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credit union news grant weilandToday, we've got a guest blog post from our friends over at Credit Union ResourcesGrant Weiland, a member of CUR's sales team, shares why he thinks credit unions should invest in people.

As I visit credit unions around the Cornerstone League, training in several states, I see that this industry understands the business of hiring great people. The opportunities that I’ve been given over the past two years speak volumes about the importance of investing in training. Not only are the employees well-equipped with the knowledge they need to be an asset to their credit union, they also ensure that each member understands their importance in the credit union movement.

The hospitality that has been shown to me the past couple of years goes to show how the dedicated people in this business are truly its biggest asset. Now is the time to take advantage of the great training opportunities that this industry has to offer your credit union as we face critical times.

credit union newsOne of these examples is the Credit Union Development Education (CUDE) program, offered by the National Credit Union Foundation. Many of you may not have heard of this program as it is not widely talked about. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to be a part of it in May of 2013, right before the consolidation of the three leagues.

This program was described to me as the “passion” of the credit union movement, and there could not be a better word that encompasses the idea of this program. While I was there, I learned how the credit union movement was started, I was informed of the regulations and laws that credit unions face, as well as the philosophies that ground the movement. I also formed lasting relationships with people that share the same ideals.

The program is offered twice a year, in Madison, Wisconsin, and lasts for one week. There are roughly forty participants in each class, with mentors that help facilitate the materials. When the week starts, you really don’t know what to expect, having only heard bits and pieces of the information being covered. However, by the end of the week, you come away ignited to hit the streets and tell everyone about the benefits of the program.

This program has changed not only my career, but the way that I approach every day in my position at CU Resources. I believe it when I hear people say that their colleagues/mentors in the movement have changed their lives and have given them opportunities that they have never been given before. By spreading the word about the great trainings that this industry has to offer, we can get a head start on changing the lives of the members and the great people we choose to employ in our credit unions.

Under the founding principle of cooperatives:

Cooperatives provide education and training for members, elected representatives, managers and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of the cooperative.

Credit unions place particular importance on educational opportunities for their volunteer directors, and financial education for their members and the public, especially the nation's youth. Credit unions also recognize the importance of ensuring the general public and policy makers are informed about the nature, structure and benefits of cooperatives.

Invest in your people and they will give you everything that they have and more.

“Employees are a company's greatest asset — they're your competitive advantage. You want to attract and retain the best; provide them with encouragement, stimulus, and make them feel that they are an integral part of the company's mission.”  

— Anne M. Mulcahy

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