MILESTONES

Arkansas Best FCU, Fort Smith, Collection Officer Patricia Barnes is the first CU professional in the nation to earn the Staff Training & Recognition security certificate, presented by CUNA & Affiliates Center for Professional Development. Cy-Fair FCU, Houston, which has opened a new branch in Stone Creek, held a ribbon cutting earlier this year. Annette Neal has been named branch manager. NuMark CU, Joliet, Ill., has announced that President/CEO Janice N. Dempsey planned to retire in early April. Eldredge Corporations, Carmel, Ind., an independent agency that provides insurance, lending and marketing products to more than 750 credit unions and other financial institutions nationwide, has announced that it has acquired R.T. Racine Agency, Grand Rapids, Mich. The merger was completed in early April. "We've worked closely with the Racine Agency for the last 15 years and share the same commitment to our industry," said Peter J. Hilger, Eldredge Corporations executive V.P. "We're dedicated to providing a high level of service and support to all our clients... With more than 20 years of experience... and an extensive product line, we feel we have a great deal to offer our newly acquired clients." Service One CU, Bowling Green, Ky., held its annual shareholders' dinner recently, serving a lasagna dinner and treating guests to door prizes that included $500 in cash and two round-trip airline tickets. In addition, magician and comedian Dick Stoner was scheduled to perform. Sonoma County Schools CU, Santa Rosa, Calif., has changed its name to Community First CU. The change was made because membership is open to anyone who lives or works in Sonoma County, not just education employees, a spokesman explained. In addition, because the CU reaches out to members' communities through a variety of programs, the new name now reflects the community aspects of the CU's endeavors, while allowing the business philosophy to remain closely aligned to the CU's educational roots, he said. Steel Works Community FCU, Weirton, W. Va., has opened a new office in Wintersville, Ohio. Juanita Costantini has been named office manager. Members have been asking for a branch office in that area for quite some time, said SWCFCU President Richard J. Krauland. Teachers FCU, Golden Valley, Minn., has announced the opening of its new Maple Grove branch in the Arbor Lakes development at 7799 Main St. TFCU serves more than 46,000 members and has nearly $300 million in assets.