Spreading the News

One of the commitments that was required as a part of the CCA coaching program was to share the experience. Although I love to speak in public, I was wondering on what angle would people be interested in hearing about this experience. First I was caught up in the topic, Africa. The topic alone would obviously limit the captive audience that I could appeal to, or would it? I questioned if a group like the Chamber of Commerce would be interested in this story when it involves travel and not related to any core business fundamentals. This is where I was wrong!! The topic yes is Africa, but the experience relates to many more topics. Topics like leadership, career development, economics, social studies, empowerment, respect for others, religion, and many more.
My very first captive audience was some of my staff who I could show how this experience was work related. How it developed me personally to become a better leader and learn the basics of coaching and mentoring. How these options are available as a personal development tool, and how we can assist others in the credit union system. Next I presented to a small group of friends with the intent of displaying how the people in this area live, and the challenges they face daily. There was also a history component thrown in and a general overview of the "travel experience".
My first true public experience was the fun grade 5 class where I turned the trip into a social studies story. I wanted to impress on the kids that despite the hardship this society encountered in their history, there is hope and prosperity. The importance of education, family and respect for each other. Bulling now is such a troubling issue that we can all learn from the people of Ghana and respect each other. It is important that kids learn there is a big world out there and opportunities will present to them  as their life advances. Following that presentation I was invited to the high school to present to three career education classes. The theme again was changed to focus on my career and how it provided me an opportunity to work abroad. I highlighted the importance of an education and key personal fundamental principles that I use for my own employment.

1. Diversity- The ability to go beyond your job description.
2. Attitude- A positive attitude that screams with passion.
3. Knowledge- They don't say knowledge is power for no reason, it is critical to success!
4. Commitment- All to often employees do not display commitment as it should be displayed, those that do, survive!

The kids at the high school had the opportunity to witness during my presentation that anything is possible with a little hard work. I was an average student to say the least, without any career aspirations. It was simply by fluke that I even made the attempt to get a university degree. However, once I realized what was at stake, I used the above principles to assist me in reaching my goals.

The most recent presentation was today to a class of grade nine social studies students. The message was very similar to the ones I outlined to the grade 5 class with a stronger focus on the social components of Ghana, and how they can make a difference. I remember my former teacher Miss Noreen Saunders coming into our class room, way back, and I mean way back, and telling us about her traveling experiences around the world. I was fascinated with the fact that you could visit Egypt, Australia, and other foreign lands. She inherently taught us that anything is possible, you simply have to make it happen. I hope in these presentation that some of the kids remember to think about ways they can achieve their own dreams. I hope they not only think about their own welfare, but the welfare of others.

Until next time..

Teaching the Ghanian Handshake

Employee News

Tonight I had the opportunity to visit our retiring Manager of Lending Services, Greg Comeau in Corner Brook. Greg retired from Leading Edge Credit Union on January 31st, 2011, after spending over 4 years with the former Brookstreet Credit Union (BSCU) and Leading Edge Credit Union. Greg has been in the financial field for over 30 years in numerous capacities. Prior to retiring as the Manager of Lending Services, he held the position of General Manager of BSCU. Greg was instrumental in recommending a merger between BSCU and CVCU. His years of experience and humorous personality will certainly be missed, however we wish Greg and his wife Margaret all the best.

We would also like to congratulate Trudy Keeping, Branch Manager of Port aux Basques for accepting the Manager of Lending Services position. Trudy joined the credit union three years ago and comes with an extensive leadership background. We are delighted to have her take on this new role effective April 1st. Congratulations Trudy.

Welcome back Sarah Nash, FSO, St. Georges Branch. Sarah has recently came back to work after a year maternity leave with her son. Welcome Back Sarah!

Grade 5 Presentation

I would like to extend a big thank you to Mr. Whitehorne and Mrs. Ingram for the invite to speak to the grade 5 class in Port Aux Basques on Ghana, Africa. I really enjoyed interacting with the class as they learned about many topics of this great Country. The questions were fantastic and all the students were so engaged. They all indicated that they learned a great deal about the people and wildlife of the area. Some of the kids came up after the session and advised they are making a goal to go visit someday.



The Grade 5 Class





The purpose of the visit to the classroom was to let kids know how other people live in the world. Also it was my responsibility to inform them on my mission and the good work that is being done by credit unions in that region. I provided them a video that showed even the poorest kids made a habit of saving their money for a rainy day. In most cases the money went towards paying the school fees to attend school. It is important that our kids learn the value of saving. All too often kids are leaving high school to attend post secondary school, or go out on their own, and simply do not know how to budget or maintain credit. There are not many financial management courses in school that teach such life lessons so its up to us as parents. The school savings program was developed for this very purpose. The credit union visits the school once a week to collect deposits from students and track their progress. Kids learn that depositing very little amounts can be quite rewarding. Parents are encouraged to support this practice with assigning a goal to the savings. The goal will allow the kids to physically be rewarded with savings and hopefully continue the practice in adulthood.

It was a pleasure today tying the importance of savings in the country of Ghana to the classroom in Port Aux Basques. Thanks again to the teachers and students for their support!



Cory

Toni with the Smock on