SECU - Consider This: Chapter 19 - SECU Losing Its Appeal?

  ... that doesn't sound like a unicorn! 

Esse Quam Videri: "To be, rather than to seem." 

You read in Chapter 18 [link here] about the summary execution of the volunteer-led Member Loan Review Committees by the SECU Board. There was no consultation with the members of the committees, no discussion with the SECU membership. The "We Are SECU" crew simply pulled yet another "We Know Better Than You" move. 

These loan review committees were special appeal boards scattered all across North Carolina to assure convenient access to all SECU members. If an SECU member was not satisfied with an adverse loan decision by a local branch, the member could appeal directly to the loan review committee - could even appear in person. The loan review committee was composed of local, member-volunteers, who were empowered to make the final decision on all SECU loans! Risky business? Not really, the volunteers knew whose money they were lending - theirs! 

As an appeals group, the loan review committees dealt only with the most difficult and exceptional loan decisions, generally involving families in severe financial crises. The meetings were difficult work, emotional, often heart-wrenching - and always very, very personal. If the branch had taken the time to listen carefully to the member, the decision did not change; but alternatives, counter-proposals often did arise: "if you'll do this, we can do this." Local peers taking the time to listen to a fellow member always was an invaluable plus - building a unicorn takes time, requires trust, and caring.

But, let me introduce you to David Spaugh, who served on a loan review committee for over 25 years. David was a rock, an anchor. He didn't prejudge; he wanted to hear the whole story; he wanted to make the best decision; but most importantly, he wanted to make the right decision.

David Spaugh said two things about his service on the loan review committee that I'll never forget. David said: "Some people think we're here to give people a break, I think we're here to give people a chance!" He also came to me at one point and said he didn't feel he was serving the purpose of the Committee well. I asked why? David Spaugh said this: "I have a tendency to be overly compassionate."

I told David, I thought the Credit Union was willing to take the risk of living in a world, where people cared too much.

... "Industry Standard" or "Unicorn"? 

 Esse Quam!

SECU - Consider This: Chapter 18 - The Credit Committee

   ... Howard Petrea, SECU volunteer.

Esse Quam Videri - "To be, rather than to seem."

Lots of talk lately about the demise of member involvement in credit unions.  The idea of a member led and guided cooperative is so passe "they" say. But, as you know, talk is cheap these days and even the truth is becoming scarce.

Credit committees and loan review committees have been a cornerstone of credit union principles and practices from "Day 1" - part of the original charter and bylaws of every credit union, still a part of federal and state credit union laws. The idea behind a credit committee - a member-volunteer led loan review and appeal board - was sound and simple. Each member loan request deserved a thorough and fair review by the credit union - who could argue with that idea?   Real flesh-and-blood neighbors and co-workers are at the heart of every loan request.  The loan is important to the member; the member is not there asking, just for the fun of it.

Expert lenders know that a loan decision involves more than just "crunching the numbers"- amateurs don't. You can't listen to numbers. A credit committee gives members the chance to explain, to clarify, to be heard. A credit committee gives the credit union a chance to listen, to make sure the best loan decision is made. Is there a downside to a second opinion, an open dialogue, a concerned discussion - with a member-owner, asking for help?  

Sorry, almost forgot. Wanted to tell you a brief story about one of SECU's past volunteers, Howard Petrea. Do you have time to listen?  Mr. Petrea taught mathematics for almost forty years at N. C. State University in Raleigh. He was husband, father, veteran, patriot, championship bridge player, raconteur, scholar, beach comber, church-goer, citizen, teacher, volunteer - and more. Howard Petrea was a child of the Great Depression and never borrowed money to buy anything in his life. Despite that view, he volunteered to serve on the SECU Credit Committee with insight and compassion for nearly two decades.

Some people, in the way they conduct their personal lives, set standards for the rest of us. These are the folks we admire and respect; the folks we strive to emulate; the folks we "look up to." Howard Petrea was one of those people.

This type of individual seems to view life a little differently than the rest of us. They're understanding and patient when we fail. They share our excitement when we succeed. To them problems are opportunities. To them a glass is never half-empty, it's always half-full. They reach out; they lift up; they can always laugh; they truly care. These folks give - and then they give some more. Howard Petrea was one of those people.

As a university math professor, Howard Petrea knew how to "crunch the numbers", better than most. But since he was no amateur, he knew there was something more to the equation of life; and therefore he volunteered his time to listen - to listen to the whole story. Howard Petrea meant a lot to countless SECU members in need of special attention, in need of someone to listen. Howard Petrea was one of those people.

 

After 85 years of highly successful results, the SECU Legacy Board in 2021 dispensed with the statewide member loan review committees at SECU. The Board evidently felt that volunteers had become a problem, a liability, and no longer understood the "complexities" of a modern day credit union. After all, what does a member-volunteer know about loans anyway? And besides, those loan review committees required too much extra time and effort. A thorough and fair review, the value of a second opinion didn't necessarily have to be "Priority 1", did it?
 

The Board evidently decided, they simply no longer had time to listen... to SECU members.

 

😎 Dedicated credit union volunteers are an asset and a resounding advantage to a "unicorn" credit union. 

 

 

 

  ... wonder if "anyone" is listening!  

Esse Quam!