FAQs
Why are the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates and the Virginia Credit Union League consolidating?
This strategic partnership represents a shared vision for growth and an opportunity to combine strengths. By consolidating resources and expertise, we can enhance support for credit unions across the Southeastern United States and Virginia, driving innovation and creating greater value for our members.
What does this strategic alignment mean for our credit union?
Combining of strengths and pooling the resources of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates and the Virginia Credit Union League will create a stronger voice in industry discussions and advocacy efforts, increasing our impact.
How will this consolidation impact the services provided to our credit unions?
The strategic alignment of our organizations will enable a more cohesive and robust approach to supporting your credit union. You can anticipate an enhanced array of services, a stronger advocacy presence, and tailored engagement designed to meet the unique needs of your credit union. Also, this collaboration will enable us to develop and offer new products and services through our service corporation, LEVERAGE, creating growth and innovation opportunities that cater to your members' evolving needs. Additionally, utilizing group purchasing power will result in cost savings for all.
Will contracts with vendors or service providers be renegotiated or continued under the new organization?
Contracts with vendors and service providers will be evaluated to ensure they align with the goals and needs of the newly consolidated organization. We will review existing agreements to determine whether they should be renegotiated, continued, or modified to better serve our combined membership.
What is the timeline for this strategic alignment?
The process of aligning our organizations is already underway, with a focus on thoughtful planning and execution. We will keep you apprised of key developments as we progress, demonstrating our commitment to complete transparency throughout the transition.
How will the two organizations work together given the geographical distance?
The LSCU team is employed nationwide already. We will continue to leverage technology and regional offices to ensure regular communication and collaboration. The geographical distance will be bridged by virtual meetings, regional events, and localized support, ensuring that all members receive the resources and support needed for continued success. The pandemic proved we can remain connected while remote.
How will this consolidation impact operations?
We do not anticipate an impact on operations during this transition. Retaining all existing offices and the Credit Union House of Virginia for the near future will provide greater opportunities for team member engagement and foster inclusivity. We are committed to always maintaining a presence in Richmond.
What will happen to the name, given that "Southeast" is not reflective of Virginia?
The name will be updated to reflect the broader reach of the consolidated organization and be more inclusive of our new footprint. In addition, we will maintain state-specific DBAs as we currently do in the Southeast (Alabama Credit Union Association, Florida Credit Union Association, Georgia Credit Union Association, and Virginia Credit Union Association) to preserve local relationships and impact.
Will there be any changes to staffing?
No positions will be eliminated as a result of this consolidation and there is a 2-year employment commitment to the current VACUL team. There may be some changes to roles and responsibilities to utilize talents and be the best stewards of credit union resources. Nonetheless, we are committed to complete transparency throughout this process.
Will there be any changes in the leadership structure?
Samantha Beeler (Association) and Steve Willis (LEVERAGE [the League Service Corporation]) will continue to serve as joint Presidents, leading a newly established leadership team that draws from the expertise of both the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates and the Virginia Credit Union League. This team will guide our shared vision and future growth and include team members from all states.
Why will the leadership be structured this way?
In alignment with our core values of collaboration, Samantha Beeler and Steve Willis have proven that both Presidents exemplify unique strengths, that when combined will drive key initiatives forward. This structure allows for a more focused approach, with Samantha Beeler overseeing critical areas such as advocacy, compliance, communications, member engagement, events, and the Foundation, while Steve Willis leads Affiliates Consolidated Services and LEVERAGE, focusing on building a strong product suite and delivering innovative solutions.
Will the dues structure change?
Virginia credit unions will continue to be invoiced directly from the Virginia League for 2025 dues with additional savings thanks to an investment from the legacy organization. The first consolidated League invoice will be issued in 2025 for 2026. The League of Southeastern Credit Unions reduced dues in 2024 and remains committed to an efficient and affordable dues formula. On average, Virginia credit unions will see a 24% reduction in dues as a result of LSCU’s unique structure and robust subcompanies. Together, we are committed to being the best stewards of credit union resources. To see a sample of your credit unions’ dues statement, please contact Samantha.Beeler@lscu.coop.
Will there be any changes to member credit unions' voting rights?
Following consolidation, each credit union will retain their current voting rights, ensuring that all members continue to have an equal voice in the governance of the organization. Further, each state will maintain equal representation on the transition Board and full Board. The full Board will provide an equal makeup of state, region, and asset size representation – ensuring every credit union has a voice at the table. Of those seats, there will be representation from each asset size category (small, medium, and large) and region.
