Credit Union Times Magazine May-07, 2008

News

SWAMI Certification Program Builds Managerial Strength for African CUs

By Heather Anderson

NAIROBI, Kenya -- Louisiana Credit Union League CEO Anne Cochran doesn't exactly jet set around the globe like Bono or Angelina Jolie, but through the Strathmore WOCCU African Management Institute, a management certification program she helped create here, she's arguably touched thousands of member-owners on the beleaguered continent.
Family Trust FCU, South Carolina FCU Win League Diversity Awards

By Jim Rubenstein

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Marking a first-time honor coinciding with a statewide program, the South Carolina Credit Union League has selected two of its members for a new diversity in the workplace award.
Corporate One Vendor Risk Conference

By Heather Anderson

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Corporate One Federal Credit Union's June 24-25 Enterprise Wide Risk Management Conference will feature a workshop on vendor risk management and remarks by NCUA Vice Chairman Rodney Hood.
CUs Celebrate Keystone Anniversary

By Staff Writer

MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- Keystone Business Lending Solutions, a CUSO serving Pennsylvania credit unions, celebrated its one-year anniversary on April 1.
VSoft Launches New Web Site

By Staff Writer

ATLANTA -- VSoft Corp. has launched a new Web site and re-branded its product line of check and remittance processing and imaging solutions.
COCC, in Pact with Eastern Bank, Creates Network that Touts High Speed and Low Cost

By Marc Rapport

AVON, Conn. -- COCC said a new alliance with Eastern Bank will allow its client banks and credit unions to electronically settle payments more quickly and cheaply.
Former Fannie Mae Execs to Pay $31M

By Staff Writer

WASHINGTON -- Former Chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae Franklin Raines, former Chief Financial Officer J. Timothy Howard and ex-Controller Leanne Spencer agreed to pay a $31 million settlement to end a case surrounding their roles in a 2004 accounting scandal.
Founders FCU, Winthrop CU Merge

By Staff Writer

ROCK HILL, S.C. -- The 2008 merger trend continues as Winthrop Credit Union and Founders Federal Credit Union announce merger plans.
Richmond Postal CU Names New CEO

By Staff Writer

RICHMOND, Va. --Richmond Postal Credit Union has appointed Joseph M. Haddon Jr. its new president/CEO.
Goldenwest 5K a Boon for Schools

By Staff Writer

OGDEN, Utah -- Goldenwest Credit Union has helped make a difference in area schools.
SECU and N.C. Celebrate Planet Earth

By Staff Writer

RALEIGH, N.C. -- North Carolina rang in its first annual planet earth celebration with some help from State Employees Credit Union and other local businesses.
Local Government FCU Expands Statewide Reach Through New CUSO

By Michelle A. Samaad

RALEIGH, N.C. -- To expand its outreach to government units across North Carolina, the $792 million Local Government Federal Credit Union has launched LGFCU Financial Partners LLC.
Marketers' 'MySpace' Site Launched

By Staff Writer

PLANTATION, Fla. -- Credit union marketers have a new meeting place to learn from one another.
Open Solutions Extends Pact With Quincy

By Marc Rapport

QUINCY, Mass. -- Quincy Credit Union will soon be using the newest release of Open Solutions Inc.'s core processing system for credit unions.
Survey Finds Debit Outlook Remains Strong but Challenges Begin to Mount

By David Morrison

HOUSTON -- Credit union debit card issues will likely continue to affect the payment method's strong growth as well as its challenges, a comprehensive industry survey suggests.
Staff Union and CUNA Mutual Sign Contract Focusing on Job Security

By Lindsey Siegriest

MADISON, Wis. -- The Office of Professional Employees International Union Local 39 has approved a new four-year contract with CUNA Mutual Group that focuses on what the union said was its No. 1 concern: job security.
Arizona State CU Stakes Savings Claim On Economic Stimulus Checks

