ATHENS, Ga.–The Southeastern Regional Credit Union School, which requires as a prerequisite for graduation from the three-year program that students work together in small groups to develop white papers offering proposed solutions for various issues, has now released three highly rated white papers.
To be awarded the “Pass with Distinction” recognition, a team must receive a 93 or higher on their white paper. Then the team with the highest of the scores at that threshold are recognized for “Best 3rd Year White Paper Group,” according to SRCUS.
The white papers, which are available to read on the SRCUS website, include:
Examining Relevance
“Credit unions face ongoing challenges in staying relevant as their numbers dwindle each year,” the authors stated. “Under scrutiny from bankers and lawmakers, their growth strategies are questioned, threatening the future of their tax exemption and regulatory environment. Despite these challenges, credit unions continue to grow while upholding their core principle of people helping people.”
The white paper was written by:
- Brad Ballentine, SAFE Federal Credit Union
- Denise Chapman, Kimberly Clark Credit Union
- Mike Gibson, Credit Union of Georgia
- Mindy Maghupoy, The Infirmary Federal Credit Union
- Heather Shafer, Marine Federal Credit Union
An Examination of Serving the Underserved
Serving the Underserved: Understanding How CUs Can Work Toward Financial Inclusion
“This white paper explores the challenges faced by unbanked and underbanked consumers who rely on costly non-mainstream financial services,” the authors said. “It highlights the vital role credit unions play in bridging this financial gap through innovative strategies, alternative financial products, and community partnerships. The paper underscores the importance of financial education and literacy programs and shares success stories of credit unions making a difference through inclusion efforts.”
The white paper was written by:
- Shannon Austin, Oteen VA Federal Credit Union
- Mandy Baibak, SAFE Federal Credit Union
- Caroline Bays, Tennessee Credit Union League
- Chris Foy, Peach State Credit Union
- Wendy James, WinSouth Credit Union
The CFPB & Fees
How CUs Can Navigate the Changing Landscape for Account Fees and Interchange
“This white paper examines the impact of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s initiative to scrutinize and potentially eliminate 'junk fees,' such as insufficient fund (NSF) fees, on the financial services industry,” the authors stated. “With larger financial institutions already removing these fees and smaller ones following, the paper explores the implications of this increased regulatory landscape. It delves into the historical reliance on these fees, now deemed 'junk fees,' and presents alternative strategies for credit unions to increase non-interest income to offset the anticipated losses from traditional fee and interchange income sources.”
The paper was written by:
- Justin Cousins, Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union
- Johanna Gillispie, Go Energy Credit Union
- Julie Irvin, Georgia's Own Credit Union
- Joseph Staff, The Heath & Education Federal Credit Union
- Jenny Webb, SAFE Federal Credit Union