California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues launch REACH Innovation Group

(October 21, 2014) -- The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues are looking for 16 credit union leaders to join the 2015 REACH Innovation Group. Launching in coordination with the Filene Research Institute, the REACH Innovation Group will foster the development of new ideas and innovations for credit unions. Applications are due Dec. 31, 2014.

“Now is the time for credit unions to collaborate and innovate,” said Larry Palochik, Leagues’ senior vice president of Member Solutions. “There has never been a better time to be a credit union and the formation of the REACH Innovation Group will create a framework for growing innovation for California and Nevada credit unions. We also see this as a significant developmental opportunity for the next generation of credit union leaders.”

Modeled after Filene’s i3 (Ideas, Innovation, Implementation) program<http://filene.org/community/i3>, the REACH Innovation Group leverages the Filene Method innovation curriculum to bring an innovation competency to California and Nevada credit unions. With coaching from Filene and the Leagues, participants will create, test and implement financial products, services and business model ideas. Participants will present their ideas at the 2015 REACH conference.

“The ‘Great Recession’ has created a significant market opportunity for credit unions. Consumers are looking to do business with organizations that are transparent, locally focused and that aim to help improve their financial situation,” said Tansley Stearns, chief impact officer at Filene. “Credit unions that expand their innovation capabilities to even more effectively serve their members will be poised to leverage this unique moment in time. We’re thrilled to engage with the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues to identify the next generation of credit union innovators and help them build new ideas and solutions for the benefit of consumers in both California and Nevada.”

Candidates must have demonstrated leadership, passion and a collaborative spirit to be considered. Only 16 candidates will be selected to participate.

Applications will be available on the Leagues’ website by Oct. 31. They will be accepted until Dec. 31, 2014, with interviews and selections to take place by Jan. 31, 2015.

About the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues: With headquarters in Ontario, CA, the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues is the trade association representing the interests of more than 300 credit unions in California and Nevada, and their 10 million members. For more information, go to www.ccul.org<http://www.ccul.org>.

About Filene: Filene Research Institute is an independent, consumer finance think and do tank<http://www.filene.org> dedicated to scientific and thoughtful analysis about issues affecting the future of credit unions, retail banking and cooperative finance. Filene is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Nearly 1,000 members make the nonprofit’s research, innovation and impact programs possible.