Common Cents

Samantha Beeler, President of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU), joins the conversation as she sits down with Jim Nussle to explore his vision for America's Credit Unions and the future of the credit union movement. With insightful questions on topics ranging from Jim's background in politics and advocacy to the integration of the two legacy organizations, this episode offers a unique perspective on the monumental changes happening within the industry.

In the latest episode of LSCU's Common Cents Podcast, listeners are treated to a compelling conversation as LSCU President Samantha Beeler and Communications Manager Mike Miller delve into the significance of Black History Month with Renée Sattiewhite from the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC). Drawing on her wealth of experience, Sattiewhite opens up about her journey, shedding light on her role within AACUC and the path that led her to her current position. With clarity and passion, she articulates the mission and purpose of AACUC, making it accessible to everyone.

Prepare to delve into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on credit unions with the latest episode of the Common Cents Podcast. This time, host Mike Miller, Communications Manager at the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU), welcomes Rae Hoskins, Technology Operations Manager at CU NextGen, for a captivating conversation about how AI is poised to revolutionize the financial landscape.   Should credit unions be using AI? How can they use it right now? What does the future of AI look like for credit unions?

Let's dive into the world of young professionals within the credit union sphere. We welcome Avery Ragsdale, Member Engagement Consultant at LSCU, to share insights into the LSCU Young Professionals Group (YPG) and its impactful role in fostering growth and development within the industry. 

In this latest episode, we have the privilege of hosting an incredible guest: Chief Financial Officer of Florida, Jimmy Patronis. Chief Patronis takes center stage to discuss his background, his role as CFO, and how he's shaping the financial future of Florida. We'll also delve into his efforts to combat financial fraud and tackle rising property and homeowner insurance premiums. And that's not all! Christopher Hodge, the LSCU Senior Director of Governmental Affairs in Florida, joins us to share insights into the exciting initiatives and challenges facing credit unions in the Sunshine State. We'll also touch on the pressing issue of public deposits for credit unions in Florida. Plus, you'll hear about Chief Patronis' key priorities for the years ahead and what he expects with the 2024 Presidential Race as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is running for president.

Alabama State Senator Greg Reed – Senate President Pro-Tempore and a distinguished Republican lawmaker from Jasper, Alabama – steps into the spotlight. A businessman with a passion for politics, Senator Reed takes us through his journey, his district representation, and the driving force behind his involvement in politics.  Michelle Roth, Senior Director of Governmental Affairs in Alabama for LSCU, shares her invaluable insights as an advocate for credit unions. Discover how she appreciates the seamless collaboration between both chambers and their commitment to the betterment of Alabamians. 

We shine a spotlight on Mary Ott Wood, an influential leader in the Southeast credit union industry. Ms. Ott Wood serves as the President/CEO of Florida West Coast Credit Union, located in Brandon, Florida.  This year, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates (LSCU & Affiliates) honored Ms. Ott Wood with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award. This esteemed accolade acknowledges her lifelong commitment to the credit union movement, reaching beyond the natural person credit union. 

Get ready for an exciting sneak peek into the future of credit unions in the latest episode of the Common Cents Podcast! The June 2023 edition of Common Cents features a thrilling preview of an upcoming keynote address that will be presented at the 2023 Southeastern Credit Union Conference & Expo on June 14 – 16, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. We sat down with Melina Palmer, Founder and CEO of The Brainy Business and a renowned speaker in the field of behavioral economics.

This episode features U.S. Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) and Grace Newcombe, the Vice President of Federal Advocacy and Communications for the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU). Common Cents Podcast Host Mike Miller sat down with the Congressman and Grace to discuss a range of topics, including his credit union background, his experiences in Washington D.C. so far, credit union priorities, and important legislation being worked on by him and other U.S. House members.    Rep. Collins is a Republican Lawmaker who represents the Jackson, Georgia area in the U.S. House of Representatives. He previously operated a trucking company and served on the board of the Georgia Motor Trucking Association and Associated Credit Union.

Common Cents Host Mike Miller sits down with Sydney Seral, the Vice President of Advocacy for LSCU, and Georgia State Representative Scott Hilton (R-District 48) to discuss the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session, including legislation impacting the financial services industry.  The trio also discusses recent bank failures, dangerous interchange legislation proposed in Georgia, and why it is important for credit unions to get involved in the political and legislative process. 

