Need To Be 'Vibrant': The Post-Durbin Dilemma

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.-Figuring out how to make money in a "post-Durbin environment" and demonstrating they remain "vibrant" should be at the top of most credit union's strategic planning lists, according to CO-OP Financial Services.

How To Avoid Having No Plan At All

MADISON, Wis.-Uncertainties about the future has led some credit union planning sessions to result in no plan at all, observed Fred Johnson.

Stop Reacting and Start Planning

DES MOINES, Iowa-It's time for transformational-not incremental-change, and that will be the biggest issue facing credit unions during their strategic planning sessions, according to The Members Group.

Dusting Off The Mission Statement

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-According to Dan Clark, strategic planning is visionary, while long-range planning is more short-sighted, addressing challenges faced in the coming years. Credit unions tend to do more of the latter, he said.

Remove From Taboo List: Merger Talk

OLYMPIA, Wash.-During planning sessions, it's no longer taboo to discuss the possibility of merging into another credit union, according to one veteran of the process.

'Batch Process' Planning Won't Cut It

PLEASANTON, Calif.-Strategic planning is no longer a once-a-year meeting at an off-site location.

Planning Through The Year 2025

WASHINGTON-A huge, long-term planning issue facing credit unions is how to make up for a lack of strong loan demand over the next 15 years.

Corporate Conundrum: One Issue in Every Plan

DALLAS-One topic making the agenda at strategic planning sessions among CUs in the Southwestern U.S. has been looking to alternatives to corporate CUs for various services.

The Long Look: Thinking 20 Years Out

CINCINNATI-When it comes to planning for facilities, DEI says more credit unions are looking out well beyond 10 years.

One Thing You Can Bank On

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-Planning to take advantage of banks' poor consumer image will be even more critical in 2011, according to PSCU Financial Services.

Cost-Effective Cross Sales

ATLANTA-Cross selling to build deeper member relationships was an important goal during 2009 planning sessions. Now for 2010 strategy meetings, it is imperative.

Outsourcing Not Just For The Little Guys

SAN DIEGO-Strategies that include outsourcing data processing are no longer limited to small credit union planning sessions.

Younger Members = Growth + Cost Cutting

BROOKFIELD, Wis.-Dave Selina questions whether credit unions are connecting their need to serve a younger market with their desire to also reduce expenses.

Step Back, Then Forward: Caution Over Short-Term Thinking

ARLINGTON, Va.-In planning for 2011, credit unions must pay more attention to the shifting financial business model as opposed to getting hung up on all the threats to revenue.

Too Much, Too Late: Planning Stymied by Unknown Regs

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Nothing is likely higher on CUs' strategic planning lists than financial reform. Unfortunately, upcoming planning sessions may arrive too soon to effectively address the matter, according to one person.