Search
 

Treasures can be Unearthed in Unexpected Places, Matz tells Idaho CUs

COEUR d'ALENE, Idaho-At Idaho Credit Union League's Annual Meeting-"Voyage of Opportunity"-NCUA Board Member Debbie Matz urged the credit union representatives to seek out "hidden treasures" in their communities. "You have an opportunity to get on board and seek out potential members who are hidden from the financial mainstream," Matz told...

By Staff Writer | Updated on May 25, 2004

COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho-At Idaho Credit Union League’s Annual Meeting-”Voyage of Opportunity”-NCUA Board Member Debbie Matz urged the credit union representatives to seek out “hidden treasures” in their communities. “You have an opportunity to get on board and seek out potential members who are hidden from the financial mainstream,” Matz told the 200 credit union officials. “That means charting a course to reach everyone in your field of membership and your communities – especially people who are not being served by other insured financial institutions.” “Hidden treasures are everywhere – they are renters, recent immigrants, small business owners, single mothers and senior citizens,” she said. “Many credit unions in Idaho and around the country are beginning to discover that these `hidden treasures’ can be very rewarding. Credit unions are turning potential members into new, loyal members who expand their credit unions’ diversity, increase loan volume, build assets, and improve their bottom line.” She highlighted the story of Les Bois Federal Credit Union, which opened a branch in the town of Crouch, population 2,000. The credit union offered residents affordable loans, share drafts and business services. Because other financial institutions did not find it cost-effective to operate there, small business owners previously had to drive hours just for financial services. The branch opened 117 new accounts in its first 13 days of operation. Matz also gave the example of East Idaho Credit Union’s efforts to bring in the potential Latino members by hiring bilingual personnel. Idaho credit unions are also partnering with Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services to promote services for first-time homebuyers. By getting involved in these types of activities, Matz said, “You can help them discover that your credit union is a hidden treasure!”

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to CUTimes.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited CUTimes.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical CUTimes.com information including comprehensive product and service provider listings via the Marketplace Directory, CU Careers, resources from industry leaders, webcasts, and breaking news, analysis and more with our informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and CU Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including Law.com and GlobeSt.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

Credit Union Times

Join Credit Union Times

Don’t miss crucial strategic and tactical information necessary to run your institution and better serve your members. Join Credit Union Times now!

  • Free unlimited access to Credit Union Times' trusted and independent team of experts for extensive industry news, conference coverage, people features, statistical analysis, and regulation and technology updates.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and Credit Union Times events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including TreasuryandRisk.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join Credit Union Times

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.