Browsing all posts in Business Analysis.

Previewing the Illinois Credit Union League Convention

The Illinois Credit Union League’s annual convention begins Thursday at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. Given the turbulence in the financial sector, this year’s aptly named theme is Shake, Rattle and Roll. While there will be plenty of breakout sessions for management and board members, I expect the biggest topic of conversation this year will be follow along one of these three lines.

What Credit Unions Should Be Telling Their Members

As credit unions react to the collapse of U.S. Central and WesCorp, credit unions leaders need to react quickly to reassure members and the communities they serve. Here is what you should be saying.

A Brief Explanation of the Credit Union System

Federal regulators took control over two corporate credit unions Friday night. U.S. Central Federal Credit Union and Western Corporate Credit Union are two of 28 corporate credit unions that provide wholesale financing for American credit unions. Here is a basic overview of the credit union industry and how it operates.

Connecting the Dots, China-Style

If you need an example of how the nation’s financial prowess is its Achilles’ Heal, look no further than today’s headlines.

Beige Book’s Midwestern Summary

Economic activity in the Seventh District remained weak in January and February.

Maria Bartiromo Gets Some Plain Talk from Jim Rogers

Jim Rogers started his career with George Soros before going on to found and lead Rogers International Commodities Index. Rogers has some plain talk about the economic crisis in this weeks BusinessWeek.

Argonne Credit Union Annual Meeting

The Argonne Credit Union held their 59th Annual Meeting tonight at the Prairie Bluff Country Club in Crest Hill. Brad Stacy, Jim Miller, and I were elected to another three-year term.

Why Would the General Assembly Stimulate Housing Inventories?

I’m hesitant to write this out of concern for violating Ronald Reagan’s Eleventh Commandment not to speak ill of a fellow Republican, so please understand this is a critique of policy rather than personality.

Can a Three Year Old Solve the Economic Crisis?

Inflation is a principle so simple, a three year old can figure it out. What does that say about our economic leadership?

How to Tell Which Banks Really Are in Trouble

There are a number of measurement tools for determining if a bank is doing well or not. A Liquidity Stress Test provides a snapshot and should not be the only tool used to examine a bank’s health. Consider it a “back-of-the-napkin” calculation.

Getting it Right for ADM in Africa

Nigeria and Ethiopia topped a new index of African potential investor destinations on Wednesday, with the survey organisers saying the continent offers good potential growth even against the global economic crisis. Looks like I was right to recommend expansion into Nigeria by Archer Daniels Midland.

Book Review: Game Theory at Work

James Miller steers clear of mathematics and presents case studies and examples that illustrate how business owners, managers, and employees can make better decisions.

Reynolds: President Needs to Be Calming Voice

The curative process does not take years, as the president suggests – unless the government does too much foolish tinkering. But recovery will require more perspective and patience than we’ve been seeing from the White House lately, because time really does heal many economic wounds.

Advertisers Get More from Celeb Endorsements

Remember the Good Ol’ Days of celebrity endorsements? Pose, smile, or maybe rave about a designer dress on the red carpet? As the economy tightens, advertisers are looking for greater ROI. And celebs aren’t in much of a position to say no.

How Your Credit Union is Helping Fix the Credit Crisis

The Credit Union System Investment Program (CUSIP), allows creditworthy credit unions to borrow funds from the CLF and invest the proceeds in participating corporate credit unions (who are not allowed to borrow directly from CLF). For participating in the program, the credit union receives a 25 basis point spread.