Conference 7.286::dcu

Elaine has indicated that she will be participating here.

Bob

In the GMA, DCU seems to be comparable and competitive to the banks against
which Credit Union management has chosen to benchmark.

In some areas where DCU does business, there are other institutions which 
provide more services or other competitive advantages such as longer hours
or lower-priced/free checking.

A third category remains where DCU members have neither easy branch access nor easy/free ATM access.

Given the two environments outside of the DCU's benchmark scope (GMA), what
enhancements or competitive changes would you foresee if you are elected?

Thanks,
BobW

Re: .2

That's a topic in which I'm very much interested!

There are a couple of issues you raise:

1. What about members with no easy branch access or easy/free ATM access?

Unfortunately, people who are far from the nearest branch cannot use DCU 
exclusively.  If you need to deposit coins, or if you need a safe deposit box, 
and you are in Chicago, DCU cannot help you there.  Many other transactions can
be completed by mail, or over the phone, if you can adjust to doing business
that way.  One thing remote members do need is ATM access.  I will recommend
that DCU review its ATM fee structure.  At a minimum, I will recommend that all
members receive a certain number of free ATM transactions per month (e.g. 10)
at any network ATM machine.  I would like it to be totally free, but I would
have to examine the data before deciding.  The ICFCU, in the Fitchburg, Mass.
area offers free network ATM transactions, and has seen its membership grow
tremendously.  I believe the increase in membership can compensate for the
increased network expenses.  I also think that as DCU membership changes, those
who have access to DCU branches and ATM machines, as they are configured now,
may soon be in the minority.

2. Do we have one credit union that has the same rules for all members?  Or
does DCU customize its product offerings for different states or regions?

DCU needs to closely monitor changes in product offerings, services and 
interest rates in all the states in which it does business, as well as in the
Greater Maynard Area.  I don't think DCU should have a different face in, say,
Colorado, than in Maryland. That would mean a member may have to face a change
in interest rates or fees if they change jobs, even if they stay with DCU. 
Rather, if DCU places itself above the flock, it can remain attractive to all
members (and potential members).

And yes, DCU can be considered to be "comparable and competitive" to banks in
the Greater Maynard Area against which Credit Union management has chosen to
benchmark.  But with all its strengths, there is no reason why DCU should not
be clearly better than competitive, and be the financial institution of choice
for its members.

Elaine

I'd also like to comment on what Gim has entered in 926.3.

926.3>   ... members in the greater MA/NH area have easy access to DCU ATM's
926.3>   machines.  Why can't members at remote sites have a lower fee
926.3>   schedule for non-DCU ATM's?

I disagree that members in the Greater Maynard Area have **easy** access to DCU
ATM machines.  True for some percentage of DCU members who are DEC or Quantum
employees.  True for a smaller percentage of members who are family members of
current DEC or Quantum employees.  But there are people in Eastern 
Massachusetts and in South(east)ern New Hampshire who do not drive by a DCU 
branch or a DCU ATM machine, or don't even have one within 5 or 10 miles. These
folks may as well be in Madison, Wisconsin, for the access they have.  

This is why I think DCU needs to re-examine its strategy for providing access to
its services for its members.  ALL its members.  This may not affect you, the
reader of this note, but I'll bet it affects someone you know.  Make it easier
for people to do business with DCU, and watch, it will make DCU even stronger.

Elaine

> I vote for the proposed pricing (as if I get a vote), with both hands.

Well, you may have the chance before long, Elaine! It's good to know where
you stand on this stuff by virtue of what you volunteer, as opposed to
what you are "officially" asked.

-Jack

Cross-posted for discussion    
    
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NPSS::BADGER "Can DO!"                               15 lines  20-APR-1995 15:3
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    Elaine,  previous candidates ran on open honest commjunications.  It
    seems like the only honesty has been from the old board that didn't
    communicate.  How do you stand on redacting minutes when it does not
    involve personal or lawyer/client matters, or votes?
    we seem to keep electing BOD that ignors us after they are in office.
    
    
    also, if you are elected, are you going to represent us as you feel
    we should be or will you attempt to poll us on major issues to see
    how we feel?  And if the poll varies from how you would vote, how
    would you vote?
    ed
    

	DCU Ballot Position Statement for Elaine Kokernak Ritchie

	Times are changing.  The banking industry is transforming almost 
	daily.  At the same time, DCU members work at home, travel more, and 
	do not have access to DCU branches or ATMs.  We put our savings where 
	the rates are highest, our loans where the rates are lowest, and 
	choose the financial institutions most convenient to us. 

