The Credit Union Connection’s Post

From my Letter from the Editor in the February issue of CUES CU Management magazine: Just one reason I love #creditunions, despite some backlash over #DEI elsewhere, credit unions (mostly) understand the benefits and remain committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility. https://lnkd.in/e-6MZZ2Z

Diversity means a wide range of human qualities and attributes. Learn about the New York State Board of Regents Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policy statement, framework, and call to action: https://bit.ly/3rf1WuE

CMBF President Meredith Shoop shares the truths behind diversity, equity, and inclusion in the legal profession. From pay disparities to workplace exclusion, the challenges are real. Dive into this article to discover actionable steps for change and unlock the secrets to a more equitable future. https://lnkd.in/erKKNYFR

Verity Credit Union April Recap  🎉 Aw, April! It may have seemed quiet but it was certainly a full month! Take a look at our quick, monthly recap: 🧡 This month was filled with an abundance of meaningful observations as we celebrated Diversity Month. At Verity, we firmly believe in honoring and celebrating the unique qualities that define each of us. Diversity isn't merely an acknowledgment for us; it's a cherished value that we honor every single day.  🧡 Have you checked out our Employee Spotlights? It's a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on our Verity employees, giving you the chance to get to know them better. Go back and review! 🧡 We're sure you didn't miss Tax Day on April 15! But if it did, don't hesitate to connect with a financial advisor for guidance on filing late! 🧡 And we can't forget about Earth Day. Verity’s commitment to socially responsible banking includes making choices that have a positive impact on our #environment year-round. Be sure to follow our social media accounts to stay tuned for what May has to offer! Verity Credit Union | Your Future. Your Partner. 🧡 #VerityCreditUnion #CashlessConvenience #SecureTransactions  Financial Times Seattle Business magazine City of Seattle Seattle University SCORE Greater Seattle Credit Union National Association ForbesBLK

Download this new white paper to explore how credit unions are adapting their engagement efforts, including ways to clarify and strengthen your mission, vision & values, align culture and messaging in the organization, and more! https://ow.ly/wz6R50QhSUE #HRODcouncil #creditunions

Some thoughts as I make my annual pilgrimage to the America's Credit Unions Governmental Affairs Conference…. 1. A very smart CEO told me last week, “I am not in an asset arms race.” It made my day, my week, my month. Hyper growth comes at a price. And many of those that adopted the “growth at all costs” mentality in the last cycle are paying for it right now. A smarter, nimble, dynamic, data-driven and member responsive credit union should be the real goal. 2. The American Time Use Survey tells us that Americans have never spent so much time alone (and rising sharply across every observed demographic). If the credit union movement is about community and “people helping people,” we must do a better job of providing some of the social infrastructure that is missing in the lives of so many of our neighbors. 3. With M&A heating up, does a casual chat between two CEOs in the convention center hallway take on more meaning than in past years? 4. As much as I love the Morton’s roof deck, it will take me a full week to get over the smell of my annual cigar. 5. Last, but most importantly, this conference is a terrific opportunity to see many of the people that we work with all year. Looking forward to it. Let’s go! #creditunion #creditunions #oldenlane #creditunionsrock #GAC2024

Diversity, equity and inclusion have become politicized. How do we address injustices while maintaining a commitment to fairness? Eric McGriff outlines nine critical focus areas for equipment finance. Following the death of George Floyd in May 2020, there has been a heightened focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). That tragic event sparked a global movement against racial injustice, prompting organizations and communities to reevaluate their commitment to equality. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eyey3gT8 36th Street Capital Partners LLC #monitor #topstories #digitaledition #equipmentfinance #dei #criticalfocus

Diversity, equity and inclusion have become politicized. How do we address injustices while maintaining a commitment to fairness? Eric McGriff outlines nine critical focus areas for equipment finance. Following the death of George Floyd in May 2020, there has been a heightened focus on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). That tragic event sparked a global movement against racial injustice, prompting organizations and communities to reevaluate their commitment to equality. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eyey3gT8 36th Street Capital Partners LLC #monitor #topstories #digitaledition #equipmentfinance #dei #criticalfocus

Bridging the Capital Gap for #Midsize Black Women-Led Companies #Middlemarketfirms represent less than 1% of all businesses in the U.S. and employ about one-third of all workers. However, these companies often face challenges when seeking capital for growth or acquisitions compared to larger companies, according to Richard B. Price, writing in Harvard Business Review. The hurdles faced by these midsize companies include the lack of access to traditional financing options and the high fees charged by investment banks. This is especially true for those led by Black women who face persistent systemic barriers, as I’ve written about. These firms often face additional challenges related to undercapitalization, limited access to financing, and unconscious biases, making it even more crucial to bridge the gap between capital providers and these businesses. Price and I each highlight promising solutions that address needs, especially diverse-led middle-market firms.  To learn more about the capital challenges and opportunities in the middle market, and the unique barriers faced by Black women-led firms, check out my article and Prices’. A link to his article is in the comments. National Center for the Middle Market, Wells Fargo, Ruth Jacks, Gabriel Boehmer, Matt Hurwitz, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), Angela Dingle, Praxis Labs, Elise Smith, The 22 Fund, Tracy Gray 

Black businesses can't close the wealth gap alone. I just read an article about how black businesses can close the wealth gap but here's the problem: Believing Black businesses can close the wealth gap without capital is a setup for failure. Without capital, Black businesses remain trapped in a cycle that perpetuates the wealth gap. How can we change this? Push for equitable investment policies Demand fair access to capital Mobilize for Black venture capital Buy Black, build wealth Why expect Black businesses to fix a wealth gap they didn't create? https://lnkd.in/eEbeXwJV #funding #wealthgap #capital #investors