Several great points have been raised by commenters on the blog. So, hang with this a bit as we work through it - OK?. You've still got a little bit of time to study "the problem" before you have to write next year's dues check - right?
Comparing the two trade associations has been a difficult slog though, since the folks at "No Comment CUNA" haven't been very helpful in clarifying their value proposition; and, even NAFCU has grown deathly quiet, after so grandly tossing out that "Welcome State Membership" grenade in Montreal!
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| A dud ?!? |
One kinda has to wonder if NAFCU folks have found out that no one is much interested in accepting their invitation to the "Open House" party?!? Always kind of embarrassing when you throw a party and no one shows up!
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| Please don't tell anybody I joined! |
And, NAFCU sure didn't appear too shy about tooting its own french horn in Quebec in June...
Despite NAFCU's grand ambitions is the...
,
... bloom off the rose already?
No takers, NAFCU? Wassup?
[Maybe everyone was out of town at
CUNA Potshot 2015 in Denver!]
No takers, NAFCU? Wassup?
[Maybe everyone was out of town at
CUNA Potshot 2015 in Denver!]
10 comments:
Jim,
Thanks for the post today. I agree – everyone should be asking questions and thinking about value when choosing a trade association. We’re a “third party vendor,” and due diligence is key.
To answer your question, seven state chartered credit unions have decided to join NAFCU since our announcement. (Not to mention some federal charters. Our focus, as always, will remain on federal issues affecting credit unions.) Scores more have requested applications and more information. Is that a lot? I’ll let others decide for themselves.
You can read more about it here: http://www.cusuitemusings.com/musings-from-the-nafcu-cu/2015/07/markers.html
Now, as for French Horns, I never learned to play. I did spend some time with the trumpet, but that went by the wayside when I had to choose between football and the marching band. But we do have a bell that we ring when NAFCU gets a new member. We understand the commitment a credit union makes when they join, and we celebrate the chance to serve a new shop.
And that bell? It’s been getting a workout lately.
Anthony Demangone, NAFCU
ademangone@nafcu.org
w. 703.842.2278
As you said Jimbo, there is still time before a check has to be written. Perhaps when that time comes the big switch will occur. You have to remember, with the trades one big thing a year is considered a major accomplishment such as CUNA's resurrecting the tax issue every two years or when needed so they can say we stopped it again or NAFCU having a piece of legislation introduced that even they know is headed nowhere. These are your trades, this is your industry where the motto is "pay your dues, sit back and wait and then pay your dues again".
The real issue seems to be neither trade association has a recent track record to run on that supports the dues dollars that they charge credit unions. Both seem to be good for nothing. If you feel you need to be a part of a trade association, you are better off paying less for nothing.
All we care about at our credit union is having a trade keep an eye on (and the pressure on) NCUA which Berger and NAFCU clearly do better, whether directly or via congress. Now for actual passage of bills by congress, both trades stink.
If they both stink, than why do credit union keep paying for them! At least we should pay them what they are worth! Its your member's money.
Dealing with politicians is a necessary evil in credit union-land. And as a guest speaker (former Senator's aide and political lobbyist) at WCMS once said, "Short is hard and long is easy." In other words, the time to develop an trusted advisory relationship with your legislators is NOT just before a vote or discussion on industry-critical items.
So, unless we are all willing to get off our collective butts and begin talking regularly and frequently with our legislators, we will continue to end up paying industry lobbyists to develop these relationships for us.
Would individual credit union CEOs have a BETTER track record than NAFCU or CUNA? Maybe...if they formed into some form of cooperative association that sought to further the best interests of its members...hey, this kinda sounds like the bank vs credit union blog earlier this month...
Anthony,
Twice, once with the post above and another with the announcement Nafcu would accept state charters, you have communicated to credit unions about the change.
In both cases, I'm pretty sure you hbe no idea how smug and seemingly entitled you sound.
You come across, as does Nafcu, as if you've accomplished a lot and have tons of value to offer.
Actually, your audience knows better.
You, Nafcu, Dan, Cuna...you're all part of the problem.
You are not and have no solution.
Y'all are blaming CFPB for the shrinkage of credit union?
Really?
It wouldn't be that, before CFPB, half of credit unions truly were not for profit, cause the lost money?
Here is your and the trade association's problem....
...those that are still members don't want to be but feel like they gotta be.
And even THATS changing!
What in the world have YOU done to try and make the credit union movement stronger, better? At least cuna and nafcu are doing something. Sure, structural changes are needed and other stuff is needed, but personalizing and attacking anthony, cuna, dan and nafcu does nothing. Provide some solutions if you are so all-knowing.
"What has the writer or anyone done to strengthen the movement?"
Why would you care?
We make the "movement" stronger in our own little way making our credit union as viable and competitive for our members as possible.
Your problem as it relates to this is that you seem to be like many, in it for the "movement".
I go to church for that...."movement" stuff.
The "attack" clearly doesn't seem to be personal on any person or institution...it's factual on performance.
The blogger is right. Trade associations are on a 17 year losing streak. Throwing money down a rat hole?
Not our credit union.
We quit the association insanity.
The funds now go to members and staff training.
"DeLing with politicians is a fact of life".
What a terrible life that's proven to be.
Change your life, especially if you're taking advice on anything from a senator's aide...what's that like?
Is it fun and productive?
Ouch.
Also, "we have to get off our collective butts and advocate".
This we love seeing because you don't even know how clearly this sentiment identifies the problem.
We pay trade associations for a decade and a half to fail on our behalf.
Then, when the heat goes up (as it has), it's now OUR fault because WE don't try hard enough.
And now, you want us to recruit our members (who don't give one gram of hoot) about our "movement".
Can you say hubris?
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