The end of the year is a time for giving thanks for the many opportunities and lessons of the past. So while we're (turkey) sandwiched in between Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanza, it's time to take stock of all the things for which to be grateful.

We can all be grateful so many amazing credit union leaders exist to include in CU Times' Final Four program. We started out with 64, and believe me, it was difficult for us to whittle down to only that many. We let the readers take it from there with online voting. Following who makes it to the next round has been fun, although everyone on that original list – and many others – are all winners. It's been interesting to observe who lobbies for themselves or a colleague, who's sharing on social media and who emails us privately about this pick or that. Participation in this program has far exceeded my expectations, which makes me grateful for our loyal audience. I'm also grateful to Executive Editor Heather Anderson for talking me into it, and particularly Social Media Director/Senior Reporter Myriam DiGiovanni for plowing through all the complications.

I'm grateful credit unions are being thoughtful about members' money when it comes to credit union trade association dues spending. CU Times surveyed readers online, asking, “What do you think about CUNA's decision to rewrite its membership bylaws?” Nearly half (48.5%) responded, “It sounds promising but if the board votes it down again, it could backfire.” Very, very true, but I am grateful CUNA is studying its structure again. Another 31.8% said, “It's a good sign CUNA is listening to its members.” So is the second time the charm? Not necessarily for all: 17.7% responded, “It's a mistake. CUNA should keep dual membership.” A few of the “other” responses asked whether projections were performed on the budget impact of discontinuing dual membership, while another said it's “too little, too late.” Another asked, “Who cares what they do anymore?” Regardless of how you feel about CUNA's handling of its structure and the membership task force report, everyone should care what happens. The ramifications could be immeasurable on the entire credit union community, CUNA member or not.

During my first speaking opportunity when I became editor in 2007, I was asked by MACUMA to talk about Navy Federal leaving CUNA and the Virginia Credit Union League because a contract lobbyist the state association had hired also lobbied for the payday lending industry. At the time, CEO Cutler Dawson asserted it created confusion, and inadvertently associated credit unions with payday lenders. (Nothing too heavy for my first time out, right?) During that speech, I advocated that credit unions must perform due diligence on their trade associations, much like they do on the various third parties with which they do business. After years of hearing the rumblings of discontent, I'm grateful to finally see CUNA member credit unions and the leagues pursuing constructive change.

I'm grateful for all of the people in credit unions and elsewhere looking out for consumers' best interests. Nearly 69% of credit unions have already completed their EMV conversion or are very close to it, according to a CU Times-CSCU survey. Keeping member data safe is good for me, my community, the credit union community and an entire world full of honest people. In this same vein, I'm grateful for those who are righting wrongs for credit union members everywhere, including (Hail to the) Redskins Defensive Lineman Dave Butz, who is alleging Scott Credit Union made unauthorized loans in his name. And, although member satisfaction is at a five-year low, credit unions' score is still well above big banks' score. As rates go up – and it's suspected the fed will take action in December – credit unions should be able to squeak out a little more income to reinvest into member service. The American Consumer Satisfaction Index blamed much of the malcontent on cost cutting and fees – not only at credit unions, but across the entire financial services sector.

Finally, I'm grateful for the New Year. It's a time to reflect on how to apply the lessons learned – and some were very, very hard-learned – into the future. I'm grateful to those who never stop learning and growing to ensure a strong credit union community in perpetuity.

Instant Insights /

10 Garnishes of Credit Union Industry Gratitude

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