Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, Media, Pa., has announced the grand opening of its full service Chester branch office. FMFCU has over $200 million in assets and serves over 42,000 members. NorthStar Credit Union, Naperville, Ill., has contracted with HBE Financial Facilities to build its new one-story 7,800-sq. ft. facility. NorthStar CU has $31.8 million in assets and serves 6,794 members. Oahu Educational Employees FCU, Hawaii, has announced the grand opening of Members Financial Resources, Inc., a credit union-owned service organization which offers investment alternatives, financial management and insurance. The new office will be located on the 2nd floor of OEEFCU's Ala Moana Branch. Gulf Coast Community FCU, Gulfport, Miss., has announced the grand opening of its Orange Grove branch office. GCCFCU has $41 million in assets and serves 12,962 members. The Golden 1 Credit Union, Sacremento, Calif., has teamed up with baseball's Sacremento River Cats as the exclusive credit union partner and ATM provider at Raley Field. Raley Field is Sacramento's first new professional ballpark in over half a century. Golden 1 CU will provide two ATMs at Raley Field. Golden 1 has over $2.5 billion in assets and serves 364,000 members. Riverside Schools CU, Calif., has celebrated its newest Corona branch opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Over 400 people attended and toured the new facility which features such state of the art financial technology as remote teller access and self help computers with easy Internet access. RSCU has $275.4 million in assets and serves 62,274 members. Community First Credit Union, Santa Rosa, Calif., has announced the grand opening of its new lending office in Petaluma. CFCU has $81.7 million in assets and serves 11,902 members. Boeing Wichita Credit Union , Kan., has announced the grand opening of its Northeast Wichita branch. BWCU has $248.6 million in assets and serves 38,281 members. @LANTEC Federal Credit Union, Norfolk, Va., has announced it will establish a new branch and corporate offices in the Mount Trashmore section of Virginia Beach. The three-story, 13,000 square-foot brick colonial will provide a full spectrum of financial services including a free-for-members Web Caf. Members can access their online banking account or just surf the Web through a personal computer available in the lobby. The move is scheduled during the month of June. Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver, Wash., has announced that its first in-store branch will be located at Fred Meyer in Battle Ground. The in-store branch is a first for CCU and will be a full-service branch with both deposit and lending staff. The CCU in-store branch is scheduled to open at Fred Meyer in early July. Alliance Credit Union, Fenton, Mo., has held a groundbreaking ceremony for its fourth office in the metro St. Louis area. ACU President and CEO Dennis Sommer said the new branch marks the first time in its 52 year history that a full service facility will be built from the ground up. ACU has $90.3 million in assets and serves 26,925. Keystone Credit Union, Tyler, Texas, has announced the grand opening of its new branch office at 1550 Rice Road. KCU has $33.5 million in assets and serves 4,276 members....

State Employees Credit Union of Maryland, Baltimore, has been awarded the 1999 Colleen Good Marketing Excellence Award. SECU won second place for card programming excellence based on account acquisition, growth in outstandings and customer penetration....

Royal Credit Union, Eau Claire, Wis., in partnership with WAYY has raised over $450 and collected over 800 pounds of food for Rice Lake We Share and the Feed My People Food Bank. RCU has $433.8 million in assets and serves 84,385 members. Houston Texas Fire Fighters FCU, has donated $2,115 to the American Cancer Society. The donation collected for the annual Relay for Life will be used to provide education, research and patient services. North Hollywood Postal Credit Union, Calif., has raised $1,000 for the Richard Johnson Foundation Fund by winning the San Fernando/ Antelope Valley Chapter's annual Bowl-A-Thon. Ohio University Employees Credit Union, Athens, has raised $1,031 during the Athens County Big Brothers/Big Sisters "Battle of the Banks". OUECU has $101.7 million in assets and serves 15,685....