By Myriam DiGiovanni

PHOENIX -- Arizona State Credit Union is taking a bite out of the economic stimulus checks headed consumers' way.
Financial Literacy Needs Still Great

By Myriam DiGiovanni

SILVER SPRING, Md. -- The National Foundation for Credit Counseling and MSN Money 2008 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey finds that opportunity still knocks for financial literacy programs.
House Panel Considers Housing Relief

By Claude R. Marx

WASHINGTON -- A House panel discussed and at press time was scheduled to vote on a bill to create an insurance fund that guarantees up to $300 billion in refinanced mortgages.
Christian Community CU Builds Credit Card Portfolio While Doing God's Work

By Heather Anderson

SAN DIMAS, Calif. -- When $450 million Christian Community Credit Union cut a $232,500 check last month to Launch a Village, a project that assists two missionaries in their efforts to provide water, sanitation, education, medical care and microenterprise loans for three villages in northern Thailand, it was more than...
Conserved Cal State 9 CU Presents Unlikely Merger Prospect

By Staff Writer

CONCORD, Calif. -- The bidding for troubled Cal State 9 Credit Union here closed on April 25 and has kept mum on the bidders (See sidebar).
CEFCU May Bid on Cal State 9

By Jim Rubenstein

SAN FRANCISCO -- Credit union interest in purchasing the assets of the conserved $339 million Cal State 9 CU of Concord took some new turns last week with Citizens Equity First of Peoria, Ill., now in the fray and two California CUs dropped out of the bidding.
PSCU Distributing Visa IPO Proceeds

By Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- PSCU Financial Services member credit unions will see a blacker bottom line in May as PSCU passes back all the cash it received from Visa's initial public offering of stock.
CUs Oppose Added Regs on Mergers

By Claude R. Marx

WASHINGTON -- Saying they are already overburdened by compliance rules, credit unions and their trade associations told NCUA that they oppose new regulations regarding the merger of federal credit unions with other financial institutions.
On-Site Coverage: Regulatory Spotlight on Third-Party Relationships, Due Diligence

By Michelle A. Samaad

LAS VEGAS -- The regulatory landscape for CUSOs has been much more active as of late with third-party relationships coming under review.
Credit Unions Extol the Virtues of Financial Literacy at Capitol Hill Event

By Claude R. Marx

WASHINGTON -- As a past vice president of the California Credit Union League and of the Vista Federal Credit Union, Laura Levine has worked on the state and local government levels to improve financial literacy.
New Mexico Educators FCU Upgrades Its NEC Unified Telecom Tools

By Marc Rapport

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union is unifying its member and internal communications while extending its quarter-century relationship with its telecommunications equipment provider.
Lending Tree Breach Was Inside Job

By Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Consumers didn't win this time around, as Lending Tree's TV ads proclaim, when banks compete for business because employees funneled leads to lenders who were not approved.
Oklahoma League Hires Gary Jones, Ex-Wilserv CEO, as Field Rep and Liaison

By Jim Rubenstein

TULSA, Okla. -- Seeking to assist small credit unions with special needs, the Oklahoma Credit Union League is returning to using a field rep to keep in touch with members and has hired a retired Tulsa CU president to do the job.
Texas CU Signs with EasCorp

By Marc Rapport

LIVE OAK, Texas -- Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union has signed on to use EasCorp's remote-deposit capture service for consumers and small businesses.
Co-Ops Cooperating - Indiana CU Finds Helping Another Co-Op Brings Value on Many Fronts

By David Morrison

BEDFORD, Ind. -- The $313 million Hoosier Hills Credit Union found that loaning another cooperative money has paid a variety of different dividends.
NCUF Seeking Innovation Grant Applications Despite Lower Interest Income

By David Morrison

WASHINGTON -- Even though ongoing low interest rates have hurt its income, the National Credit Union Foundation has called for applications for this year's Innovation Grants.
NCSL Report Highlights How the Economy Is a Revenue Drain on State Budgets

