Month: December 2023

Excerpts from two perspectives for sustaining success as we head into the New Year.

Dream or Die

“All social entities or movements need dreams, which can be defined as an indispensable capacity to envision a future for themselves that considers both the practical means at hand and a higher ideal. Societies that do not dream are doomed to die.

“We have no knowledge of any human community where men do fail to dream,” writes Irving Kristol. “Which is to say, we know of no human community whose members do not have a vision of perfection—a vision in which the frustrations inherent in our human condition are annulled and transcended.”*

Source: *Kristol, Two Cheers for Capitalism, pg 153

JPMorgan’s $4 Trillion Balance Sheet Widens Lead Over Rivals – Firm has added the equivalent of one Wells Fargo since financial crisis

“As the spring bloodbath among regional banks began, nervous depositors with more than $50 billion began showing up at JPMorgan’s door. Bank executives went on to raise expectations for net interest income four times throughout the year, eventually pulling in so much cash that managers have taken to warning of “over-earning.”

“That’s put JPMorgan on track for the biggest annual profit in the history of American banking. Analysts predict that by the end of this month, its annual net income will be 36% higher than last year.

“By comparison, the combined earnings of the next five largest banks looks to be about 1%. For JPMorgan and its chief executive, Jamie Dimon, it was a year like no other.”  (Source:  Bloomberg, December 27, 2023)

As we turn the calendar’s page, which approach will be your credit union’s priority?

Christmas is a time when we remember, honor and celebrate people whose life was the gift of service to others.

Credit unions attract and provide fertile ground for  persons with this character.  They create an ideal platform for assisting others at important junctures in their lives.

These individuals’ efforts are not measured solely by numbers; more important is the personal legacy of bringing “soul” to their work in the movement.

The following tribute to a long-serving credit union employee is by Jim Blaine.

James McArthur Williams (1943-2023)

Why do we so often become confused when taking the measure of greatness? Why are we so easily distracted – and dazzled – by the spectacle, the swank, and the swagger? Why do we so often miss who is truly important – and what really makes a difference in each of our lives?

Had the privilege of attending the funeral of a great man last week at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in downtown Raleigh. James Williams was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend. He married his high school sweetheart Ginger; he called her “Bread“. They had two children – JaSonne Yvette and James Eric.

James Williams was a veteran, 33rd degree Mason, Emeritus Board Steward in his church, graduate – and beyond ardent supporter – of his HBCU, “THE” North Carolina Central University  – “Go War Eagles!“. James was a devoted family man at heart, loved traveling, and as an empty-nester, cruising with Ginger. A full life – important, meaningful.

James Williams came to work at the State Employees’ Credit Union in 1973. That was 50 years ago. That seems like a long, long time ago. Much has changed in that time, much hasn’t.

James McArthur Williams was the first Black employee to work at SECU. He faced some unusual challenges, not of his making. But he persevered, he persisted. James Williams was a senior lender at SECU for over a quarter of a century. No individual was more important in building the reputation for integrity and fairness at State Employees’ Credit Union than James McArthur Williams. With humor, grace, and kindness, James Williams navigated all the “historical difficulties”; he left a positive mark on all he touched; because he knew how you felt – he had walked in your shoes.

Thank you, James Williams, for helping me and many, many others to understand better. 

Can an organization have a soul? As a faithful “soul man”, James McArthur Williams spent a lifetime showing us there is a path…

Can you measure greatness in people and in institutions? Here is what SECU members say:

 “James will long be remembered as a person who showed many of us how to overcome obstacles in the world of finance. He demystified bank forms and protocols. And most importantly, he always encouraged patrons of SECU as we realized with God all things are possible!”

“James was our greatest ally at the State Employees’ Credit Union.”

“James and Ginger are two of the warmest people you’d ever want to meet. Many state employees knew James through the State Employees Credit Union in downtown Raleigh.”

Thank you, Sir!