Go tell it on the mountain

How to talk up credit unions so more people buy in—and benefit.

by: Heidi Overman

The most viable financial model in America today is the cooperative credit union system. So why isn’t the good news of credit union philosophy resonating with American consumers? How can your credit union best trumpet its story—and in doing so, boost credit unions as a movement?

Alix Patterson’s preconference workshop before the opening of Directors Conference in December will help participants answer these questions. An expert with data and the use of storytelling, Patterson is chief operating officer of Callahan and Associates, Washington, D.C.

Think about it. The credit union movement stands out because it operates solely to serve its members. There are no shareholders pushing for higher returns at the expense of patrons. The board of directors is composed of members. The institution’s products and services are chosen because they benefit the members. And members are not just members; they’re also owners, each one having one vote in the cooperative.They’re a great option for consumers.

continue reading »