Many so-called experts have preached about how the press release is dead. Nonsense. When used properly, press releases are incredibly powerful communication pieces that can enhance an organization's brand. Remember to keep the releases informative and timely, and don't be "salesy." Above all, be an educator. That's what editors and your audience crave. Read more in Credit Union Management’s online-only “Inside Marketing” column, below.

Also read the online-only “Facility Solutions” column and an article about building better boards, all in this issue of CUES FYI.

Facility Solutions: Who to Hire?
Many options, local and national, exist when building. What is best?

Better Boards
Book offers readers a proactive guide to preventing conflict in even the toughest boardroom situations

Inside Marketing: Newsworthy
Eight press release ideas that editors crave.

What’s Your Story?

CUES is placing special focus on its members and their personal journeys through the “I am CUES” project. Visit cues.org/iamcues/ today, where you can read member stories and discover how your colleagues became the people they are today. While you’re there, you can also post your own narrative that will inspire others. Check it out today!

Member Benefit Section

10 Steps for Good Testing
One of the primary keys to successful implementation is effective testing. Business-oriented testing can make the difference between success and failure for large or complex projects. CUES and CUES Supplier members can read this article by Bill McFarland, a managing director with Cornerstone Advisors Inc., a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based consulting firm specializing in best practices, strategy and technology advisory services and CUES' partner in CUES Technology Edge.

2009 Treasurer's Report
As credit unions held the line on spending, CUES developed new ways to deliver high quality professional development.

E-mail cues@cues.org for password help.

Review all your member benefits here.

Blog: Inspiration on Tap 24/7 In the March 9 issue of Business Week, Jerry S. Wilson, senior vice president of the Coca-Cola Co., posed the question, “When was the last time you were truly inspired by a leader?” As part of the “I am CUES” campaign, CUES Marketing Specialist Felicia Hudson has been interviewing CUES members who, despite tough times, are trying to remain positive by looking forward to opportunities instead of becoming mired in the negative. They all credit inspiring leaders for their success. And, now they are doing the inspiring, not just for their own institutions but for a financial services industry in turmoil. Read more in this CUES Skybox post.

CUES Annual Buyer’s Guide: Finding the right product, service or supplier to help meet your credit union's needs can be like searching for the right puzzle piece—you know the perfect fit is out there, but where? The vendors listed in the CUES Annual Buyer’s Guide will help you solve your problems, meet your needs and provide better service to your members.

Free Director Tool Kit^™ Offer Ends Soon!
Become a CUES Director Member by March 31, and you’ll receive the Director Tool Kit free with your paid membership dues. This popular resource has a value of $239—act now!

Cool Web Site: Chartbeat.com lets you monitor you site traffic in real time. The site’s dashboard, iPhone app, and e-mail & SMS alerts let you know the minute your traffic spikes, your servers crash, or your page slows to a crawl. There is a 30-day trial and then the site costs $9.95 a month.

Member News:

Recognition: Carrie Benz, SVP/business services and development at $1.3 billion/106,000-member Summit Credit Union, Madison, Wis., has been named one of Greater Madison InBusiness magazine’s 40 Under 40.

Merger: Detroit Edison Credit Union, Plymouth, Mich., and NuUnion Credit Union, Lansing, Mich., received final merger approvals last week to combine the two organizations and create the state’s fourth largest credit union, set to launch April 1. With $1.5 billion in assets, Lake Trust Credit Union, the new name of the combined organization, will rank in the top 1 percent of all credit unions nationwide. The new organization’s combined membership of over 155,000 and 22 branch locations will operate within a 35-county service area stretching across Michigan.

Community Involvement: Through its Share the Love promotion, $74 million/9,200-member Members Advantage Credit Union has donated $3,113 to the Michigan City Salvation Army. The funds included both donations from members and funds pledged by the credit union.

Genisys Credit Union has presented a $32,700 check to Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency for Walk for Warmth. The CU donated an additional $1,250 to OLHSA from the CU’s employee casual jean day fund.

CUES Supplier Member News:

Thirty-nine members of the U.S. Congress have provided their support for the 2010 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run by signing up as Honorary Race Chairs. These legislators represent 22 states and the District of Columbia. The run will be held in the nation's capital on Sunday, April 11. CUES Supplier Member PSCU Financial Services, St. Petersburg, Fla., is the lead corporate sponsor for the run.

CUES Calendar

CEO Institute I
Strategic Planning
April 11-16
University of Pennsylvania
The Wharton School

CUES International Leadership Academy
April 12-15
Graduate School of Business
Florida International University
Miami

CEO Institute II
Organizational Effectiveness
April 25-30
Cornell University
Johnson Graduate School of Management

Webinar: Why Hispanic Members Are Important to Your Strategic Future
April 29
10-11 a.m. Central

CEO Institute III
Strategic Leadership Development
May 2-7
University of VirginiaDarden GraduateSchool of Business Administration

CUES School of Business Lending School I: Business Lending Fundamentals
May 17-21
Hyatt Regency Cambridge
Boston 

School of Risk Management
May 17-18
Hyatt Regency Cambridge, Overlooking Boston
Boston

CUES School of Hot Topics: Addressing the Challenges of Reg E
May 19-20
Hyatt Regency Cambridge
Boston

Check out all the upcoming CUES events.

Join the CUES Community!
Connect with CUES and other CUES members. Join us on LinkedIn and follow us on Facebook or Twitter @TheRealCUES for the latest conference updates and executive education highlights!

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Please do not reply to this newsletter. If you have questions, e-mail theresa@cues.org.

Theresa Witham
Editor
Credit Union Executives Society (CUES)
Direct: 410.585.1656
Main office: 800.252.2664 or 608.271.2664, ext. 5307
theresa@cues.org ; www.cues.org ; www.cumanagement.org
P.O. Box 14167
Madison, WI 53708-0167

CUES introduces its Webinar mini-series with four marketing focused sessions. Each lasts 30 minutes, costs just $30 and is packed full of great tips you can implement immediately. Learn more now!

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