Local Chambers of Commerce are the best bet to increase member business lending and the $396 million Generations Federal Credit Union in Texas is launching an active campaign this year including hosting one of the key “How 2” sessions this week in north San Antonio, the credit union said.

The sessions include breakfast and time for networking and are designed to provide local small-business owners with tools, information and resources to expand their operations. Social media, leadership and lending with a link to credit union offerings are all covered by internal and outside speakers.

“These Chamber partnerships are a great way for Generations to network with small businesses and let them know that Generations is here to be their financial advocate,” said Tim Haegelin, president/CEO.

The series, averaging one a quarter at Chambers across metro San Antonio plus various event sponsorships, are aimed at developing small business relationships “at a time when other financial institutions are not,” said Haegelin.

Generations' goal, he said, is to let small business leaders know that the San Antonio credit union will have the services ready to help make their operations a success, he said.

Having moved up to title sponsors of the “How 2 series” Generations executives at each session first talk about products and services followed by speakers drawn from accounting, legal and marketing and operations areas.

Ashley Harris, director of corporate communications, said Generations has often found the Chamber meetings are an excellent source for lead generation.

“Too often when people think Chamber events, they simply think about the networking coffees or cocktail hours that are attended by the same people over and over again,” said Harris. “But Chamber events such as the How 2 Series, that are very targeted and strategic, are well attended, and more importantly, they are attended by individuals who are right within our target market and are making important business decisions.”

Generations recently served as co-sponsor of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Small Business Expo, an event well attended by small business owners, Harris said.

Harris, a director of the Texas Credit Union League's Alamo Chapter, said she often invites

 Chamber presidents to speak at monthly events.

“It's just a great way to get top of mind awareness in front of an organization that can be a very valuable business partner,” said Harris.