A Direct Line Blog

A message from our President/CEO, Gerry Singleton

The end of 2024 is fast approaching, and as I reflect on the year, I am reminded of four lenses: the rearview mirror, the microscope, the telescope, and the kaleidoscope. Montana’s Credit Unions exists to promote and enhance a thriving credit union community. We do this through advocacy, education, and collaboration. We conducted an engagement survey with our credit unions and launched a new tool, the Credit Union Engagement Report, that showcases how each credit union engages with the league services across our key strategic pillars: educate, advocate, and collaborate.

Looking at advocacy through the lens of the rearview mirror, we saw the launch of our advocacy champion program, led by Karen on our team in conjunction with our lobbyist Jessie Luther as well as leaders from America’s Credit Unions. Most of our credit unions across the state have designated an advocacy champion to raise awareness of advocacy-related issues and deepen relationships with local, elected officials. We also focused our Be Wild conference in September on advocacy. 2025 brings our next legislative session, and with our advocacy champions, we are ready to embrace and elevate the credit union difference. Consider joining us for our state Hike the Hill and our other advocacy efforts throughout the year.

Looking at education through the microscope, we offered many opportunities for our credit union leaders, staff, and volunteers to deepen their skills and collaborate with their peers. Hundreds of participants attended our conferences, events, and webinars throughout the year. Many of you are members of one or more communities. We launched the Personify Leadership program this year with more than 50 leaders participating in this two-day leadership immersion. Participants graduated from Take the Lead, and a new class started, ready to jump into leadership roles.

Looking at collaboration through the telescope, we saw new partnerships that provide critical products and services that you are looking for. We launched Tristate Solutions, a collaboration with Minnesota and Wisconsin leagues where we leverage our mutual trust, common purpose, and shared values to better serve our respective credit unions. Our Health Insurance Trust continues to serve many credit unions across the state to provide quality, affordable healthcare for employees and their families. Our business partners continue to bring value to our credit unions with thought leadership and great products and services.

When I reflect on the entirety of 2024, I think of the changing view of a kaleidoscope. Depending on the angle and the light, we saw a lot of change, opportunity, and reward. We also saw uncertainty, headwinds, and struggle. On balance, however, most Montanans are in a stronger financial position by working with credit unions. The work you do matters! I am so thankful to serve alongside each of you on behalf of the 467,000 credit union members in Montana who count on us every day as well as the nearly 150 communities where we live, work, worship, and serve. I wish you all a happy holiday and a rewarding 2025.

Cooperatively,
Gerry