LAPLACE — Over the past 10 years, Mia Perez has rebranded, reshaped and redefined the Louisiana Federal Credit Union into the successful business it is today.

Now the Credit Union’s Chief Administrative Officer is sharing her expertise with other organizations across the country to help them remain relevant and competitive in today’s economy.

Perez, who regularly commutes from her home on the West Bank of New Orleans to LaPlace, recently was elected as chair of the Credit Union Nation Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council’s executive committee.

The committee is one of seven national councils led by credit union executives who volunteer their time working to develop and share various resources to the more than 6,000 other institutions across the country.

“We provide resources, tools, networking and career-development opportunities,” Perez said. “We also work to try to develop ways for local credit unions to keep their market share. Just like anything else, it’s all in the way you market yourself.”

Perez certainly has the expertise to help others in her field.

A graduate of Tulane University in New Orleans with a degree in public relations and marketing, Perez has volunteered to serve on a slew of committees over the course of her career.

She also has received multiple awards for her work, including the River Region Chamber of Commerce Shining Star award in 2010.

She won the 2004 American Advertising Federation Award and also has won several excellence in marketing awards from her industry peers.

Her election to chair this national committee is a major coup for her, Perez said.

“It’s a pretty significant position I’ve been put into,” Perez said. “There’s a lot of responsibility.”

The Louisiana Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution with more than 27,000 members in the River Parishes and Tangipahoa Parish area.

One of Perez’s main messages to other credit union leaders is the importance of community engagement.

According to its web site, the Louisiana FCU supports more than 30 community-focused organizations, charities and events either through volunteering or sponsorships.

Perez said individual employees are asked to perform community service projects. I

Employess are given “Heart Hours,” which includes paid time to achieve the persersonal service goals.

The local Credit Union offices supported the Pinwheels for Prevention of child abuse campaign, which took place during the month of May.

When it comes to services, the Louisiana Federal Credit Union also tailors its products and services to helping local businesses and individuals.

It also offers informational seminars on various financial questions, including how to pay for college tuition.

Company representatives also spend time visiting local schools to help children.

“We teach kids how to balance a checkbook,” Perez said. “We tell them what that is because, they don’t really know what that is anymore.  We sit them down and we show them.

“It’s very important to us. Our community involvement is the single most important message. Giving back is a true labor of love, really.”

For more information about the Louisiana Federal Credit Union visit LouisianaFCU.org or visit their Facebook page.