies and regulatory guidance developed and written especially for credit unions by regulatory (legal and financial) experts. CU PolicyPro is also completely customizable to the specific needs of each credit union. Existing credit union policies may easily be imported into the management system. CU PolicyPro uses an overall consistent format for clarity and ease of use, so you can find the information you need when you need it.

Chapters in the manual include:
*  Administrative   * Operations   * Accounting       * Security      *Asset/Liability Management     

 * Investments      * Other Real Estate Owned           * Federal Regulations   * Record Retention 

 * Fair Credit Reporting Act (FACTA)    * Lending

Because the laws and regulations that govern your credit union are constantly changing, our Update Service is also included with your manual.  This service provides you with semi-annual policy updates and with a toll-free product support help line to call when you have questions.

Features and Benefits:
* Administrative Flexibility -  A secure website with administrative access unique for each credit union.
* Archival, Versioning & Change History - PolicyPro will help you archive changes when new policies are approved.
* Attach Documents or Files - Storage space where Board members can view policies waiting to be Board reviewed.
* Customizable Templates - Over 200 policy templates with model policy language.   
* Department Grouping - Policies organized by operational department.
* Designed for Federal Regulatory Compliance - Policy templates include standardized federal content.
* Review, Approval, & Publication - Create, review, approve, and read all your documents at any computer.
* Track Changes - Semi-Annual Updates with easily tracked changes.
*  Web Distribution of Policies & Procedures - Your staff can now access your policies anywhere they have access to the Internet.

If you have not already signed up for CU PolicyPro, simply go to the League’s website at www.yourleague.org.   Click on the drop-down box “Compliance & Information Center”,
then, underneath “CU PolicyPro, click on “Registration” and follow the instructions for submitting your registration form.  After your League membership has been verified, you will receive an e-mail introducing you to the program! 

Trish Patterson, VP Education & Information, Ext. 1208

Audit & Financial Services

(through Hiram Hollifield, CPA)

Hiram Hollifield, CPA, specializes in providing high quality, affordable Opinion Audits, Supervisory Committee Audits, Internal Audits, budgeting assistance, bank reconciliations, member account verifications, Form 990 Preparation and other financial assistance to credit unions which meet or exceed regulatory requirements and ensure member confidence in the credit union.

Benefits:

-Satisfies statutory, regulatory and insurance audit requirements
-Reassures the board of directors of proper management
-Strengthens member confidence

-Saves money with additional credit union staff involvement in the audit process
-Improves operating safety and soundness
-Improves operating efficiency

Hiram Hollifield, 423-899-2425, Ext. 1205

CD Rate Finder Service

                                 (through QwickRate)                                                                                                                  

QwickRate is the premier online CD rate finder service.  QwickRate helps credit unions earn the highest CD rates on their investments by connecting directly through the marketplace to more than 2,000 institutions nationwide.  Along with higher yields, this service helps your credit union realize significant savings because you will not incur the expense of third party, rate stripping or broker fees.  And, you have access to automated QwickTools ™ that add even more savings by making transactions fast, easy, and paperless.

Josh Chambers, QwickRate, 800-285-8626                                 

Overdraft Privilege program

(through John M. Floyd & Associates)

Overdraft privilege is a service that can help members who overdraw their transaction account.  Overdraft privilege is subject to preset dollar limits and certain other conditions.  Your credit union continues to collect the customary fee for each overdraft item, while protecting your members from the credit bureau problems, merchant fees, and potential embarrassment associated with returned checks and ACH items. 

Importantly, by providing a safety net for your members, your credit union may also save them from having to seek extra funds from friends, family, or not so benign sources.  Overdraft privilege offers your members overdraft coverage without a binding obligation between the credit union and the member.  Your organization retains all rights and privileges to pay or return checks.

Benefits:

-easy implementation

-strengthens member satisfaction

-increases fee income to credit union

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Ed Juskowski, Regional Director, JMFA, (877) 704-5192  

The "Big Ticket" Program

(through Invest in America)

Invest in America is an exciting way for credit unions to lend their members a hand during these tough times in two different ways.  First, all eligible current and new credit union members can get a great discount on a new GM, Chrysler, or Ford vehicle.  Second, when they finance their new vehicles through their credit union, they get extra savings thanks to low loan rates.

While the individual automakers' offers vary, the process to obtain a discount is similar.  All marketing for Invest in America will send members to lovemycreditunion.org.  Once there, they choose their offer and can then click on a direct link to the preferred automaker.  The site will walk members through what they need to do to receive their discount. 

Benefits:

-offers exclusive credit union member discounts

-helps U.S. automakers increase incremental new car sales

-provides opportunity to increase credit union membership

-provides opportunity to increase auto loan growth      

-free downloadable marketing materials

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Visit www.lovemycreditunion.org (CU Support Site)

Call 800-435-2824, Ext. 801

Sprint Program

(through Invest in America)

Of the three programs being offered through the Invest in America program, Sprint offers the greatest income opportunity to credit unions.  Member benefits are available to new and/or existing Sprint/Nextel customers and include:  10% discount on most monthly plans; free activation on new lines and upgrade fees; equipment discounts; and, 20% off accessories.

The program requires little effort - only 4 easy marketing requirements:

1.  Place a sprint insert in one quarterly mailing per year;

2.  Display Sprint take-ones and posters in credit union lobby areas;

3.  Publish approved sprint articles in 2 quarterly newsletters; and

4.  Place Sprint web banner on credit union web site.

Benefits:

-  Increased fee income from the marketing incentive pool

-  Provide added-value to credit union membership

-  Free marketing materials  

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Visit www.lovemycreditunion.org (CU Support Site)

Call 800-435-2824, Ext. 801

Member Rewards Program

(through Invest in America)

This program offers discounts to credit union members on "small ticket" products and services from major, well-known companies, such as:  Costco; DIRECTV; FTD Flowers; Complete Tax (on-line service); and, Allied Movers.  More businesses are being added to the list on a regular basis.  members are encouraged to use their credit union debit and credit cards to purchase these items.

Benefits:

-  Increased fee income from the marketing incentive pool

-  Provide added-value to credit union membership

-  Free marketing materials

Criss Browning, Director Credit Union Development, Ext. 1251

Kevin Denver, Director Business Development, Ext. 1201

Visit www.lovemycreditunion.org (CU Support Site)

Call 800-435-2824, Ext. 801