Engaging in Ventura County - Day 1

I am looking forward to day 2 of our engagement program, where we will go to the field (literally) and get a first hand look at how Ventura County Credit Union (VCCU) is using the mobile member outreach technology from Mexico to provide financial services to farm workers in the field. Inspired by the Semilla Cooperativa model in Mexico, and presented by Caja Zongolica CEO Dolores Rivera at the 2010 Global Women's Leadership Forum in Las Vegas, VCCU in partnership with WOCCU and local partners, has adapted the methodology, developed an iphone app and is seeing a difference in business. Doing good deeds is making good business sense for VCCU. And changing their business model is tied into that, for example VCCU recently added Saturday business hours in one of their branches and thanks to the new member business, loans are nearly double what they had been previously. We learned today how the credit union sees reaching out to farm workers with mobile devices (smartphone) as a gateway / entry point to providing the financial literacy and services to potential members who are eager to find safe and secure means to manage their finances. Look for more inspiration as the trip continues.