What type of impact does credit union advocacy make? How important is it to the success of credit unions? Mark and Samantha Beeler of LSCU talk about everything that goes on at our trade associations outside of the conferences we attend. Also, what is the future of trade associations for credit unions?

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:25] Mark provides information about the services of MBFS and how he began his position at a credit union
• [2:32] Samantha shares her background, what brought her to her current position and an overview of the LSCU
• [5:59] Samantha discusses how LSCU is an advocate for credit unions and how they lobby lawmakers about what credit unions are doing in their communities
• [8:30] Discussion surrounding the familiarity of senators and members of Congress with the credit union space and how to take that sentiment and turn it into policy, and the differences between the accessibility of state and federal officials
• [13:10] Discussion of topics the LSCU is currently fighting for
• [17:28] Discussion of why LSCU is thriving and ways for Credit Unions to benefit from the LSCU without attending a conference
• [23:43] Samantha talks about becoming a partner with the National Trade Association

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• LSCU represents the credit unions in Florida, Georgia and Alabama
• The Foundation is well known in the region because it helps with disaster response and professional development. The LSCU assists credit unions through a for-profit solution, advocacy or foundation solution
• LSCU is rolling out a program called Communities over a Connect platform, a free way for credit unions to gather

RESOURCE LINKS

Mark Ritter Website

Mark Ritter LinkedIn

Samantha Beeler - LinkedIn

Samantha Beeler - Newsletter

BIOGRAPHY: 

Samantha Beeler is the President of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU), the trade association for Georgia, Florida, and Alabama credit unions. She began her credit union journey at the Northwest Credit Union Association before transitioning to LSCU as its leader.