The $200 million Pelican State Credit Union in Baton Rouge, La.,has become the first in the country to certify its entire staff asCommunity Development Certified Financial Counselors.

The CDCFC designation was created by grant writers/consultantsCU Strategic Planning, who said that 11 credit unions designated asCommunity Development Financial Institutions are now using theprogram.

The credit union embarked on the effort to help members dealwith the impact of declining credit scores.

The NCBA has endorsed the program and feted Pelican State at areception at the recent GAC in Washington. NCBA President/CEO Michael Beall presented Pelican State President/CEO Jeff Conrad with a plaque andpraised the 33,500-member credit union for its efforts in helpingmembers deal with financial adversity.

“Credit unions need the tools to help them provide a handup – not a hand out – for their members,” Beall said.

“Looking at Pelican State's recent accomplishments with itscertification training through the leadership of Jeff Conrad, webelieve they are a perfect example of how credit unions can helpsupport their members financially, which ultimately will buildwealth in their communities for better lives overall,” he said

Conrad said, “There are so many people in the state of Louisianawho need to get their financial lives back on track. And when theycome to your credit union, your entire staff can be prepared toidentify their needs and help them with the tools that are providedthrough this training and certification.”

Jamie Chase, CEO of CU Strategic Planning in Tacoma, Wash., said, “Jeffrey Conrad'svision to certify the credit union's entire staff sets the bar forother credit unions to follow, allowing members to receiveassistance during every interaction with their credit union thatwill ultimately lead consumers out of predatory debt and buildwealth in their respective communities.”

Jeff Conrad is breaking new ground for credit unions andCDFIs with his visionary approach to community development andmember service. We look forward to seeing his staff make tremendousfinancial changes in their members' lives.”