I'm going to be a C.U.D.E.

 



It sounds a lot like "dude", but means social responsibility to me. I can't contain my excitement. I'm going to be one.

Being a CUDE is about gaining contemporary perspective on how a cooperative business model of social responsibility, volunteerism and community development makes the world a better place. In my mind,CUDEs are the protectors of the credit union movement and uphold the international operating principles.

"Those who have graduated from DE Training are some of the credit union movement's best and brightest around the world," said Mike Beall, president of the Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association

Currently, there are about 350 CUDEs active in the credit union movement among the 700 who earned the designation since the DE Program was launched in 1982. Of the 202 active CUDEs from individual credit unions, 101 are CEOs, vice presidents, or board members. Another 102 CUDEs represent state and national credit union support organizations.

I feel humbled and honored. Thank you Tom Decker!

Random Acts of Easy

This video is a sneak peak of JayRay’s most recent consulting work for credit unions. I’m calling the marketing approach, “Be the Difference.” The video demonstrates what credit unions can do to get back to our roots-before spending member money on advertising. Be the difference. Then market the difference. I look forward to consulting to credit unions and speaking at credit union conventions about this topic later this year. The video is more of a story than advertisement. As a busy mom, I love it when Dylan (my eight-year-old son) does the little things that make me feel loved. It really makes a difference in my day when he brings me a cup of coffee in the morning. (Note: Dylan makes a special appearance in the video.) This story is about the random acts of easy, those little things that make all of us, but especially women (the primary financial institution consumer) feel good. This credit union is actually doing all of these things. The marketing roll-out is secondary. If your money is on referrals and skyrocketing member service ratings from exceeding expectations, we should hit Vegas together.

Governor Signs Financial Literacy Bill

This is a great moment for the children of Washington state, including my son Dylan. Thanks to Jump$tart Washington and Washington's credit unions they are one step closer to having financial education in their classrooms.

Personally, this is my first bill signing for legislation I was included in as an active participant instead of a background supporter. My dear friend and mentor Stacy Augustine, Sr. Vice President of the Washington Credit Union League (right of Gov. Gregoire) is the most determined advocate and lobbyist for financial literacy legislation in Washington state. She was recently named the Washington State Association of Executives, Executive of the Year. Cathy Broroson, (left of Governor and me) joined us from Kitsap Credit Union. Cathy is a national leader in the effort to educate credit union leaders about educating young people.

It is an honor to work with these remarkable people on an issue critical to the prosperity of our children and the next generation of Americans. I'm very thankful that my employer JayRay. The president of JayRay, Kurt Jacobson even joined us in Olympia on Jump$tart Washington's first annual legislative day.

Easter on the Beach

This is our (Dylan's and my) family tradition. It was another great year. We were joined by friends from Portland.

Jon and Jess at the Point

This was taken during a relaxing afternoon motorcycle ride through Point Defiance Park with Jon and Jess.