The West-Michigan based cooperative CUSO, CU*Answers reports their on-going initiatives with their network Partners, CU*NorthWest and CU*SOUTH continues to grow.  Although the three partners have always worked together to offer client support, internal and client training, as well as phone support, this year has proven an increase in collaboration between the partners.  In addition to coordinating coverage for client support and training, the teams worked together to produce documentation, including an annual education catalog for each partner, to distribute to their respective client group.

“Working with the CU*Answers team means we don’t have to recreate the wheel and we all benefit from shared documentation, procedures and a cooperative spirit that comes into play when problem solving for our clients,” said Ann Joyce, Vice President of Operations at CU*NorthWest.  “Each year we collaborate on more.”

Leo Vaulin, President and CEO of CU*SOUTH states, “We preach collaboration – but we also practice it.  We’ve developed the tools and techniques to bring together over 300 talented people from 7 different organizations, and work efficiently to achieve a common goal.  Credit unions are built on this model, and we’re happy to share our experience and our best practices to help credit unions achieve more – while reducing their costs.  We have the talent in our industry and we are getting better at sharing it where it can do the greatest good.”

“We value our partnerships, and the team work between CU*NorthWest and CU*SOUTH” states Laura Welch-Vilker, VP of the Client Services and Education at CU*Answers.  Additionally Laura states “We look forward to building more integration between the partners, in an effort to promote consistency while maintaining our respective brands”.