Tom Davis, NACUSO's president, speaks regularly on credit union sustainability through business networks and collaboration. After hearing Tom speak recently, I was a little taken aback when another attendee expressed his disappointment and feeling of sadness after the presentation. When asked why, his response, in paraphrase, was, "In a movement built on collaboration and meeting member needs, it is ironic to hear this presentation and realize it sounds like a fresh approach."

What has happened to the credit union movement? Why are credit unions not sharing best practices with each other? Have the layoffs on Wall Street and the major banks led the industry to bottom line, profit and loss thinking as they hire available bankers to their management teams? Don't get me wrong, we all manage to a P&L. But credit unions shouldn't be doing that at the expense of member service. I stand on my conviction that every former banker joining a credit union should be required to become a Certified Credit Union Development Educator. This will provide the foundation and history many of you understand because of your tenure in the movement.

Are credit unions getting away from the personal contact that built the movement? Jim Blaine, president/CEO of State Employees Credit Union, recently talked about the teller in just about every pocket and purse. It is not your checkbook. It is not your credit or debit card. It is your PDA or cell phone that can and will enable most members to access account information, pay bills, transfer funds, you name it. Is the technology we embrace taking a toll on the value of member interaction? Can you tell me the name of the man or woman at the drive-thru window or on the teller deck?