Are Credit Unions Undervaluing Outreach? In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and guest co-host James McBride, COO of CONNECTS Federal Credit Union, welcome David Sussman, CEO of PFP Services, to explore strategies for more meaningful member engagement and sustainable growth. Together, they tackle three key areas:

1. Build Trust Before You Call: Discover how a thoughtful, trust-building approach to outbound marketing can turn what’s often seen as an intrusive tactic into a powerful engine for connecting with members on their terms.
2. Big Ears for Better Solutions: Learn how shifting from product pitches to truly listening first can transform cross-selling into a process driven by empathy, understanding, and member-centric value.
3. Choosing Channels That Count: Find out why meeting members where they already are—from employer groups and community events to social media—helps credit unions forge stronger, more relevant relationships and drive long-term growth.

A huge thanks to this episode's sponsor, PFP Services.

Credit Unions know that engagement is key to success. PFP Services brings expertise, resources, and passion to help you build strong connections with your members. Our goal is to grow your credit union together, forming lasting bonds every step of the way. Partnering with us means a mutually beneficial relationship with absolutely no cost! Visit familysecurityplan.com/credit-unions/ to learn more.

Listen to all of our episodes at growyourcreditunion.com

AI promises big changes, but are credit unions buying into misconceptions that could hold them back? In this episode of Grow Your Credit Union, host Joshua Barclay and guest co-host Elizabeth Osborne, COO, Great Lakes Credit Union are joined by April Clobes, President and CEO, MSU Federal Credit Union to tackle three timely topics:

• The Three Lies of AI: Common misconceptions about AI in the credit union space and uncover actionable use cases that balance human intelligence with artificial efficiency.
• Rate Cuts and Member Strategy: Discover how credit unions can leverage rate cuts with innovative deposit products, streamlined refinancing processes, and a focus on financial education.
• Big Changes Through Baby Steps: Learn how to achieve meaningful progress by focusing on small, data-driven improvements and fostering buy-in across leadership and staff.

Visit growyourcreditunion.com to learn more!

Is the Auto Loan Market Breaking Credit Unions?
With auto loan portfolios declining at record rates, credit unions are facing tough questions about their reliance on this market. Rising interest rates, changing consumer behaviors, and the younger generation's shift away from car ownership are reshaping strategies. From HELOCs to small business loans, discover how credit unions are adapting to fill the gaps.

The Quest for Deposits: Cannabis, Cross-Selling, or Something New?
Attracting deposits is becoming a steep climb as credit unions grapple with cost-of-funds challenges and rising competition. Unconventional strategies, including cannabis banking, cross-selling, and small business lending, are explored alongside hard lessons learned in ALM mismanagement. Are credit unions ready to compete with bigger institutions—or does a new playbook need to emerge?

Succession Planning: The Silent Killer of Small Credit Unions
Succession planning remains a persistent problem for credit unions, with issues ranging from board missteps to CEO complacency. Innovative approaches like fractional leadership and executive lending programs offer fresh perspectives on how small credit unions can prepare for the future.

In this episode, hosts Joshua Barclay and Becky Reed welcome guest Jon Hernandez, CEO, CalCom, Mattel, Nikkei & Mabuhay CUs to discuss how credit unions can address these critical challenges—and chart a sustainable path forward.