30 Under 30 Group Expects Flood of Interest as Application Process Opens

MADISON, Wis. – The lack of awareness of credit unions by young people is the target of the latest initiative from the Filene Research Institute–known as the “30 Under 30” Group. George Hofheimer, chief research officer for the Institute, told the Credit Union Journal the new venture will be similar in format to Filene’s “i3” Group, except 30 Under 30 will be limited to a one-year term. “The main concern is: how to make credit unions relevant to young adults,” said Hofheimer. “Not so much from the consumer perspective, but for employment. How can we make credit unions an employer of choice? Also, how to get more young people on credit union boards?” Thursday, Filene began collecting applications online from people under 30 years of age who are employed at credit unions. Applications will be taken at 1. www.filene.org through Oct. 15, and Hofheimer said Filene expects to make the selections soon thereafter. The first task for the selected 30 will be a series of virtual meetings, online collaboration and idea sharing. The first in-person meeting will take place next spring at a time and place to be determined. The final meeting is slated for November 2008, when the group’s ideas will be unveiled in a format similar to a venture capital presentation.