Mark Arnold’s Post

Existing as a research organization for the credit union industry over the past 35 years means that Filene has studied many challenging financial environments and provided credit unions guidance and innovations for how to manage levers to drive performance throughout them -- from the collapse of the dot-com bubble in the late 1990s, to the subprime mortgage crisis and U.S. housing bubble burst in the 2000s to the more recent economic effects of the pandemic. Filene's Center of Excellence for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, launched in early 2020 and led by Fellow Quinetta Roberson has been instrumental in guiding credit unions through challenging shifts in organizational culture, and insights on belonging and inclusion that have proven to drive business goals, support team members, and increase firm performance. We now share a new research brief expanding on Filene’s previous report on Employee Resource Groups from the employee perspective. By combining insights from both credit union leaders and employees, we offer practical strategies for enhancing the value and effectiveness of your ERGs through the business of belonging. One key credit union implication from the research is that when ERGs are well-aligned, they not only provide support, community, and professional development opportunities for their members, but they also contribute directly to organizational effectiveness and performance. With support from Rebecca Mitchell, PhD and Caitlin Q. Briggs, the full brief is now available for Filene members at: https://lnkd.in/edt5U-7d #35YearsofFilene

🚀 Get Ahead This Summer! 🌞 Many credit unions are seizing the opportunity to be proactive during the slower summer months. With members and staff on vacation, it’s the perfect time to implement new technology. By doing so, your team can get comfortable and build muscle memory, ensuring you’re ready to tackle the busy holiday season with ease. Watch the video to learn how you can make the most of this summer downtime and set your credit union up for success! #CreditUnions #TechImplementation #SummerStrategy #CUInnovation #HolidayReadiness #CreditUnionLeaders

A new report put together by the National Center for the Middle Market and Wells Fargo Commercial Banking examines the state of Black-owned businesses within the middle market segment. The report details eye-opening key insights regarding the continued hurdles faced by this fast-growing segment. Review Wells Fargo’s key takeaways from “2024 Insights and Perspectives From Black Leaders in the Middle Market.”

A new report put together by the National Center for the Middle Market and Wells Fargo Commercial Banking examines the state of Black-owned businesses within the middle market segment. The report details eye-opening key insights regarding the continued hurdles faced by this fast-growing segment. Review Wells Fargo’s key takeaways from “2024 Insights and Perspectives From Black Leaders in the Middle Market.”

A new report put together by the National Center for the Middle Market and Wells Fargo Commercial Banking examines the state of Black-owned businesses within the middle market segment. The report details eye-opening key insights regarding the continued hurdles faced by this fast-growing segment. Review Wells Fargo’s key takeaways from “2024 Insights and Perspectives From Black Leaders in the Middle Market.”

A new report put together by the National Center for the Middle Market and Wells Fargo Commercial Banking examines the state of Black-owned businesses within the middle market segment. The report details eye-opening key insights regarding the continued hurdles faced by this fast-growing segment. Review Wells Fargo’s key takeaways from “2024 Insights and Perspectives From Black Leaders in the Middle Market.”

A new report put together by the National Center for the Middle Market and Wells Fargo Commercial Banking examines the state of Black-owned businesses within the middle market segment. The report details eye-opening key insights regarding the continued hurdles faced by this fast-growing segment. Review Wells Fargo’s key takeaways from “2024 Insights and Perspectives From Black Leaders in the Middle Market.”

"We are the only full service financial institution in America that is completely free of deposit fees." I had an amazing conversation with Kendall Garrison, President & CEO at Amplify Credit Union, this week on Mind Matters! In our conversation, we explored Kendall's leadership journey, the philosophy behind Amplify's no-fee banking, and the innovative strategies they've embraced to navigate challenges like the pandemic. Check out the full episode for more on Kendall’s innovative strategies and leadership insights! Watch: https://lnkd.in/gPxX7gwU Listen: https://vist.ly/37ixv Key takeaways: Radical Transparency: - Kendall emphasized the importance of open and honest communication within an organization. From providing his personal cell number to setting up an anonymous question portal, Kendall’s approach ensures that every employee feels heard and valued. Fee-Free Banking: - Amplify Credit Union's unique model focuses on wealth creation for its members, eliminating all deposit fees. This customer-centric approach is reshaping how financial services are delivered, ensuring that clients genuinely benefit without hidden costs. Embracing Remote Work: - The pandemic pressed many organizations to adapt, but Amplify took it a step further by fully embracing remote work. Kendall shared how they've managed to keep employee engagement high and support a flexible work environment, benefiting both their team and the organization's objectives. #ceo #finance #business #leadership

Thanks to American Banker for giving me the opportunity to respond more fully to the recent op-ed calling unions “a threat to the banking industry.” Our experience at Beneficial State Bank shows the opposite: worker empowerment is an opportunity not just to improve our business, but to rebuild trust, integrity, and responsibility within a banking sector that sorely needs it. As I wrote in this op-ed: I believe that the banking sector has the potential to be a powerful agent of positive change, despite a checkered history of redlining, poor risk management, and climate complicity. That change starts at home, by recognizing that our greatest asset is our people, and their empowerment is key to our success. What kind of industry do we want to be? One that leaves its own workers behind or one that prioritizes people just as much as profit? To me, the answer is clear — and I hope my peers in the banking sector will agree that this trend of worker organizing is not a threat, but an opportunity for change that can benefit all of us. https://lnkd.in/g_kcj9BY

What is a good credit score? A score of 700 or above is generally considered good. Scores above 750 are considered excellent. How can I check my credit score? You can check your credit score through various services such as annualcreditreport.com, or through financial institutions and credit card companies that offer free credit score monitoring. What factors affect my credit score? Payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, new credit, and types of credit used. www.edhrc.org #EDHRC #HomeOwnership #FinancialEducation #EmpowerCredit #HomeBuyerEducation #FEEDProgram #PrePurchaseCounseling #PostPurchaseCounseling #MortgageCounseling #credit #creditscore #creditrepair #FinancialLiteracy #Workshops #Seminars #CommunityEvents #DetroitMetro