Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

At NAFCU's annual conference, I gave a presentation on "20 ideas in 90 minutes." The talk went well. People were energized.  I was happy.

After the talk, a credit union executive walked up and thanked me. But he also had a critique.  He said my talk would be even better if it was "20 Ideas Actually Implemented in Credit Unions in 90 Minutes." We both agreed we could work on the title. 

But he's on to something!  Think of all the fantastic things happening around the country in credit unions. I bet your problem has been solved by someone.  Perhaps in South Dakota.  Perhaps in California.  Perhaps Rhode Island.  My talk, and my blog, should highlight these solutions whenever possible, he urged.

So...I need your help. Has your credit union solved a riddle?  Cracked a tough nut? Found success where once, only despair roamed freely?  If so, I'd love to brag about your credit union.

Email me at ademangone@nafcu.org.  Give me the details - as many as you can muster.  And I'll share your success.

***

Along those lines...these boots were made for walking.

More than a few moons ago, I wrote this blog post about how small things can have a huge impact.  The post shared this fantastic video (YouTube.com), which highlights the extraordinary benefits of walking a mere 30 minutes a day. The video is truly powerful.

A credit union had already seized upon this idea in a novel and amazing way.  Here was the response from South Florida Educational Federal Credit Union:

I just thought I would share that our Credit Union started our walking program back in 1995 when one of our executives found out he had high blood pressure.  We measured off a mile track (8 round trips of the inside long hallway) and invited employees to join him on his walk.  No excuses for rain or heat – cause the halls are air conditioned.  We offered a two hour lunch – basically an extra hour off – for employees who walked 25 miles the first two months.  It caught on quickly and our employees have now walked just under 180,000 miles (or around the world 7 times.  We were featured in Prevention Magazine, Walking Magazine and they even did a PBS special on the program featuring our CEO and staff walking the halls.  We now have a monthly $50 raffle and include any employee who walks 20 miles or more for the moth.  What a great program, and I am excited when I hear of other companies or offices who join in. 

I need to end this and get my shoes on…  My walking partner – the VP of IT  - will be mad if I don’t have my shoes on and meet him on the walking track in a few minutes…  We’ll walk a mile – then come back to our desk to finish up for the day.  

Wow.  That's just about all I have to say about that. Wow. 

Have a great week, everyone.  And please send me your victories. I'd love to hear about them.