Community Bank Insights
2024 Real Estate Outlook
Tis the season, so with all due respect to Charles Dickens, 2023 was A Tale of Two Economies. A declining stock market until it wasn’t and climbing interest rates until they weren’t — all of which impacted commercial real estate. A compelling new real estate report sheds light on what direction credit unions and regional banks may want to take portfolio-wise in the coming year.
The Rebellious CEO
Many organizations do financially fine by relying on practices deemed “tried and true.” But sometimes, visionary executives emerge that re-define success and lead their organizations in ground-breaking and remarkable ways. A new book profiles twelve of these “rebellious” leaders.
Is Sale/Leaseback Right for You?
With interest rates high and still rising, more and more financial organizations are turning real estate holdings into low-cost cash generating assets.
Still Banking on Branches
Silicon Valley Bank (and others), inflation, fed interest rates and future job uncertainty are all fueling concerns about and within the banking industry. Yet, in the face of all this uncertainty, credit unions and community banks are still expanding their branch networks. Why? And are they going about it in the right way?
Your People, Your Workspace, Your Future
Nearly every firm we know has — or is in the process — of evolving their workplace in order to recruit and retain key talent and grow their business.
When the Music Stops
With a recession looming, credit union executives are working hard to determine what a downturn may mean for their HQ and branch portfolios. Word to the wise: Be wary of the upbeat songs being sung by real estate brokerage firms.
This Branch is Now Closed
A venerable retail bank is spending huge sums to close hundreds of branches. And they’re not alone. Are credit unions missing something or are they – in fact – doing things right?
Let’s Get Phygital (Huh?!?)
The way we work is forever changed. The question for many credit unions is the extent to which they accept that concept and what, if anything, they plan to do about it for both their real estate portfolio and their future-at-large.
Teeing it Up in ‘23
The beauty of golf – or the angst of it – is how it is forever changing. The same is true for credit unions. In 2022, the CU game is changing like never before and that’s why it’s important to re-assess how we approach it.
What I Learned From Tacos
The late John Martin led Taco Bell from a regional fast food chain to an international icon. But his “old school” approach to finding the right locations for customers – think credit union members — still applies today.
“Digital First or People First?”
Remember when people actually went to the bank? Despite rumors to the contrary, people STILL DO – especially credit union members. The reason is that people who bank with credit unions are different from retail bank customers and it’s vital to remember that.
One Chance to Make a First Impression
In the dating or financial world, you have a short window to make a solid first impression. For credit unions, that courtship begins before your prospective member steps foot inside your door.