In this episode, Laura Worzella, Chief Operating Officer of OneAZ Credit Union, discusses building a strategy for long-term success based on market and demographic trends. From slow-moving generational shifts in population to the rapid changes new industries can bring to a region, staying ahead of your community's evolving needs can be difficult. Laura shares OneAZ's insights and approach to doing just that with the changing face of America's Southwest.

Highlight from our discussion:

* The unique demographic shifts in Arizona

* The growing industrial and SMB

* How all of these factors influence expansion and technology investment

* Implementing Agile as a business philosophy

* Internal organization to reduce friction

OneAZ's website: https://www.oneazcu.com/

Their community partnership examples: https://www.oneazcu.com/about/news/2023/oneaz-credit-union-partners-with-novle-community-activators-to-better-serve-latino-community/

Their SMB partnership with State Forty Eight Clothing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEj_w7zcQ4c

Laura's profile on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-worzella-65288ab/

Everyone is worried about CRE debt, but there is less consensus about how much to worry. In this episode, we talk with Greg Freedman, co-founder and CEO of BH3 Management. BH3's business model was born out of the mass of distressed commercial real estate paper in 2009. Greg shares with us his perspective on the past 15 years of the market, how today compares to the last crisis, and what indicators and events will shape the coming months and years.

Highlights from our conversation:

-Starting during the great financial crisis

-Marrying distressed debt and real estate development

-BH3 investment thesis and supporting market trends

-The cyclical nature of CRE lending

-2009 vs. 2024

-Asset prices and what will most impact the future

For more about Greg and BH3, visit: https://bh-3.com

For community FIs, spending on digital channels and other technology often comes at the expense of opening new branches. This isn't the case for Ascend Federal Credit Union of Tennessee. President and CEO Matt Jernigan shares the growth strategy of the $4 billion credit union and the central role physical branches play. Matt talks about how design, technology, and winning local relationships help Ascend meet the needs of a growing member base and keep a lid on expenses.

Highlights from the episode:

-The expansion challenges of Middle Tennessee

-The importance of physical branches, even within a digital-driven strategy

-Innovations in branch design and technology

-Balancing Cost and Member Needs

-Adapting to local needs

-The operational challenges and key partnerships needed for success

For more, visit https://ascend.org/