New Year

All,

As we wind down the last days of 2020, we look ahead to 2021 with both optimism and uncertainty.  365 days from now when we reflect on 2021 our outcomes will have been determined mostly on how we dealt with the challenges we faced.  It probably makes sense to decide now what you will make of 2021 rather than wait and see what 2021 makes of you.

Reflection is valuable as learning from our mistakes helps us grow.  Fretting over the past though, is not helpful.  Knowing where you’ve been is interesting but knowing where you are going is most critical.  It’s the reason your car has a small rear-view mirror but a large windshield.  These things are in proportion to their importance.     

In the face of what will no doubt be challenging times in the coming year, staying true to our mission and brand will help us win the day.  A new promo, advertisement or flashy marketing material won’t be a legacy but a great brand can be.  What we stand for, our commitment to our mission, is our architecture.  If we make it strong and beautiful, it will last and matter.

Although 2020 didn’t meet our original objectives, our growth in assets (and in members), the strong rating from our regulator and the overall level of satisfaction we retained from our members definitely exceeded expectations in the year of the pandemic.  We’ve grown our balance sheet to almost $200 million and maintained strong net worth of over 13%.  Early in 2021 we’ll put out a sort of “annual report” showcasing our accomplishments and demonstrating the impact of all your respective contributions.  Be on the look-out for that.  And since we’ve been unable to huddle up as a group in person, we’ll set-up a hybrid in-person/virtual team meeting soon to share our 2021 plans.

Recently, we’ve also grown our team.  Welcome Sarah & Kelly.  If you haven’t spent a few minutes getting to know Sarah & Kelly, you should.  2021 will bring more new faces as well.  You can be assured, we’ll be extremely selective in who joins our team looking not just for skills but cultural fit.  Competence can achieve what is possible.  Character can achieve what is not.

If you are reading this, you’re already part of a very select group that I am proud to be associated with.  I hope you feel same.

Thank you for all of your efforts to make BHCU the success it is (and the “BEST IN DELCO”!).

Please have a Happy and Safe New Year.  I look forward to seeing what is possible in 2021.

Gary