By Staff Writer

WASHINGTON -- A new study recently released by the National Conference of State Legislatures shows that state finances are deteriorating--in some cases considerably--and may threaten state-provided services.
CUTEK Signs Six CUs

By Marc Rapport

MURRIETA, Calif. -- Software that cleans up mailing lists and makes it available to front-line personnel has been sold to six more credit unions by CUTEK, a consultancy that specializes in working with the Symitar Episys core processing system.
Chris McDonald Named Andrews President/CEO

By Staff Writer

SUITLAND, Md. -- The $801 million Andrews Federal Credit Union has named Chris McDonald its new president/CEO effective May 12.
New Leader at Achieva

By Staff Writer

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Achieva Credit Union has found a new leader in President/CEO Gary Regoli.
Rebate Goes to Debt and Bills: Truliant Members

By Staff Writer

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- As citizens of North Carolina prepare for a hotly contested primary between Democratic presidential rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, members of Truliant FCU here have already voted how they will spend their refund and surplus checks from the government.
Colorado Assoc. Backs Consultant for Congress

By Staff Writer

WASHINGTON -- The Credit Union Association of Colorado has endorsed Jeffrey Crank in his campaign to win the GOP congressional nomination in that state's 5th District.
NCUA Sets Guidelines On FCUs and CUSOs

By Staff Writer

WASHINGTON -- Federal credit unions can administer benefits for CUSO employees but can't pay for them, according to an NCUA legal opinion.
United Local to Remove Board Member

By Staff Writer

FRESNO, Calif. -- Members voted 219 to 29 in favor of removing suspended board member Tom Rotella from the board of the $112 million United Local Credit Union at a special meeting on April 22.
N.J. League Is Hoping For New Bergen CU

By Staff Writer

HACKENSACK, N.J. -- A community organization has been working to establish a new community development credit union in New Jersey. If they succeed, the new CU will be the first in the state in 11 years, according to the New Jersey Credit Union League.
Earth Day

By Staff Writer

WesCorp Federal Credit Union, San Dimas, Calif., celebrated Earth Day by handing out reusable canvas bags printed with the WesCorp logo and the message, "Credit Unions for a Greener America." With many California communities moving to ban plastic grocery bags plus charge for the paper replacements, WesCorp handed out 500...

Front Page News

Red Flags Hover as November Nears

By Marc Rapport

SAN DIEGO -- Seems like it was just yesterday when credit unions were scrambling to meet the new FFIEC requirements for protecting consumer identities online.
Service CU CEO Simmons Receives Presidential Award

By Heather Anderson

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany -- On April 24, NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson presented the President's Volunteer Service Award to Gordon A. Simmons, president/CEO of Service Credit Union. President Bush created the Volunteer Service Award in 2003 as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire...
Will CU Mortgage Market Go Into Reverse?

By Staff Writer

GIG HARBOR, Wash. -- Anyone looking for a bright spot in the darkening mortgage market may find relief in this demographic factoid: 78 million baby boomers are about to turn 65. That's three years older than the minimum age required to secure a reverse mortgage.
NACUSO: Gimme Some Lovin'

By Staff Writer

LAS VEGAS -- It didn't take long for the Blues Brothers to work up the crowd at NACUSO's annual conference kickoff into a feet-tapping, hand-clapping sing and dance-a-long.
CURRA Fate Uncertain After House Setback

By Claude R. Marx

WASHINGTON -- Credit unions and their congressional allies are trying to determine their next move after House leaders canceled last week's scheduled vote on the Credit Union Regulatory Relief Act, after an all-out lobbying campaign by the bankers.

Facilities

First Tech Celebrates Keizer Branch

By Staff Writer

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- First Tech Credit Union is calling the Keizer Station shopping center in Keizer, Ore. home.
Marking Merger, Empower FCU Branches Out to Baldwinsville, N.Y.

