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Listserv Update for April-May, 2005

How to use the Listserv
Post Messages
To post a new message to the CMBDC listserv, address it to cmccouncil@doig.cuna.org, and click "Send." To post a new message to the CMBDC Business Development listserv, address it to cmcbizdev@doig.cuna.org, and click "Send."

Your message will be sent to everyone on the list.


Receive Messages
Depending on the e-mail program you use, listserv messages may come to you addressed from the list name itself, or addressed from an individual subscriber. For example, messages from the CMBDC listserv may come to you addressed "From: cmccouncil@doig.cuna.org," or they may come to you addressed "From: dorothy@mycreditunion.org."

You'll always be able to tell that a message is from a listserv by checking the "Reply To" field in your e-mail message. Remember, once you hit "Reply," your reply goes to every subscriber on the list. This happens regardless of whether you select "Reply to All" or "Reply to Sender" in your e-mail program.


Read Archived Messages
If you're a CMBDC listserv subscriber, you can read and search the archive of listserv messages. This way, you don't need to save copies of the messages on your computer. Follow these steps to view the listserv archive:

Enter the CMBDC listserv or the CMBDC Business Development listserv.
Enter your e-mail address. No password is needed.
Click on "Messages."
Use the "Search" tab button at the top of the screen to query messages by keyword search.


Attachments

To prevent the spread of viruses, the listserv does not accept e-mail attachments of any kind, including signature files or Virtual Business Cards. If you send a message containing an attachment to the listserv, it will be rejected.

If you would like to share a file, submit it to the File Library, a section on the web site where all council members can share documents.

Alternatively, you could also send your file privately to the person who requested it, though if many people are interested, you may find yourself sending numerous e-mails.


For more information about the listserv, please click here.

The Listserv is a centralized list of e-mail addresses that is used for group discussions by members of the Marketing and Business Development Council. Posting a question on the Listserv is a great way to get immediate feedback from other marketing professionals on just about any question. In case you don’t check the Listserv regularly at http://www.cunamarketingcouncil.org/listserv/idx_listserv.html, here are some subjects that have recently appeared and generated considerable discussion.

Shares

I am looking at changing the amount a member needs to open a basic share. Currently the amount a member needs for one share is $50. I feel this is too high and was wondering what other credit unions require for members to open accounts and be a voting member. I have no idea why ours is so high since it has been in place since I came on board nine years ago. Please let me know what your members need to open an account and be "full" members.

Business Development Initiatives

For as long as I can remember, we have always had a business development representative that was a liaison between the credit union and our select employee groups. Their purpose is to schedule appointments at the companies' respective locations, whether for an enrollment session, a benefits fair, or a seminar.

Is there anyone doing something different with their business development initiatives than what is considered typical? I'm looking to change our focus and would appreciate any feedback.

Teen Services

We are developing a package of services for our 13- to 17-year-old members. Our package will include savings, free checking, debit card, Visa card, low balance CD, college planning tools, scholarships, and on-line services. We're also thinking of developing a "first-time auto loan.” Does anyone else offer a first-time auto loan for teenagers? Also, what other services do you offer that aren't listed above?

Focus Groups for Charitable Organizations

A major part of our community marketing goal involves reaching out to charitable organizations in the community. Has anyone gathered a focus group of representatives from these types of organizations? If so, any suggestions on how to proceed? Would anyone be willing to refer a resource that they've used to facilitate the focus group?

Event Gimmicks to Draw Kids

Every September our credit union participates in our town festival. It’s
a combination of crafts, games, food, and businesses. In the past, we've
had a table and given out balloons or offered kids tattooing as a
fundraiser for Children's Miracle Network. This is a well attended event
that every family and student in our township looks forward to every
year. Which means its great exposure and a great opportunity for our
tiny credit union to get out to the community. This year, the festival
is much larger, and we would like our efforts to be as well. We're even
paying to be a major sponsor of the event, so that we can draw even more
interest to our booth. Please share with me any successful gimmicks have you used to draw a crowd or kids.

Indirect Auto Welcome Letter

Some of our new members that we acquired indirectly are not aware that a membership to the credit union came with their auto loan. Currently we are sending a welcome letter with information about the credit union, first payment info, new member packet, and disclosure information. In the past, retention of these members after the car loan is paid has been less then desirable. I would like to know how other CUs address this issue. I am thinking that we need to separate the welcome piece and the "business" communication into two mailings. Please advise!

Core Conversion, MCIF, and CRM

We're presently looking at vendors for a change of our core processing. Due
to the magnitude of the change, I'm being asked to revisit the contract with
our MCIF vendor (Harland) and to look at a CRM software package. I'm trying to find out certain items such as: What MCIF works best with certain vendors (based on your experience), and do they offer a CRM package?

We are approaching Fiserve (GalaxyPlus Credit Union System, Summit Spectrum, XP Systems XP2), Harland (ULTRADATA), Open Solutions
(Complete Credit Union Solution), Share One (New Solutions) and Symitar
(Episys).

Some of these systems offer complete packages. Is it better to have everything under one umbrella? Do you outsource or in-house and what kind of pricing separates the two? I've also heard Harland took over one of the companies (Raddon or Liberty). Is this affecting anybody?

Scholarship Program

We are in the process of revamping our scholarship selection process. Does anyone have a successful selection process in place that you would be willing to share? Right now, our board of directors basically puts the names in a hat and does a random drawing. We would like to start a more thorough process.

Fun Facts

I'm putting together an internal newsletter for my staff. I need some filler
info, so I'm looking for some fun credit union facts or trivia. Problem is,
I'm not finding anything interesting. Anyone know any fun facts or trivia?


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