Author: Denise Wymore

As part of their 2019 Business Plan initiatives, CU*Answers recently kicked off a year-long research project to work with credit union leaders, business developers, and tactical units to solve today’s challenges around how credit unions act as internet retailers to sell products and services to their members. The goal is to determine a vision for internet retailing, imagine new ways for credit unions to sell loans via internet channels, and figure out how to stock the shelves of a credit union internet store.

During the CEO Strategic Developers Boot Camp, held the week of November 5-9, 2018, credit union CEOs brainstormed on the future of internet banking from a big-picture, strategic point of view. Starting after the holidays, CU*Answers intends to communicate the results of the CEO Strategic Developers Boot Camp to all interested clients, to start coordinating a virtual community to participate in the research, and to hold a series of webinars to explain the project goals and to provide data to help with the specifications for the product or products the CUSO will be building in the future.

Continue reading CUSO launches year-long project to help credit unions become successful internet retailers

As a CUSO serving 270 plus credit unions in 40 states, CU*Answers continually seeks ways to leverage the combined experience and expertise of each participant for the benefit of the network. In the area of technology, one method that has been successful involves getting credit union IT leaders together on a biannual basis to share and discuss topics that are most urgent to them. During the November CUSO Technology User Group meeting held in Frankenmuth, MI, one of the key items on the agenda was “Exercising the Credit Union Incident Response Plan”.

The discussion was launched with an educational presentation on the components that make up an effective incident response tabletop exercise including instructions for planning and implementing an ongoing program at the credit union. “The tabletop exercise is a valuable tool for identifying gaps and weaknesses and improving response capabilities, whether for business continuity or information security scenarios,” states Jim Lawrence, vice president of Business Continuity at CU*Answers. “Without exception, those exercises that are most successful begin with setting clear objectives and requires the full participation of an engaged team.”

The group discussion on this topic was determined to be so relevant to the current needs of the credit unions who participated that a follow-up presentation was scheduled for the Spring 2019 CTUG meeting including a live demonstration of a cyber incident response tabletop exercise.

Additional information about the CU*Answers’ Business Continuity and Incident Response programs can be viewed at their website.

About CU*Answers, Inc.

CU*Answers offers expertise in implementing technical solutions to operational needs, and is a leader in helping credit unions form strategic alliances and partnerships. CU*Answers provides a wide variety of services for credit unions including its flagship CU*BASE^® processing system (online and in-house) and Internet development services featuring It’s Me 247 online and mobile banking. Additional services include web development, network design and security, and image check processing. Founded in 1970, CU*Answers is a 100% credit union-owned cooperative CUSO providing services to credit unions representing over 2 million members and $21.5 billion in credit union assets. For more information, visit www.cuanswers.com.

CU*Answers held its first ever week-long CEO Strategic Developers Boot Camp event last week, November 5-9, 2018, at its offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The boot camp was a new format for an annual conference the CUSO presents to credit union CEOs, giving a unique opportunity for CEOs and their business development executives to participate in creating the solutions that CU*Answers and the cuasterisk.com network will take to market.

This year’s event hosted 52 CEOs and executives from credit unions and CUSOs around the country for working sessions on Designing the Future of Internet Retailing, Designing Teller Platforms for Our Future, and Designing the Future for Online and Mobile Tools. Randy Karnes, CU*Answers CEO, was excited about the lively interactions that took place, saying, “Thanks to all for the hard work that made last week a win. There were several credit union delegations that took risks to stir the pot during our discussions, and I appreciate that!”

The strategic work that began with this event will be followed up with multiple web-based sessions with credit union tactical teams and subject-matter experts, culminating in three separate Task Force events coming in March, April, and May, one event for each of the major topics. Said Karnes: “I think the CEOs got us going in the right direction. We have a lot of work to do to get ready for the next steps, which we will attack starting in December to keep the momentum going.”

News about upcoming events will be posted at www.cuanswers.com.

About CU*Answers, Inc.

CU*Answers offers expertise in implementing technical solutions to operational needs, and is a leader in helping credit unions form strategic alliances and partnerships. CU*Answers provides a wide variety of services for credit unions including its flagship CU*BASE^® processing system (online and in-house) and Internet development services featuring It’s Me 247 online and mobile banking. Additional services include web development, network design and security, and image check processing. Founded in 1970, CU*Answers is a 100% credit union-owned cooperative CUSO providing services to credit unions representing over 2 million members and $21.5 billion in credit union assets. For more information, visit www.cuanswers.com.

“Fall Special” Registration of $1,299 Offered Through November 27

CO-OP Financial Services is announcing two new headliners as keynote speakers for the THINK 19 conference, brand guru Omar Johnson and Amy Purdy, Paralympic snowboarding champion and New York Times best-selling author, who embody the idea that opportunity never rests.

“Our theme for THINK 19 is ‘Opportunity Never Rests,’ which encapsulates both a sense of urgency and a belief in the possibilities, two sentiments we believe will drive the credit union industry forward,” said Samantha Paxson, Chief Experience Officer for CO-OP. “THINK 19 will connect our credit union partners with some of the world’s brightest, boldest thinkers, while at the same time giving them practical tips for growth and transformation. Attendees will return home with strategies they can implement immediately.”

Continue reading CO-OP ADDS MORE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AS “OPPORTUNITY NEVER RESTS” FOR THINK 19