By Staff Writer

BALDWINSVILLE, N.Y. -- Empower Federal Credit Union marked its one-year merger anniversary by hosting the grand opening of its Baldwinsville branch.
Wright-Patt Member Center a Success

By Staff Writer

FAIRBORN, Ohio -- Wright-Patt Credit Union Inc. recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Springfield member center.
Redstone FCU Opens 20th Branch

By Staff Writer

HARTSELLE, Ala. -- Redstone Federal Credit Union set a milestone as it opened the Hartselle branch marking the credit union's 20th branch.

Marketing

New Marketing Director at Novation

By Myriam DiGiovanni

OAKDALE, Minn. -- Novation Credit Union has named Megan Primeau director of marketing.
Unity One Wildly Inspired by Literacy

By Staff Writer

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Unity One Federal Credit Union went a little wild to mark financial literacy month.
Altura Marketing Team Gets Top Nods

By Staff Writer

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- It's been a great year for Altura Credit Union's marketing department.
Michigan First Kicks Off Business Expo

By Staff Writer

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. -- When it comes to playing a major role in supporting Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce events Michigan First Credit Union is walking the talk.

Tech Bytes

Contactless Cards May or May Not Spur Change in Mobile Payments

By Marc Rapport

SAN FRANCISCO -- Contactless payment cards will lead the way to the future of mobile payments. Or not.
Security Spending Will Continue to Top the Budget List, CUNA Survey Finds

By Marc Rapport

MADISON, Wis. -- Security spending should continue to lead the way in credit union IT budgets over the next three years, according to a new survey from CUNA.
Lending Solutions Receives Vendor Award from Digital Credit Union

By Marc Rapport

ELGIN, Ill. -- Lending Solutions Inc. said it has been selected by Digital Credit Union to receive the credit union's Business Partnership Excellence Award.

Special Report

Being '100th Monkey' May Help CUs Reap Rewards by Breaking Old Habits

By Staff Writer

LAS VEGAS -- One young monkey that decided to break away from the pack initiated a paradigm shift that may serve as a lesson for the credit union industry.
Building Credibility in Competitive Marketplace Still Major Issue for CUs

By Staff Writer

LAS VEGAS -- When it comes to member service, convenience and advocacy, the credit union industry has a longstanding tradition of providing all three. But on the issue of establishing credibility, the movement still has a way to go, Dan Clark, author and speaker, told attendees during a keynote session...
The Gloves Are Off! Aggressive Marketing, Shared Branching Blitz Critical to Survival

By Staff Writer

LAS VEGAS -- They are suggestions that have been heard before but lately, the tone is less optional and more now or never--"marketing like mad men" and building strong shared branching alliances may determine which credit unions will survive.
Revisit 401(k) Marketing to Reach Small-Business Segment, Panel Says

By Michelle A. Samaad

LAS VEGAS -- Offering 401(k) retirement plans to select employee groups, business members and other businesses may be a way to establish long-term relationship with the small-business market, a panel told attendees at NACUSO's annual conference last week.
Open Examiner Dialogue Goes Far in Third-Party Due Diligence, Hyland Says

By Michelle A. Samaad

LAS VEGAS -- Striking a balance between credit unions wanting to be innovators for their members and ensuring that those efforts don't create risky safety and soundness issues is achievable, NCUA board member Gigi Hyland recently assured.
Dave Serlo Is New NACUSO Chairman

By Michelle A. Samaad

LAS VEGAS -- For his nine years of service including experience as chairman of NACUSO's board of directors, Dennis Pierce was recognized for efforts with the association as he passed the baton to newly named chairman Dave Serlo, president of PSCU Financial Services.
CU*Answers Earns 2008 CUSO Innovation and Collaboration Award

By Michelle A. Samaad

LAS VEGAS -- Known for its trailblazing in the data processing and network solutions arena, CU*Answers was named the recipient of NACUSO's 2008 CUSO Innovation and Collaboration award.
NACUSO: CUs Heading to a Season of Light or Darkness?

