“We will be madeor broken determined simply by how well we address your needs.”

That quote came from CU Times’ Founding Publisher MikeWelch announcing the launch of Credit Union Times magazine on March26, 1990. The announcement titled, “The Why Behind What You’reReading,” accompanied his very first column featuring advice fortrade association leaders, which you can read at the link below.All of his advice remains applicable today — much of it remainsunfollowed by many.

This issue of CU Times that you’re reading today marksthe 25th anniversary of our first publication. Since then manythings have changed but the foundation of credit unions and CUTimes have not. For instance, you’re still asking for andwe’re still writing about how to provide excellent member service,but now it’s via mobile apps and earning trust throughcybersecurity. In 1990, we delivered the news to your burled walnutdesktop every week, and then in 2000 we began delivering it to yourvirtual desktop every day.

Still the information remains fast, accurate and independent,but we’ve added electronic newsletters, webcasts and live eventsfor delivery. And around that, our marketing partners have gainedopportunities to share their messages live, online and inprint.

Mike Welch retired in 2005, and he left behind a legacy that ifyou do the right things, the business will follow. I dare say wehave made it; we certainly haven’t been broken. CU Timesremains far and away the credit union community leader forindependent news and information. That is not to say we’re doneimproving and growing. Through hallway conversations, letters tothe editor and surveys, you have let us know what you want, whenyou want it, and how you want it. And we can only thank you bycontinuing be, as Mike Welch wrote 25 years ago, “Your newspaper(and website, and newsletters, and webcasts, and events,and…).”

ReadMike Welch's original publisher's column in Credit UnionTimes.