ATLANTA - Vince Pavese (left), Equifax Card Solutions senior vice president and general manager and Leigh Marcinika, Service Centers Corporation senior vice president and chief network officer make their multi-year contract official. Under the deal (CU Times, May 31), Equifax will provide SCC with debit card processing services for its 110 CU clients....

TAMPA, Fla. - Credit union members are plastic-packing consumers, but not they're not necessarily packing a high credit union credit card balance. According to a joint PSI Global/CUNA study titled "Credit Union Members Today and Tomorrow" 89% of credit union members have Visa/Master credit cards, compared to just 71% of non-members. Among cardholders, credit union members carry an average outstanding balance of $2,837, while non-members sport a much lower $1,884 balance. Although almost 90% of CU members have credit cards, only 37% having a Visa/Master Card at the credit union. More specifically, 34% of members report having a Visa credit union credit card and just 7% have a credit union MasterCard card Credit unions have ground to make up when it comes to getting credit union cards in the hands of members. Sixty-two percent of members said they have a Visa/MasterCard somewhere other than the credit union, and do not have any credit union plastic cards. That means credit unions only have about a 30% marketshare of their member households' plastic card accounts. Overall, including credit union and non-credit union cards, Visa is definitely the card of choice among members. Seventy-nine percent of members have a Visa card, and 49% a MasterCard card. One disturbing revelation of the study was that credit unions are not getting the bulk of primary (those who consider the CU as their PFI) members' credit card balances. Credit unions have only a 13% share of their primary members' Visa/MasterCard outstanding balances. But when considering that 41% of households of primary members have a credit union Visa/MasterCard, there's a large gap between outstanding balance and primary CU cardholders. Thus primary members are carrying higher balances on non-credit union Visa/MasterCard cards. The study found that debit cards are still a new animal to many members. Fifty-two percent of members reported having debit cards, compared to 42% of non-members. Younger members gravitate to debit cards. Sixty-eight percent of members between the ages of 25 and 34 reported having a debit card, while just 50% from the 55 to 64 age group; and 33% from the 65 and over segment. Debit card ownership is more common among higher income groups. Fifty-nine percent of members with income between $50,000-$75,000 have a debit card, compared to just 45% of those members making $20,000-$29,900 and 40% for those making between $10,000-$19,900. The study said that debit card penetration has been flat among all consumers since 1997, hovering just around 46% penetration. Reasons consumers cite for not using debit cards include the desire to have canceled checks for proof of payment; difficulty in tracking transactions; security concerns; fees being charged; and a preference for using cash. -pgentile@cutimes.com...

