What This Initiative Is

The Small-Asset Strategic Success Playbook initiative is a new MCUL effort designed specifically for Michigan credit unions with assets under $400 million. Its purpose is to provide a clear, practical framework for running a strong, sustainable, independent credit union in today’s environment.

Rather than positioning merger as the default path, this project focuses on strengthening your business model and expanding the options available to your credit union and your members.

Engage With the Initiative

Select the date that best fits your schedule (attendance at one session only is needed).

March 9 (10:00am) – Collaboration Session

April 6 (2:00pm)  – Collaboration Session

May 4 (2:00pm) – Collaboration Session

Phase 2: Plan Refinement & Feedback

June 22 (10:00am)  – Plan Preview & Feedback

July 21 (10:00am)  – Revised Plan Review & Feedback

Add to your calendar –Sessions with Jeff Rendel at ACE26:

• SAS Breakout Session
  Wed, 6/3: 3:45-4:30 pm
   
• CUSOs: Partnering for Growth, Speed and Scale
  Breakfast and Breakouts
  Thurs, 6/4: 8:45-9:30 am

Who It’s For

This work is tailored to:

• CEOs of Michigan credit unions under $400M
• Senior leadership teams
• Boards of Directors of those credit unions

If you’re leading a smaller or mid‑sized credit union and navigating growth, efficiency, regulation, technology, or succession, this initiative is built for you.

How the Playbook Will Be Built

The playbook is being developed in three phases:

• Discovery & Insight (Q1–Q2 2026)
  CEO survey and virtual CEO listening sessions to understand the most pressing challenges and opportunities for sub‑$400M credit unions.

• Playbook Development (Q2–Q4 2026)
  Translating insights into a structured, practical playbook that covers strategy, financial sustainability, member relevance, operations, technology, governance, talent, and risk.

• Review & Delivery (Q4 2026)
  Leadership review, targeted CEO feedback, and delivery of an MCUL‑branded digital playbook you can easily share and use.

Your participation during the discovery phase is essential. The stronger the input, the stronger and more relevant the final resource will be.

What Credit Unions Will Gain

The Strategic Success Playbook is being designed to:

• Help you clarify your strategy and long‑term direction
• Support sustainable financial performance and growth
• Provide practical tools for board and leadership discussions
• Highlight right‑sized technology and vendor approaches
• Offer options for staying strong and independent—even in a consolidating market

Ultimately, this initiative reinforces MCUL’s role as your strategic partner: listening first, then responding with tools that reflect your reality.

Use this page as your hub for:

• Project background and updates
• Upcoming surveys, listening sessions, and other engagement opportunities
• Progress toward the final playbook and key milestones

Register