LSCU Podcast Host Mike Miller sits down with the LSCU Education & Training Team to discuss all the happenings the League has to offer this year. From virtual training to in-person workshops to our annual conference, the Southeast Credit Union Conference & Expo (SCUCE) in Orlando, Florida, LSCU has dozens of educational, training, and networking events planned in 2023.

LSCU Podcast Host Mike Miller sits down with Glen Sarvady, the Managing Principal at 154 Advisors. Glen has more than 25 years of experience in the payments and FinTech industries, as well as experience working with credit unions and using them personally. He writes financial articles for publications like CUNA News and speaks at events around the globe, including the upcoming 2023 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, DC.  If you'd like to be a guest on the Common Cents Podcast, email Mike Miller at mike.miller@lscu.coop. 

In the December 2022 edition, LSCU Podcast Host Mike Miller sits down with Bobbi Grady, the Director of the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation (SECUF), and Carrie Litherland, the Foundation Coordinator. The team discusses how the League and the Foundation worked together to make sure credit unions were prepared for Hurricane Ian and in the aftermath of the storm, what SECUF did to help credit unions, their employees, and volunteers, and why donations are always needed, especially for disaster preparedness and recovery efforts.  There are several ways to support the Foundation. You can donate online or mail in your pledge and check. Visit https://lscu.coop/foundation/support.php for more information. 

In the September edition, LSCU Podcast Host Mike Miller sits down with John McKechnie, Senior Partner at Total Spectrum, and Grace Newcombe, Senior Director of Federal Advocacy and Communications at LSCU. This episode is focused on credit union policies at the federal level, as Mike, John, and Grace talk about issues that credit unions are facing in Washington D.C. right now, how the primary elections are going for credit union supported/endorsed candidates, what the 2022 General Election could look like, and even who could be running for president in 2024. 

LSCU Host Mike Miller sits down with Bill Berg, the Vice President of Compliance Training and Information for the League. The two talk about disaster preparedness and recovery, the 2022 Hurricane Season, and what credit unions need to be doing right now, as major storms are expected to develop in the Atlantic Ocean throughout the rest of Summer and into Fall. Bill has worked for LSCU & Affiliates for more than 30 years and has been through many storms and disasters that have affected credit unions. Throughout his career, Bill helped develop tools and resources to ensure credit unions are prepared and help them recover if a disaster strikes. Bill discusses his “top tips” for credit unions and what he's learned about disaster recovery from personal, hands-on experience.

In the June edition of Common Cents, LSCU Host Mike Miller sits down with the LSCU Advocacy Team to talk about the results of the primary elections in Alabama and Georgia, how the team prepared for the elections and met with candidates beforehand, what to expect during the Florida primaries, and also, the two very cool events the Advocacy Team has planned for the Southeastern Credit Union Conference & Expo (SCUCE), the advocacy luncheon and the silent auction.

In our latest episode, LSCU Host Mike Miller sits down with Alabama State Representative Andy Whitt (R-Harvest). The two discuss the 2022 Alabama Legislative Session, how it went, bills that will affect credit unions, and how credit unions can get more involved in the political process.

LSCU Host Mike Miller sits down with the new President of LSCU, Samantha Beeler. Samantha comes from the Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) where she served as Vice President of Advocacy. During her time there, Samantha was responsible for advocacy, compliance, legal, and member engagement. Before working for the NWCUA, Samantha led communications for a Government Contracts Practice group in the nation's capital. She grew up in Alabama and has lived in Georgia.  Samantha will be based out of the LSCU & Affiliates Birmingham office.

In our latest episode, Common Cents Host Mike Miller sits down with Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta). The two discuss the importance of credit unions in Georgia, legislation currently being considered and how it may affect financial institutions, and much more.

The LSCU represents the interests of Georgia credit unions with state elected officials and lobbies the Georgia General Assembly on issues of industry importance. The following links provide information about current issues and pending legislation as well as additional resources available regarding activity in Georgia. We all know 2020 was a strange and difficult year for lobbying and 2021 was a bit better - but nothing stops the LSCU Advocacy Team!

The LSCU represents the interests of Florida credit unions with state elected officials and lobbies the Florida Legislature on issues of industry importance. On this episode of Common Cents, LSCU Senior Director of Governmental Affairs John Rothell breaks down Florida Session 2021 - the success and what's on tap for next year including what credit unions can be doing now to get ready.  

Shared Cooperative Services is the LSCU & Affiliates subsidiary for shared branching with 83 participating credit unions operating 350 outlets. Shared Cooperative Services is the state network for Alabama and Georgia and is part of the national network, CO-OP Shared Branch. With more than 5,600 Shared Branch locations members will feel right at home when you visit participating credit unions in all 50 states. For easy access to your money wherever you go.

