Commentary

The initial predictions that branches would no longer be relevant surfaced around the time ATMs were first deployed in the early 1970s. Despite numerous predictions since then, branches continue to be an essential element of delivery strategy.

Having just returned from NACUSO’s 2011 Annual Conference in Las Vegas, I thought it would be appropriate to share some perspective on current issues and trends that will impact your credit union and its ability to survive and thrive.

While most of us were busy dealing with regulatory assessments and fiats, an unrelenting onslaught of new consumer protections and compliance mandates, our business was changing.

After our print deadline for the May 4 issue in which we ran the May 4 editor's column in Credit Union Times, NCUA Assistant Director of Public Affairs David Small completed gathering up the responses.

For now it seems like members are on Facebook and other credit union people are on Twitter, but don't discount tweets as a growing, vital way for connecting with members going forward.

Taxation fears are once again permeating the thoughts of credit union leaders.