	DCU must also change.  In these times, DCU must choose a business 
	model that can keep pace with new products, services and interest 
	rates, and is easy to understand.   As a Director,  I will ensure 
	that DCU continuously monitors its real competition, as its members 
	do, and continues to respond. DCU must also convey the latest 
	information to all members in the most useful way.

	DCU is stronger than it has ever been in its history and is in a 
	unique position to answer these challenges.  As a cooperative, 
	serving its  member-owners, DCU can be better than competitive, 
	offer excellent service, and provide flexibility that reflects
	and responds to the diversity of its membership.

	I am a firm believer in a true credit union philosophy.  I applaud 
	the recent work DCU has done to raise interest rates on deposits, 
	to reduce and remove fees, and to communicate these changes to the 
	membership.  I will work to keep DCU moving in this direction.  
	Of course, protecting DCU's future financial soundness is the 
	highest priority.

	I am a software engineer at Digital, with a B.S. in Computer Science 
	from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.  My volunteer service includes 
	two terms of service on the Board of Directors of the Youville House 
	Shelter for Homeless Families, as its Vice-Chairperson.

	x xxxxx xxx xxx xxxx xxxx xx xxxxxxx xx xxxx xxxxxxxx.
    

Re: .6  NPSS::BADGER "Can DO!"

>>  How do you stand on redacting minutes when it does not involve personal 
>>  or lawyer/client matters, or votes?
    
I am in favor of not redacting information. When something needs to be redacted,
I will push to have the subject published.  If I am elected, and something is
redacted, ask me.  I will answer as honestly as I can.
    
>>  if you are elected, are you going to represent us as you feel
>>  we should be or will you attempt to poll us on major issues to see
>>  how we feel?  And if the poll varies from how you would vote, how
>>  would you vote?

I will push for continued meaningful surveys like the last one that was sent
out, ones that ask relevant questions and let you answer in meaningful ways.  I
will also encourage the Board and DCU management to meet with diverse groups of
members on a regular basis, so the Board knows what is important to members. 
Focus groups may be another "polling" procedure.

Elaine
    
p.s. Remember, the majority of the current Board are not Digital employees. 
Most will answer direct questions sent via e-mail.

>        x xxxxx xxx xxx xxxx xxxx xx xxxxxxx xx xxxx xxxxxxxx.

Er, Elaine, that part bothers me a bit.
-Jack

:^) :^)
 

    :-)
    
    Elaine

Congratulations, Elaine!

I'd like to thank everybody who voted for me in the DCU election.  As others 
have said, it was difficult to differentiate among the candidates.  I am 
grateful that you took the time to continue to support your credit union, and 
to express your hopes and concerns for its future.  I promise to work my 
hardest to continue the progress being made at DCU. 

At this point in DCU history, I look on this role as a challenge.  There is  a
challenge to stay current, to keep up with the changes, as I said in my ballot
statement.  I'm very excited about the future of DCU.  At the same time, I also
challenge all the members.  We must all remain active participants in order for
DCU to remain great.

Again, thanks.  And please feel free to send me your ideas or feedback.  

Elaine
    

In case any of you were wondering, that was a typo in the latest Network
newsletter.  I've been a member of DCU for over 12 years, not 2.  Although not a
charter member, I've been here through a lot of thick and thin.

Elaine

As an FYI for interested DCU members and noters:

I recently changed jobs within Digital, and chose to continue
my software career as a member of the POLYCENTER Scheduler
development and support team.  The Scheduler is one of the 
products which has been sold by Digital to Computer Associates.

As a result, I'll no longer be a Digital employee, as of 6/1/96.

However, since 67% of DCU members are not Digital employees, I'm
actually joining the majority.  :-)

I'll be absent from this notes file, but I'll still only be an
e-mail message away.  I'll be sure my new address is posted as
soon as I know it.

Elaine

Elaine's new address is:


Elaine Kokernak Ritchie                            			   
RITEL01@mail.cai.com                            			   
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Computer Associates International, Inc.            			   
300 Nickerson Rd.                                  			   
Marlboro, MA  01752                                			   
(508)  460-5646