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YOUR WEEKLY UPDATE FROM MONTANA'S CREDIT UNIONS | May 8, 2020
The first full week of Phase One of our re-opening in Montana is behind us, and it's been (again) a busy one. While there are lots of things brewing, this issue doesn't have a ton of specifics about regulatory or congressional action. Instead, it's filled with lotS of resources  — webinars, trainings, and articles — to help you and your staff stay up-to-date and informed. If there's anything we here at MCU can do for you, make sure you let us know .
NEWS & INFO YOU CAN USE
CDFI BILL
I’m proud to report that Senator Tester led a bipartisan effort to encourage other senators to appropriate $1billion for the CDFI Fund in the next round of COVID-19 funding; I’m also proud to report that Senator Daines signed on. Great news that both Montana senators are supporting this important effort!
RE-OPENING IN MONTANA
As you know, Montana is now in a gradual and phased state re-opening. The Montana Disaster Emergency Services Facebook page is providing graphics with some of the most common FAQs they are getting from individuals and businesses (including this one about out-of-state travel). You can see Governor Bullock's full Directive and FAQ at COVID19.mt.gov .
Does spending more time at home mean you're spending too much online? Our blog has some tips to help you and your budget.
We've had to reschedule and cancel a number of our education events. Here's an updated schedule to help you keep track.
YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK
ATTENTION COMPLIANCE OFFICERS
Join us June 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a Virtual Compliance Conference . The day will include speakers, open forum discussion, and networking to help you keep your credit union in compliance with efficiency and confidence! Don’t miss this chance to connect with your peers from across the state and learn from each other.
FROM OUR PARTNERS
CO-OP FRAUD BUZZ
Tune in to this month's FraudBuzz webinar at noon on May 21 and find out the latest on how COVID-19 is impacting the fraud landscape and what you can do to help combat fraud in your credit union. You'll also hear how your fellow credit union peers are dealing with fraud around the country.
CUNA EDUCATION SOLUTIONS
As a lot of us continue to work from home, CUNA’s webinars, eSchools, and other online offerings like CPD Online and the CUNA Training Bundle are more popular than ever. In addition, CUNA and NASCUS are hosting free, asset-specific cybersecurity roundtable webinars in May.
UMACHA 2020 EDUCATION CALENDAR
UMACHA’s education program is a great resource to grow your skills in the areas of ACH, check, card, wire, and other emerging payments types. View the complete list of education opportunities that UMACHA has available.
RESOURCES FROM CUNA STRATEGIC SERVICES
Looking for free learning opportunities to keep you informed about the latest happenings in the industry? CUNA Strategic Services and its trusted alliance providers offer free informational sessions on topics that you should know more about. The CSS Knowledge Center has a list of free webinars, whitepapers, articles, and more. One resource you might be particularly interested in is the May 19 webinar Coronavirus: Business Continuity Lessons Learned , which is hosted by Agility Recovery .
FREE AND DISCOUNTED WEBINARS
Discover the free and discounted COVID-19 related webinars and resources available from our partner the CU Webinar Network. Be sure to check out their updated list of upcoming and recorded webinars
EDUCATION, EVENTS, & OTHER INTERESTING STUFF
Every Thursday, London's National Theatre is broadcasting a live full-length play and making the recording available for a week.
We continue to update pre-recorded webinars and other resources on our Free Educational Resources page .
WE SEE THE #CUDIFFERENCE
Welcome to the Heights Quarantine Olympics
A banner announcing Altana FCU's "Quarantine Olympics."
OFFICE SPIRIT AND OLYMPIC-SIZED FUN
There's no question that over the past month or so, credit union lobbies across the state have been kind of empty. While members are using drive-ups and call center employees are talking a heavier than usual amount of calls, our credit unions have been finding ways to make employees smile and have some socially distanced fun in the office.  Clearwater CU held a “spirit week" during which employees coming into the office were able to dress to a theme for the day — Some of the themes included “80s,” “On Wednesdays We Wear Pink,” and “crazy socks.” Assistant Branch Manager, Kendra McConaughey shared that one of the managers brought in little goodie bags for staff, each bag was tailored to the employee who received it and made everyone feel special. Clearwater staff are also staying connected through a Microsoft Yammer group.  Altana FCU recently held a “socially distanced” version of office Olympics in their branches. What fun and creative ways of keeping staff morale high!
 
Keep the fun stories coming…. please send Kendra details and photos of the ways you've been letting your staff know they're appreciated.
MAKING AN ECONOMIC IMPACT IN MONTANA
Thank you to everyone who has been taking the time to fill out our weekly survey about the support they are providing to their members who are financially affected by the response to COVID-19. Here's what Montana credit unions reported this week.
PARTING SHOT
Montana's Credit Unions - Educate Advocate Collaborate
This is an internal publication of Montana's Credit Unions intended for our affiliated credit unions and their official family. For more information, call us or visit our website.