MIAMI-A conference held here recently offered a challenge to credit unions: prepare for the advent of smart cards or risk being late to the party. Claiming to be the first credit union technology conference on the subject, the CU Smart Card & Biometric Summit was held in conjunction with the CardTech/ SecurTech Conference, the world's largest smart card and biometric meeting. Speaker Emer Natalio, CEO with Network Decisions, Inc., urged credit unions to start planning for smart cards now, asking the audience rhetorically: "Why now, rather than later?" and proceeded to answer the question. "Today, cards provide for the member's account number. It serves one purpose, is used at point-of-sale and is not very flexible. Tomorrow's cards will contain a consumer's record; will be multi-functional and used for multiple applications. They can be synchronized with intranets and extranets and offer more power to the consumer," said Natalio. Speaker Bill Mangino, vice president of sales and marketing for the ICL Smart Card Group, offered the smart card challenge. "What problems do you want to solve?" Mangino said that "forced carding" or mandatory use of smart cards, like programs instituted at universities and on corporate campuses will continue to lead the way in smart card use, but that other applications will become popular as acceptance takes hold. "Why implement a smart card system?" Among the answers Mangino offered was staying ahead of the banking competition. The advent of biometrics- the ability to positively identify members and employees using facial recognition, fingerprint, voice, signature, iris recognition and other unique physical characteristics, poses numerous advantages, presenters asserted. Not having to remember several codes and/or PINs (or, at least one "lifetime password") that can be universally applied has popular appeal. (None of the speakers addressed the privacy issues that might be engaged with biometric identification or having a consumer's credit history embedded on a card, however.) "Biometrics for Financial Institutions" was the theme presented by Joel S. Lisker, vice president of security for MasterCard International. Lisker provided a wide range of data on worldwide fraud statistics, (up 33% over 1998) and reviewed card authentication methodology and other anti-fraud solutions. Lisker said that MasterCard began testing fingerprint identification in the fall of 1996 at their headquarters in Purchase, New York. MasterCard on-premises security has been upgraded to offer visitors the opportunity to enroll finger minutiae to facilitate future visits. Selected staff has been enrolled for controlled access to special locations. To date, nearly 9,000 visitors have enrolled, and response from users has been very enthusiastic, he said. Visitor and technician comfort level seems to be very high. The system enrolled over 98% of all visitors, he said. Recent reports from the GAO to congress on failed security at government installations and airports where false police and FBI badges and identification was used to infiltrate secure areas (entrants were admitted carrying guns) serves to highlight the need to have more precise identification procedures. Paul Frank, vice president of Fiserv's e-commerce division, pointed out that while the Internet is booming, Internet "banking" is not. Frank discussed Internet applications for financial institutions, including Internet banking, insurance, bill payment and bill presentment. He urged credit unions to position themselves as the destination site on the Net for financial services. This includes personalized content for the individual member, he said. The conference's moderator, Bill Rogers, said attendees who visited the CardTech exposition said they "saw more future technology in one day than many have during their entire credit union career. There were more than 60 biometric technology displays; with most all offering hands-on demonstrations along with a like number of smart card suppliers." William Rogers & Associates, a consulting service company located in St. Louis, Mo., co-sponsored the conference with CU Conference (www.cuconferences.com). -caburger@cutimes.com...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The state Senate May 24 approved a bill sponsored by the California Credit Union League that would implement a legislative and regulatory framework for state-chartered credit unions to open branches in foreign countries. S.B. 1472 sponsored by Sen. Deborah Ortiz (D-Sacramento) also includes regulations under which the same credit unions could open branches in other states and under which credit unions in other countries could open branches in California. The bill passed 39-0. All interstate or international expansions would be subject to the approval of the California Department of Financial Institutions, as well as of the regulators in the other state or country. S.B. 1472 is the follow-up bill to A.B. 577 by Assemblyman Mike Honda (D-San Jose). That bill affirmed the legal right of California's state-chartered credit unions to serve member groups in other states and outside the U.S., with the approval of the appropriate regulators. Gov. Gray Davis signed A.B. 577 into law in Sept. 1999. Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), financial institutions in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. have the power to provide full financial services across one another's borders. Bob Arnould, vice president, state governmental affairs for the California Credit Union League said, "The league staff, along with a task force of credit union CEOs, are working with Sen. Ortiz and the Department of Financial Institutions to ensure that the regulations within the bill are specific to credit unions and recognize the unique nature of credit unions and are not overly burdensome, yet at the same time preserve the safety and soundness of the state's credit unions." At press time, S.B. 1472 was in the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee. -...

MIAMI - Peoples Credit Union's search for an original design for its VISA Check Card ended with a North Miami Senior High School junior named Richard Daniel. His drawing of an eagle surrounded by people will be featured on the front of the credit union's 15,000 new VISA Check Cards. "The art contest is something we developed a year ago at a high school in Pembroke Pines. It is really a fun, new approach to getting involved and working with the community and has been the most gratifying experience," said Peoples CU Director of Marketing and Business Development Rosa Gordon. With its headquarters in Miami, Peoples CU obtained permission from North Miami Senior High Principal Charles Hankerson and Assistant Principal Harry Daniel to sponsor the competition. Students were provided with the credit union's basic historical data and minimal guidelines. Their imaginations then took over. "We wanted the students to really challenge their creativity," said Gordon. The 25 entries were in a variety of mediums including watercolor, pastels, charcoal and oils. According to Gordon, Daniel's winning piece best expressed "the look" Peoples CU wanted. Coming in second was Rosemary Medina, followed by Atchlieve Dorelien. The new VISA Check Cards are scheduled to be released by the end of August. -mbourjolly@cutimes.com...

