BankThink

Information security awareness is something that is so prevalent in today's society that scarcely a day goes by without hearing about a new virus, a computer intrusion, or some other risk to our networks and our member's data. Because of this, and increasing regulatory scrutiny, virtually everyone has taken steps to protect their networks and data. Complex passwords have been put into place, firewalls, intrusion prevention and detection, anti-virus software and scanning, multifactor authentication and more.

After thinking about it for a moment I was not surprised to read in Frank J. Diekmann's column about our Apex, N.C. membership in his Oct. 2nd piece, "What Do Consumers Want? What's Ahead? Google Knows" and find that we are "googling" for "credit card debt" quite a bit! In fact, I'll bet folks in Apex tend to "google" for everything a bit more than the average community. Still, it is real nice to know that we are on the map for something (anything!) other than the huge fire we experienced last month.

Congratulations on the thought-provoking article in the Nov. 6 edition entitled, "Member Rights & Credit Union Democracy." Among the many important issues covered by your reporter and those individuals she interviewed, it was particularly illuminating to read former NCUA Chairman Dennis Dollar's concerns about the standard FCU bylaws such as, "I personally believe the viability of the federal credit union charter would be greatly enhanced by such flexibility being granted in the bylaw area, and I foresee NCUA eventually recognizing that it cannot prescribe strict standardized bylaws to practically every federal credit union and then not becoming a police force to enforce them."

Two of your credit union members just applied for home financing-at the bank down the street. They've been members for five years, feel perfectly at home with the convenience of your online checking account transactions, recently signed up for a safe deposit box, and stopped in last week to discuss a new car loan. But when they found their ideal home and needed financing, where did this young couple turn?

We all like to tidy up the unpleasantries of history. The further we get away from an event, the neater (not to mention shorter) we like to make it. Above all else, when we look back upon the opposing views throughout history we never fail to assume we would have sided with the forces of good and that we would have fought to defend those ideals.

"Taking a good, hard look at yourself" is a common cliche, but as another cliche so accurately notes, "it's easier said than done."

Member: Hello, I need to add an additional name to my credit card account. My son's going off to college, and I would like to have a credit card in his name that is attached to my account-you know-for 'emergencies only.'

This is the first in a series of articles that will describe how you can use data and analytics to improve your marketing success. What will be described is not a quick-hit solution, but a discipline that successful companies have learned to employ that creates the opportunity for continuous improvement of their business. This is not the next best marketing list, but a process to put your credit union on the road to success!

Frank Diekmann hit the nail on the head with his Oct. 23 editorial, especially when we see our economy going through some major adjustments. With outsourcing of business and jobs to other countries I believe we'll see an increase in the lower- and moderate-income households. In Detroit people are losing their jobs at a pace I've never seen before.

When you open your mailbox each day, how many credit card solicitations do you find? Chances are most days you get at least one-and so do your members. That's why it's vitally important that your members also receive mailings from you, reminding them that their credit union's card is the best deal around and that your card has the flexibility and features they want.