Credit Union Times Magazine February-03, 2010

Corporate Defendants Evoke The Ghost of CapCorp Suit

By Heather Anderson

Despite alleging different crimes, the three lawsuits targeting seized corporate credit unions have one thing in common: defendants are arguing plaintiffs don't have the right to sue because the charges are so-called "derivative claims."

PFM Tools Are the Next Big Thing

By Lindsey Siegriest

If consumers have taken anything away from the Great Recession, it may be learning the importance of budgeting and saving.

Credit Unions Are Closely Watching Fed's Political and Policy Moves

By Claude R. Marx

The political and policymaking sides of the Federal Reserve's role were in full view last week as the Fed kept interest rate the same and lawmakers dragged out the vote on Chairman Ben Bernanke's second term.

ACCU's Brad Miller Named Southeast CEO

By Heather Anderson

After weeks of speculation, Southeast Corporate Federal Credit Union announced Jan. 25 that Association of Corporate Credit Unions Executive Director Brad Miller has been selected as the $3.2 billion institution's new president/CEO.

Dallas Town Hall Was 'Skeptical, Not Combative'

By Heather Anderson

More than 200 people filled the NCUA's Jan. 22 town hall meeting to capacity and then some.

Former Credit Union OmniAmerican Hits the Market With an IPO

By David Morrison

A credit union that fought the NCUA to become a mutual bank in 2005 has moved on to become a stock-issuing bank.

Single Mother Slashes Debt, Builds Savings to Win $10,000 Challenge

By Michelle A. Samaad

It took a home purchase for Karen Rubin to get focused on making a budget and balancing a checkbook on a quest to become more financially savvy.

NAFCU's Becker Reflects on His Tenure and Achievements After 10 Years

By Claude R. Marx

On Jan. 30, 2000, a man who knew little about credit unions except what he read about the movement from the inserts that came in his Navy Federal Credit Union statements took over as president/CEO of NAFCU.

Some Thaw in Salary Increases Foreseen for This Year

A Towers Perrin study finds that 65% of companies that froze salary budgets in 2009 will unfreeze them in 2010.

Security Vendor TriGeo Aims to Form a NATO-Like Protective Alliance

By Marc Rapport

Clients of TriGeo Network Security Inc. are given a small box, about 650 rules to live by and membership in a community that contributes to the enhanced internal and cyber protection of all, its chief spokesman says.

CUs, Banks Clash in 8 States on Public Funds

By Jim Rubenstein

The economic crisis and bank departures from rural areas were giving credit unions in eight states new hope last week their legislative proposals for deposit of public funds might stand an improved chance of passing this year.

With Spending Freeze on the Table, CDCUs and CDFIs Await Federal Budget

Community development credit unions plan to pay close attention to the Obama administration's stated intention to freeze much of the federal budget.

NCUA Meets On NCUSIF

In an unusual session scheduled for last Friday, the NCUA Board was slated to hear a report on the financial health of the NCUSIF.

Trades Push on CARD

CUNA and NAFCU are working with the Federal Reserve to get it to change the provisions of rules on interest rates and notification of customers that will be used to enforce the credit card law passed by Congress last year.

CUNA Sets Groups on FOM, Mergers

CUNA has set up groups to help the trade association formulate its positions on two issues that are affecting many credit unions: the proposed NCUA rule on field of membership and the agency's policies on mergers.

Treasury Recruiting for BSA Panel

Financial institutions and trade associations can nominate representatives to serve on the committee that advises the Treasury Department on the implementation of the Bank Secrecy Act.

CUs' Mixed Expectations

Many credit union leaders surveyed by NAFCU believe there will be a decrease in share growth yet an increase in income growth.

CUNA Brokerage Honors Top Women Performers

CUNA Brokerage Services Inc. recently honored 20 financial advisers for their performance and contributions to the financial services industry with its Women of Distinction award.

Everett CU Packs House For College Planning

Everett Credit Union, in partnership with Credit Union Student Choice, recently grabbed the attention of more than 200 student and parents at a college planning seminar it held.

CU Awards Member $10,000 Grand Prize

Tower Federal Credit Union presented a check for $10,000 to long-time member David Snyder and the lucky grand prize winner of the credit union's savings campaign, Super Savers Sweepstakes.

Foundation Donates To Children's Hospital

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation's credit unions for kids committee raised more than $190,000 for Gillette Children's Specialty Health Care and presented a check representing the funds raised by credit unions around the state.

Maine CUs Push for Financial Outreach

Donna Steckino, president/CEO of Community Credit Union in Lewiston and Auburn, testified on behalf of the Maine Credit Union League at a public hearing before the Insurance and Financial Services Committee in Augusta.

As Cooperation Erodes, Time to Reaffirm Our Connectivity and Reliance

By Sarah Snell Cooke

On his 10th anniversary within the credit union movement, I find it interesting that Fred Becker mentions his observation of the erosion of cooperation among credit unions. As one who passed that same milestone back in July, I'm very inclined to agree.

The Road Ahead for CUs Need Not Include a Cut and Run to Bank Charters

I was slightly amused when I opened your Jan. 20 edition to the centerfold and noticed articles from two noted credit union lampreys, Marvin Umholtz and Alan Theriault.

As CRE Sours, Time for a REO Holding Corporation?

As the recession continues and the commercial real estate marketplace sours, more credit unions will unfortunately have to foreclose on commercial real estate properties secured by defaulted member business loans.

CUs Step Up to Plate, But Where's the Home Run?

By Lindsey Siegriest

The credit union movement has finally received the kick in the pants it needed to take advantage of the distaste for banks that has settled on many consumers during the recession.

Risk-Averse Members Crave Reassurance

Toxic assets, bailouts and stimulus are words we have heard almost every day in 2009 from the broadcast news outlets, on the Internet and in our newspapers.

For Retirement Planning, Age Still Trumps Markets' Ups and Downs

By Michelle A. Samaad

Risk management, diversification and products with guarantees have proven to be tried and true approaches when it comes to what financial advisers suggest to members and credit union employees.

Philadelphia FCU Staff Teamwork Makes a Garden Grow and Aids Shut-Ins

By Myriam DiGiovanni

Want to keep employee morale up during tough economic times? Consider planting some seeds.

Tower FCU's Wellness Program Emphasizes Education and Participation

By Myriam DiGiovanni

With getting healthy topping New Year's resolution lists and credit unions looking at how to keep top talent when the economy rebounds, 2010 may be the time to jumpstart a wellness program.

Using Fear as a Management Tool Will Harm You Today and Tomorrow

Many branch managers are operating under the flawed logic that employees become more attentive to their work during a recession, motivated by the fear of job loss. They are wrong.

This Is the Year for a Real Plan to Meet Members' Retirement Needs

Planning can actually be a lot of fun. Think about the last vacation or party you coordinated where everything went just right. Remember the feeling of accomplishment and pride you, the planner, had afterwards.

People

WEST Numerica Credit Union, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, announced the hiring of Kylie Trout as the new branch manager for the Coeur d'Alene branch.