Kevin Usiatynski, CULS Chief Strategy Officer, joins us on Common Cents this week to tell us more about Credit Union Loan Source - which offers credit unions a great option. If your credit union is ready to work with a CUSO that offers a monthly loan participation option for auto loans, CULS is your best bet! Listen to learn more.

Transformative, experiential training established to connect people with the value proposition of credit unions using empathy and purpose. What is the DE Program? The Credit Union Development Education (DE) Program is the signature program of the Foundation. The mission of the DE Program is to help established and emerging leaders within the credit union movement understand and leverage credit unions' unique business model to serve members and communities in new and better ways. Since 1982, over 2,000 credit union advocates from 35 countries have attended the U.S. DE Training to earn their CUDE™ designation. Independent, international DE programs have spun off from the U.S. program. These programs have expanded the global DE alumni network to more than 4,500 individuals worldwide.

We are passionate and experienced designers, developers, artists, writers, videographers, editors, photographers, producers and strategists. Through our individual callings to imagine, discover and do, we bring our talents together to create remarkable results for our clients and unmatched experiences for audiences. Listen to learn what we can do for you!

The Credit Union Women's Leadership Alliance is made up of leaders of the credit union movement who are passionate about sharing ideas, building a diverse, inclusive network and supporting the communities they serve. Small organizations are crucial to the future of the credit union movement. Through bold, open and engaged communication and innovative ideas, we provide a safe space for women CEOs of credit unions with asset sizes of $300 million or less. Listen to learn how you can join.

Credit Union Vendor Management (CUVM) provides dependable and cost-effective vendor management solutions to credit unions across the country. Originally created as a Colorado CUSO in 2008, CUVM was purchased in 2012 by LEVERAGE, Credit Union Solutions Group, and Mountain West Credit Union Association. CUVM's services were expanded at that time to add our full-service option. CUVM specializes exclusively in vendor management and offers unprecedented personal service to all of our clients. We currently serve more than 200 credit unions in 35 states. Learn more here: http://www.cuvm.org/index.php

Tony Moore hits the stage with three fundamental goals in mind: present disruptive ideas that challenge your thinking, share solutions born out of experience, and provide inspiration that moves your audience to action. Tony Moore is a Keynote Speaker, Author, and recovering Human Resource Executive with more than 25 years experience in the C-suite. During this time, he had the privilege of leading the people-side of multiple mergers and organizational turnarounds. Through this experience, he came to recognize culture as the soil in which everything in your organization lives or dies. Tony's successes and failures in these endeavors gave birth to Culture in 4D; his proven method for building a culture of engagement, ownership, and bottom-line performance. Whether you are looking for an opening speaker who can motivate your audience and prepare them for learning, or a closer who can send them home riding high, look no further than Tony Moore.

Think of Common Bond Title as the protector of property rights for real estate loans against property loss or damage due to defects in land title with extensive experience working with credit unions, starting in 1986. Common Bond Title offers: Loan Estimate and Up-Front Document Preparation for closed-end and open-end loans Foreclosure/Modification Searches Title Searches Title Insurance Title Clearance Closing Disclosure Preparation Loan Package Production for all loan types Real Estate Loan Closings Document Monitoring for your recorded mortgages, final title insurance policies and mortgage releases Let Common Bond Title take charge of your back-office details and technicalities with our expertise in managing your real estate lending compliance, title and closing needs.

On this episode of Common Cents, we have guest Melissa Ashley, CEO with Corporate One to tell us more about the newest wave in credit union technology for real-time payments. Payments modernization is the shift to upgrade legacy capabilities in exchange for holistic user experiences that hinge on convenient, immediate, data-rich transactions. This modernization is born, in part, out of the disruption we've seen in payments to more digital, frictionless payment experiences.  Things are changing. Is your credit union ready?

Common Cents gets the details on two special financial programs VyStar uses to help make our communities even stronger. High School Branch Programs Promoting financial education is one of VyStar Credit Union's largest initiatives, and they know how critical it is to begin that education early in life. That is why one of VyStar's greatest philanthropic efforts is to provide local youth with the opportunity to learn financial basics through our High School Credit Union Branch Program. Meeting you where you are in the community The VyStar@Work Program comes at no cost to your organization because they believe individuals who are financially fit will be more productive in their daily lives. VyStar's goal is to add a comprehensive wellness component to your benefits package and conveniently bring the credit union movement directly to the individuals you serve.