What will happen to events and educational offerings?
We recognize networking and collaboration are critical to the development and best practice sharing within our industry. We will continue the same engaging and educational content as you have had access to in the past, but in a new format that fosters even greater collaboration and connection across our expanded membership. Pending contractual obligations, events will be rotated across the entire footprint with two signature events a year in every state. Additionally, the Southeastern Regional Credit Union School (SRCUS) will continue its established rotation among ten states (including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia), ensuring continued collaboration and learning. Our annual conventions will be combined into a single event, allowing for a richer experience and broader networking opportunities.
How will this consolidation strengthen our advocacy?
All advocacy is local, and with the tried and tested advocacy process established, credit unions will be equipped to lead agenda setting and local influence. Advocacy efforts will be substantially amplified as we combine forces. The shared vision and consolidated strength of the League will enhance our ability to represent and advocate for the interests of credit unions at the state and federal levels. With nine dedicated advocacy staff, our team will be equipped with greater knowledge and the strategic skills needed to protect and advance the credit union operating environment through legislation, regulation, and more. With track records of great success, all four states will be positioned for larger impact.
Will there be any changes to the Chapters?
Chapter maps will remain the same geographically, yet there will be an increased emphasis on local engagement opportunities, reinvigorating dormant chapters, Young/Emerging Professional development, and local connectivity.
What will happen to the Foundation?
The Foundation will continue to serve as the philanthropic partner for credit unions, focusing on disaster response, credit union and professional development, and community service. A combined League Foundation will multiply resources for credit union advancement, community impact, and professional development. This approach gives us the opportunity to deliver focused support, especially for small credit unions – helping them grow, expand outreach, and better serve communities.
What additional financial support will be provided to Virginia credit unions?
Credit unions under $150M in assets will benefit from our Small Credit Union program, which is designed to facilitate growth and address the challenges of small credit unions. All dues-paying credit unions under $150M in assets will receive a $1,000 Small Credit Union Initiatives account in their name to be utilized towards membership dues, League, LEVERAGE, and America’s Credit Union products, services, and events. Additional assistance includes custom and on-demand training, quarterly Custom Performance Reports to provide peer comparison benchmarks, and quarterly summits to enhance collaboration and professional development. In addition, our Foundation offers the Growth and Impact Grant Program, which includes Credit Union Development Grants, Community Impact Grants, and Professional Development Grants. These initiatives are tailored to support the unique needs of small and growing credit unions. Additionally, there are funds to help all credit unions with dues during seasons of financial concerns and grants through the Foundation.
How will you ensure that the needs of credit unions in Virginia are met?
We are committed to maintaining a strong local presence in Virginia, with dedicated staff and resources. We will also continue to engage with Virginia credit unions through regional meetings, events, and direct communication to ensure needs are fully addressed.
How will this opportunity affect our relationship with the League?
Your relationship with the League will be strengthened by this opportunity. The combined organization will have an even greater ability to advocate on your behalf, provide essential services, and support your credit union's growth and success. We remain committed to providing personalized service to your credit union, including tailored engagement reports and dedicated member success consultants.
How will feedback from member credit unions be incorporated into the consolidation process?
We value feedback from our member credit unions, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or opportunities for improvement.
Who should we contact if we have questions or concerns?
For any questions or concerns, please reach out to Samantha Beeler, Samantha.Beeler@lscu.coop, (334) 465-9403 or Karima Freeman, KFreeman@vacul.org, (434) 237-9622. Additionally, as we move forward with this collaboration, more details and points of contact will be shared to ensure a smooth transition and open communication.
How was the decision made to consolidate with LSCU?
After several months of deliberating the best course of action for future credit union success and considering candidates for CEO as well as other Leagues to partner with, it became very clear that LSCU’s unique structure was the best fit for the current and future state of Virginia credit unions. LSCU’s proven model of success, through local advocacy, the Foundation, a robust for-profit, local governance and credit union engagement, will bring substantial benefits to Virginia credit unions. Many Leagues considered had several of the same challenges and experiences as VACUL, whereas LSCU’s efficiencies of scale and lack of dependency on dues, as well as the continued consolidation within the industry, made it abundantly clear they were the best choice.