2 minutes
From the editor
If Santa visited your credit union, what would you ask for? Is something high-tech on your list? If so, you’re not alone. 2018 could be a big year for technology investment.
From cybersecurity to disaster recovery, fraud prevention, business intelligence and compliance, just about every area of the credit union runs smoother with the right technology. But, unfortunately, budgets aren’t infinite. “It’s a real challenge to set priorities,” says Brad Smith, managing director of technology at Cornerstone Advisors, a CUES Supplier member and strategic partner based in Scottsdale, Ariz. Read more in our cover story, “Spending Wisely”.
Is developing a Snapchat presence on any of your wish lists? I’m part of a group chat with some of my relatives, but I’ve never once “snapped.” I do occasionally open the app to see what my family members are up to, but I must admit I’m fairly mystified about what to do next. There may be hope for those of us in the older demographic who don’t yet get it, as a redesign is on its way. In the meantime, the platform is hugely popular with 16- to 24-year-olds, which is why some credit unions are adding Snapchat to their social media strategy: They want to connect with their younger members.
“We’re the official credit union sponsor of the University of Texas at Arlington Athletics,” says CUES member Shelley Carlson, VP/marketing for $1 billion Texas Trust Credit Union, Arlington, in “Marking in a Flash.” “Snapchat has been key in connecting with this younger, student audience. It’s playful and fun. It gets the students involved. They’re rewarded by the nature of the channel, its authenticity and immediate gratification.” Read more about using Snapchat and Instagram.
I’m more comfortable on LinkedIn. (Please connect with me there!) In fact, one of my top posts was a recent confession that I was getting teary while editing the article about Geoff Bullock for this issue. The CUES member and financial education specialist at $1.1 billion Firefly Credit Union in Burnsville, Minn., was named the 2017 CUES Next Top Credit Union Exec in October at CEO/Executive Team Network™ for his adoption loan idea. “When we were adopting our second daughter, we were told it would cost $35,000. I remember the feeling in the pit of my stomach and the fear of ‘How are we going to afford this?’” he shares in “Bridging the Gap to Adoption.” Read and be inspired!
I wish you all a wonderful and peaceful holiday season.
Theresa Witham
Managing Editor/Publisher