The LSCU Young Professionals Group (YPG) is made up of young credit union professionals, 40 years of age and younger, in Alabama, Florida and Georgia working to positively impact the credit union movement and the communities they serve through networking, mentorships, and collective action. The goals of this program are improved industry awareness, increased knowledge exchange and professional development, and strengthening the collaborative spirit of young credit union professionals.

LEVERAGE Rewards is able to tailor a specific rewards program for each credit union to ensure your specific rewards program goals are achieved, because when it comes to rewards, it's not “one size fits all.” With LEVERAGE Rewards, your credit union's rewards program can easily tie in with your LEVERAGE Payment Solutions because LEVERAGE Payment Solutions goal is to deliver all your credit union needs related to debit, credit, chargeback, gift card, rewards, and ATM solutions. “A solid selling point is that LEVERAGE Rewards can be a white label program. This means the cardholders are empowered with the knowledge of exactly who is rewarding them. The card holders will be given a website where they can check and know it's the credit union versus a ‘big box name' rewards site,” explains Lindsey Cole, LEVERAGE's Chief Operating Officer. “Another part of LEVERAGE Rewards is we offer a local merchant gift card programs to help support businesses important to credit unions and their members. This is a great way to deepen small business relationships while supporting local economies. Credit unions are rooted in this kind of support.” LEVERAGE Rewards designs, consults and administers customized loyalty rewards solutions that create profitable portfolio momentum for credit unions. Credit Union Objectives • Drive revenue • Create and retain profitable relationships • Enhance account holder experience • Increase transaction volume • Add value to engage account holders • Segment, motivate and change behavior Rewards Solutions • Customized to the credit union needs. • Comprehensive analytics and reward program reporting • Turn-key implementation and ongoing program support Benefits • Cost-effective rewards program • Cost Per Point (CPP) customized based on the credit unions needs Contact your LEVERAGE Business Development Consultant today to learn more at Consulting@myleverage.com.

Student Loan Refinancing. Strategically connect to graduates at their peak earning years for a potential lifetime of lending and deposit opportunities. Private Student Loans. Build relationships with students and their families by bridging the gap between federal aid and the cost of tuition. How LEVERAGE and Lendkey can help. LendKey helps you build a comprehensive digital lending business and gives you the services, tools and advice to build your consumer brand and maximize your loan portfolio performance. We partner with banks and credit unions to create exceptional consumer loan products and deliver them seamlessly under your brand. Contact consult@myleverage.com for more information.

The Honorable Rodney E. Hood President Donald J. Trump nominated Rodney E. Hood for the NCUA Board in January 2019 with the U.S. Senate confirming him in March 2019 and he was sworn in as the eleventh NCUA Chairman on April 8, 2019 – serving in that position for almost two years. Mr. Hood first service to the board was after he was nominated to the NCUA Board by former President George W. Bush- serving from November 2005 until August 2009. He was appointed Vice Chairman, and he served as the NCUA's representative on the Board of Directors of NeighborWorks America. And Board Member Hood continues to hold a seat with the NCUA Board today. Board Member Hood joins LSCU President Jared Ross to share his perspective of the credit union industry during a massive pandemic. From the LSCU perspective, as a league, we saw a huge pivot by credit unions in the southeast and credit unions stepping up to lead the way and help. President Ross and Board Member Hood also discuss the 2021 NCUA supervisory priorities and innovation & fintech in the credit union system.

Many key legislative priorities for our member credit unions are decided at the state level and it is paramount to make sure credit union-friendly candidates are elected into their respective offices. That is why LSCU worked diligently on Project 2020. Project 2020 is a campaign focused on corporate giving to our state-level PACs including Georgia CUPAC. Unlike individual contributions to CULAC or LSCU FedPAC, these dollars remain in the donor's respective states. In other words, these corporate contributions go solely to state-level legislators and candidates who can have a massive positive influence on the credit union industry. Corporate giving is quick, easy, and the best way to show your credit union's support of holding lawmakers and candidates accountable for their actions. 

Many key legislative priorities for our member credit unions are decided at the state level and it is paramount to make sure credit union-friendly candidates are elected into their respective offices. That is why LSCU worked diligently on Project 2020. Project 2020 is a campaign focused on corporate giving to our state-level PACs including Florida CUPAC. Unlike individual contributions to CULAC or LSCU FedPAC, these dollars remain in the donor's respective states. In other words, these corporate contributions go solely to state-level legislators and candidates who can have a massive positive influence on the credit union industry. Corporate giving is quick, easy, and the best way to show your credit union's support of holding lawmakers and candidates accountable for their actions.

