Value of ALL Credit Unions

Credit Union Conversations

Mark and Jeff discuss Jeff's background and the mission of River City FCU. Jeff explains the value of CDFI status that credit unions can access. Jeff and Mark have a lengthy discussion about the value of credit unions of all sizes and the purpose credit unions have in today's economy, along with ideas on how to maintain the number of credit unions in the United States.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:48] Mark describes his business goals
• [2:53] Jeff shares his background and how his credit union serves the Hispanic community of San Antonio, TX
• [7:40] Jeff discusses the advantages of serving the Hispanic community
• [11:24] Members need to understand that a credit union that is insured by the NUCA is safe, and their money is protected
• [12:59] Discussion on small credit unions and the importance they have in the marketplace for minority neighborhoods and how some larger credit unions have left the minority communities behind
• [20:55] Mark and Jeff discuss succession planning when a CEO retires
• [25:01] Jeff describes what it is like regarding companies approaching him who want to merge and what he would do to grow the number of small credit unions

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• River City FCU serves the Hispanic community in San Antonio, TX in many ways. One important service is to provide lending, which helps a person establish themselves in the United States and is also better for the economy because they don’t require government assistance.
• Credit unions need to adapt to the ethnic communities in their area by understanding the needs and goals of the people and offering services to meet those goals. One size does not fit all.
• If a large credit union acquires a small credit union and closes its doors, it damages the entire premise of a credit union helping the community they are in.

RESOURCE LINKS

Mark Ritter Website

Mark Ritter LinkedIn

River City Credit Union Website

Jeff Ivey’s Phone Number: 210-244-2545

BIOGRAPHY:

Jeff Ivey is the current CEO of River City FCU in San Antonio, TX. River City is a CDFI-designated institution serving consumers since 1936. Jeff has also been a board member of Inclusive. Previous to his current position, Jeff helped credit unions with strategic planning and CDFI opportunities.