By Michelle A. Samaad

LAS VEGAS -- With a rousing opening that featured Blues Brothers impersonators rocking the crowd with "Soul Man" and other familiar hits, NACUSO welcomed more than 400 people its annual conference here.
Reaching Members Where They Live, CUSOs Consider Sales Culture, All Channels

By Michelle A. Samaad

KENTWOOD, Mich. -- When it comes to how and where members are conducting their financial transactions, it's no surprise that many are relying heavily on their debit cards.

Letters to the editor

A Clinton White House Would Strongly Support the Credit Union Movement

By Staff Writer

I read Heather Anderson's article regarding presidential candidates being CU friendly (CU Times, April 16, 2008, page 22) with a great deal of interest, and I would like to comment on what I feel were good comments on Senator Hillary Clinton's position toward credit unions and expand on that a...

Publisher's Column

Credit Unions Taken Aback by Bankers' Lobbying Prowess

By Sarah Snell Cooke

Sad but true. Credit unions, which pride themselves on their grassroots capabilities, failed to turn out the impressive numbers the bankers did in the battle to get the Credit Union Regulatory Relief Act (H.R. 5519) through the House on the suspension calendar.

Publisher's Notebook

Publisher's Notebook

By Staff Writer

The first 100 days of an administration can provide a peek through the proverbial looking glass into the future, according to the political analysts I've read. What are the strategies that will define the newly elected? How will they initiate change and create a footprint worth remembering? Where and when...

On-Site Conference Coverage

Kan. Desjardins Winner Shows How to Do Literacy

By Jim Rubenstein

WICHITA, Kan. -- Robert Reeves may be a nutrition professor at Kansas State University but he also has come to know a thing or two about financial education and credit unions.
Kansas CU Opens Separate Payday Branch

By Jim Rubenstein

WICHITA, Kan. -- Drawing the idea from a Wisconsin linkup three years ago and representing a Kansas first, the $50 million Credit Union of Dodge City has opened a storefront branch to offer alternative payday loans.
Kansas League Moves Swiftly to Prepare State CUs on New FOM Law

By Jim Rubenstein

WICHITA, Kan. -- The Kansas Credit Union Association wasted little time last week in preparing state-chartered credit unions to handle the complex provisions of the state's new field of membership and merger law that takes effect July 1.
Kansas Corporate CU, Jayhawks Cut from Same Champs Cloth

By Jim Rubenstein

WICHITA, Kan. -- The $525 million Kansas Corporate Credit Union and the Kansas University Jayhawks share something big in common: "We both have had great years" quipped Larry Eisenhauer, president/CEO of Kansas Corporate.

People

People

By Staff Writer

East, South, Midwest, West

Clarifications/Corrections

Clarification

By Staff Writer

Kansas' new field of membership law curtails statewide branching for a group of nine credit unions and potentially will reduce members via indirect lending. The law is complex and will affect individual CUs differently in contrast to statements made in an April 23 Credit Union Times article.

From the Board Room

Minn. Network Elects Directors

By Myriam DiGiovanni

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. -- This year's Minnesota Credit Union Network annual meeting and convention welcomed nearly 450 credit union professionals and volunteers representing 75 credit unions and 152 individuals from 63 service organizations.
Robins FCU Board Veteran Honored

By Staff Writer

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. -- Over 43 years of service could not go unnoticed.
SCU Chairman Renth Latest Who's Who

By Staff Writer

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. -- Scott Credit Union Board Chairman Betty Renth has been inducted into Who's Who in America's Credit Unions for 2008.
Belvoir VP Appointed to VCUL Board

By Staff Writer

WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- Belvoir Federal Credit Union Vice President of Administration Gaye DeCesare has recently been elected as director-at-large for the Virginia Credit Union League.