Liberty acquires the Connecticut CU Association's marketing unit..........page 11...

NAFCU announces winners of its 2000 Awards Competition..........................page 5...

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Yes, it can be done, according to the Illinois Credit Union League Service Corp. That is even small credit unions can run successful plastic card programs-with a little help. Back in 1988 ICUL unveiled a specialized credit card program for small credit unions. "Back then the rule of thumb was that a credit union needed about 400 accounts or so to make it economically sound to have a credit card offering," said George Fiegle, executive vice president/chief operating officer of ICUL. For a small credit union, trying to come up with 400 member credit card accounts can be tough. The ICUL debuted its Apollo small credit card program, that Fiegle said, made it profitable for credit unions to run a card program with as few as 50 accounts. "The net income per account is about $11 per month," said Fiegle. The ICUL charges the CU roughly $2 per account per month. Fiegle said the $11 net income is a big deal for some small CUs. "I've had some small credit union CEOs say `hey Apollo is our bottomline'. They need that $11 a month, per account." The ICUL was able to pull off this program by finding new cost-cutting techniques. For example, for Visa and MasterCards, Apollo small CUs share BINs to save money. Other techniques include predesigned plastic cards that are cheaper to produce. Currently there are about 120 Illinois CUs on the Apollo program. "It's important here because there is such a high concentration of small credit unions," said Fiegle. Some 85% of the state's CUs have less than $20 million in assets. Fiegle said a low-cost program is only one part of the equation for small CUs. The other part is staffing, skill and time. Apollo handles all of the card administration for the credit union. "We can even do the collections if they want." Apollo was borne in Illinois, but has since branched out, and is currently in 14 other states. Other than its 120 Illinois Apollo participants, there are about another 180 in the other 14 states. "When CUNA sold their portfolio to Equifax, they had a program call MAX designed for smaller credit unions. That was not part of the purchase by Equifax. Those people needed some place to go, so we picked them up." The ICUL has since added to their small CU card programs with cuCheck for debit/ATM cards and cuCash for ATM cards only. Those programs are thriving also, said Fiegle. "What's kind of neat is that with all of these small credit union card programs we have about 500 participants. When you figure there's only 10,000 credit unions, that's a pretty good percentage." -pgentile@cutimes.com...

