During the CU*NorthWest Leadership conference last week, a roundtable discussion on success stories at credit unions sparked a CU Smack Down competition between the rain drenched and the sun soaked.

Jennifer Oliver, CEO of SouthBay Credit Union in Redondo Beach, California told the group of assembled credit union leaders about how her office divided into teams and started a competition to increase loans.   And then she suggested that it might be fun to do the same competition with another credit union.

Evie Rasmussen, CEO of United Advantage Northwest FCU in Portland Oregon rose to the challenge and the smack talk between the rain drenched and the sun soaked began.

Quipped Ms. Rasmussen:   “There’s just too much sun in California to get much done.  While they’re talking we’re bringing in the apps and moving our numbers forward.”

Announcing the new competition she laid out the challenge to her staff:  “UA’s explosive offense, focused determination and obvious superior staff is simply too much for South Bay to overcome. Apparently, the heat and sun on the brains of Jen Oliver were simply too much when she challenged the veracity of UA.”

Countered Ms Oliver: “We can beat that…do it in flip flops and still have time in the sun to maintain our healthy glow.   You might think of enjoying some sunshine this weekend, Vitamin D helps stamina.”

And so the stage is set. Beginning July 1 and ending September 30, the two credit unions will vie for the highest net consumer loan growth.

To follow the competition visit the CU*NorthWest scoreboard – updated weekly at www.cunorthwest.com.   Trash talk journaling included.