MADISON, Wis. – Looking ahead 25 years, members of the i3 group, recently hashed out which traits will help credit unions remain viable and sustainable. The i3 group, formed by the Filene Research Institute and the Center for Credit Union Innovation, recently met virtually for the first time. Within the 26-member group, are teams charged with identifying and evaluating financial service innovations that meet member needs; lower costs and increase operational efficiencies; build member loyalty; and meet the special needs of member segments. “We're taking an `Apprentice-like' approach by challenging each team to deliver and showcase a “quick hit” innovation at the September meeting,” said Mark Meyer, facilitator for the kick-off meeting and director of innovation at Filene. “They're looking to turn promising concepts into real service, products, processes or business models.” Among the speakers were Bryan Sims, CEO and founder of brass|MEDIA Inc., which publishes a money magazine for young adults, brass|CU. Sims pushed the group to evaluate if persons aged 18 to 24 are being adequately served by the financial services industry. “What sets this group apart from more traditional ones is the focus on action,” said Doug True of FORUM Credit Union in Indianapolis. “At this first meeting, Filene did a great job at creating the environment and ground rules for how the i3 teams will function,” he adds, “and then they got out of the way” so everyone could get to work. “This group is passionate about the credit union movement, and we want to go beyond creating ideas to implementing tangible results.” Jim Miles of MidFirst Credit Union in Franklin, Ohio said “the bar has been set at a very high level.” “Filene couldn't have orchestrated the meeting better,” Miles said. “With the i3 group “getting off to a strong start,” he sees strength in the focus on breakthrough and “can-do” ideas. The first i3 meeting began “with us identifying the characteristics of credit unions 25 years from now – what will make them viable, sustainable,” said Laida Garcia of Florida Central Credit Union in Tampa. “With such a well-rounded and motivated group, the ideas were flowing.” Members of i3 will continue to meet virtually via phone or video conferencing with the entire group reconvening for a face-to-face meeting September 23 – 25 in Washington.