Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone, Powered by NAFCU

So, Anthony, how's your week going?

I’ve heard or read that phrase perhaps 100 times since Tuesday’s announcement. Let me put that to the side for a moment. Don’t worry, I’ll answer in a minute.

First, I’d like to talk about Kate and Briggs. They are 14 years old. And while it scares me to say this out loud, in less than a decade, they will be on their own. They’ll have bills. A credit card. Maybe a car loan.

I pray they turn to a credit union. A financial institution owned by the people that use it – there is magic woven into the fabric of each credit union. Not for profit, but for people. A board of member-owners.  Most often, volunteering their time.

That’s who I want holding the financial hand of my kids.

So, Jim Nussle stopped by NAFCU’s headquarters on Monday to meet the some of us. He spoke of Dupaco Community Credit Union – and told the story of how it helped one of its members repair his credit and buy his first home.  He spoke of why credit unions are so important to America.  Heads nodded. We all agree. We all love credit unions.

Later during the week, I had the chance to start working with CUNA professionals on a number of issues. And guess what? They love credit unions as well. I can tell. We’re going to be friends.

So, Anthony, how’s your week going?

Pretty darn well. The future holds no guarantees. It never does. But in front of me is an amazing opportunity to help build something special with a bunch of special people. For a special industry. An industry that I need around for two important reasons stated above.

Darn those torpedoes. Full steam ahead!

As always, shoot me an email to let me know what you think. Now, on to the reading pile!

• Eight habits that could add up to 24 years to your life. (CBSNews)
• FS1 surpasses ESPN in cable distribution.  (BarrettSportsMedia) Never say never. ESPN was the KING OF CABLE not too long ago. A cash-cow. That just ended. Fox Sports 1 is now in more homes via cable. No one would/could have predicted that. So when someone says that credit unions can’t triple their market share…
• Local malls are stuck in a death spiral. (WSJ)
• Apple Card’s savings account tops $10b in deposits in 15 weeks. (American Banker)
• Seven things I’ve learnt since the launch of The Business of Customer Love Podcast. (Mention-Me)
• How to turn your website into a personalization treasure trove. (FB)
• Vehicle sales up 18% YoY. (Calculated Risk)