Many key legislative priorities for our member credit unions are decided at the state level and it is paramount to make sure credit union-friendly candidates are elected into their respective offices. That is why LSCU worked diligently on Project 2020. Project 2020 is a campaign focused on corporate giving to our state-level PACs including ACULAC. Unlike individual contributions to CULAC or LSCU FedPAC, these dollars remain in the donor's respective states. In other words, these corporate contributions go solely to state-level legislators and candidates who can have a massive positive influence on the credit union industry. Corporate giving is quick, easy, and the best way to show your credit union's support of holding lawmakers and candidates accountable for their actions.

America's Credit Union Museum, located in Manchester, N.H., honors our shared history, documents today's achievements, helps credit unions prepare for tomorrow's challenges and inspires our industry's collective future. As a salute to the spirit in which credit unions were founded, the museum is housed in the building where America's first credit union was established, America's Credit Union Museum offers a one-of-a-kind interactive experience that brings to life a vision as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. Today, the museum is gathering information on credit unions throughout the nation, asking for origin stories so that they can be included in the rich tapestry of the “people helping people” movement that has made a difference in countless lives. Credit unions in Alabama, Florida and Georgia should share the stories of their beginnings to ensure our states are represented and recognized for the good they do. In its request for submissions, the museum page states, “The story of people helping people is timeless. From our industry's humble roots to the work your credit union is doing today during the current covid-19 crisis; the credit union movement has always been about making a difference. Please help us capture the stories of your organization so it may be included in the museum's database.” Share your story here.

Research indicates most Americans believe healthcare coverage is the most important benefit when it comes to choosing or staying with an employer. That's where LEVERAGE Benefits Group can help. Clean. Simple. Uncomplicated. These three words describe how it feels to be covered by LEVERAGE Benefits Group. This week on Common Cents, The LSCU Podcast, you'll learn more about LEVERAGE Benefits Group and why they are the best choice for credit unions and your staff. You can listen right here.

Empowered by their success with financial literacy in higher education, the team at iGrad is excited to bring financial wellness education to a much wider audience - with Enrich. In launching Enrich, the team has leveraged their collective financial literacy expertise and award-winning platform to offer a product tailored to the unique needs of consumers, as well as the broader marketplace. Enrich is pleased to partner with the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation in partnership with CUNA Mutual Group to offer financial wellness that works for credit union staff who work at credit unions affiliated with the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates.

Credit Union Audit & Compliance Group's (CUACG) team of CPAs and credit union specific certified auditors will provide value beyond expectations. Find the audit or review that's right for you or contact us for more information!

Your vision is our vision. We've worked with hundreds of credit unions and community banks (about 400 of them, in fact). The strategies that guide us are designed around meeting your needs and supporting your goals. Hundreds of credit unions trust Access Softek — we'd love to talk to you about why we're at the edge of Silicon Valley, but in the heart of the credit union community. Interested in learning more about Softek as a partner? REQUEST DEMO Access Softek has been located in Berkeley, California, at the gateway to Silicon Valley, since 1986. Today we have offices in Berkeley, New York City, and Chicago, with Vancouver on the horizon. We're privately owned by founder and CEO Chris Doner. We've never needed venture capital and we like it that way. Being self-sufficient means we can focus on long-term decisions that benefit our customers instead of quarterly shareholder returns. We started out as a custom development shop with a focus on financial software solutions, so we have decades of experience bringing the right custom solution to each client. We've collaborated with dozens of technology partners from Fortune 500 companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Sony to financial services giants like Intuit, H&R Block, and Fiserv. As we turned primarily to fintech, we harnessed our dedication to innovation. We were mobile-first when most people were still learning how to text on their flip-phones. Since then we've helped our customers be first-to-market with dozens of new features like real-time deposits, P2P transfers, mobile lending, and online biometrics. Today, we offer an enterprise suite of cutting-edge software representing the Four Pillars of financial services: mobile banking, online banking, lending, and account opening. LEARN MORE  

Common Cents, The LSCU Podcast debut features Patrick La Pine, Steve Willis and Jared Ross as they recap 2020, the pain and the successes despite a global pandemic. The leaders of LSCU and LEVERAGE also take a look forward to what 2021 holds.