WASHINGTON - A flurry of last minute lobbying efforts by NCUA and credit union trade associations was enough to get the arcane $600 million Central Liquidity Facility cap lifted by a House committee. The House Appropriations Committee passed an amendment to its appropriation bill raising the CLF cap from $600 million to $3 billion, with a provision that allows NCUA to expand beyond the $3 billion cap in an emergency situation as deemed by NCUA. The lifting of the cap was somewhat of a surprise because the House Appropriations Committee went against the VA-HUD and Independent Agencies Subcommittee recommendation of keeping the cap at $600 million. "I've been battling this for seven years. Credit unions deserve a greater backup liquidity than they currently have access to," said NCUA Chairman Norm D'Amours. "Quite frankly I wish we were able to get twice the amount, but the good news is we got five times the current cap," said D'Amours. D'Amours had meetings with House Banking Committee Chairman Jim Leach (R-Iowa) and VA-HUD and Independent Agencies Subcommittee Chairman James Walsh (R-N.Y.) the day before the amendment was passed. The amendment also goes against a previous recommendation that the Treasury Department be given the authority to determine if the cap should be lifted in an emergency situation. That power is now in the hands of NCUA. "We were very persistent. This agency gets a lot of criticism. I think here's a case where I would hope the agency would be be recognized for its dogged efforts," said D'Amours. Doug Duerr, president of NASCUS, said NCUA, D'Amours especially, deserves credit for staying focused on lifting the cap. "Who better to make a case than NCUA, the administrator of the CLF?" said Duerr. Duerr said NCUA, combined with state regulators, made a powerful combination. "State regulators come from the perspective of having as many liquidity options as possible. We know by experience that credit union losses can predominantly be back-stopped by liquidity," said Duerr. Duerr said setting the cap at $3 billion is the equivalent of giving the old $600 million cap a cost of living increase. The $600 million cap was set back in 1988 when the CLF was first formed. Y2K opened the collective eyes of the industry and regulators to the need for lifting the cap, said Duerr. D'Amours seconded that, saying Y2K was the break the industry needed to bring attention to the CLF cap. John McKechnie, vice president of legislative affairs for CUNA, said when the first cap was set the credit union industry only had $60 billion in assets. "The consistent message we felt we conveyed was that the $600 million figure was no longer appropriate for an industry that now has $411 billion in assets," he said. From a lobbying perspective, swaying Walsh to recommend the $3 billion cap was key, McKechnie said. CUNA encouraged Leach to send a letter to Walsh outlining whey the cap needed to be lifted. CUNA President Dan Mica talked with Leach about the cap just days before the vote occurred, said McKechnie. NAFCU sent a letter to Walsh late in the game to try and clear the air on one issue of concern the subcommittee raised in its discussion of lifting the CLF cap. The subcommittee felt that credit unions may have borrowed from the CLF in the fourth quarter of `99 for purposes of arbitrage, which is prohibited by the Federal Credit Union Act. "To the extent members of the subcommittee believed it was necessary to restrict the CLF's borrowing authority to guard against arbitrage, we now see that not only is the practice prohibited by statute, but that thorough investigation by GAO concluded that credit unions did not engage in the practice of arbitrage," stated NAFCU President Fred Becker in the letter to Walsh. Becker said that lifting the cap was one of NAFCU's top five priorities this year. "The reason it should be lifted is credit unions need liquidity. Credit unions live within a fairly closed system of borrowing. CLF provides that safety net or fuse for the breaker," said Becker. One argument for not lifting the cap was that it was so rarely used in the past. Duerr compared that argument to a homeowner not having home owner's insurance because they may never have a fire. "You still have to have it," he said. At press time, the House markup still had to go to conference, but D'Amours said he would be very surprised if the cap wasn't approved. -pgentile@cutimes.com...

SANTA ANA, Calif. - If it's true that timing is everything, then an initiative being undertaken by some state-chartered credit unions to rethink and recreate credit union share insurance for state-chartered credit unions may be right on time. The seed for the exploration of an alternative insurance option to the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund for state-chartered credit unions and the creation of a national private insurance fund was first planted in March at the Western CEO Roundtable Meeting. It germinated and came up for discussion again last month at the National Roundtable Meeting. At the heart of the issue, explained Rudy Hanley, president/CEO, Orange County Teachers CU and a member of the Roundtable is the unlimited reach of the NCUSIF and whether the lack of insurance options other than NCUSIF available to state-chartered credit unions, diminish the effectiveness of the dual-chartering system. Speculation has also been bandied about that the regulatory reach of the NCUSIF is a crucial motivating factor behind the flight of federal credit unions to state-charters in recent months. "If you're a federal credit union converting to a state charter, you're still under the regulatory insuring power of NCUA," said Hanley. "To have a true dual-chartering system, state-chartered credit unions have to be able to get insurance somewhere else other than NCUSIF." Another way to look at the issue, Hanley continued is to consider that, "Federally insured state-chartered credit unions that converted from a federal charter actually end up with two regulators - the state regulator and NCUA, as the keeper of the NCUSIF. So instead of converting and there being less regulation, they have to deal with more regulatory authority." These are some of the issues a team headed by Gordon Dames, president/CEO, Mountain America CU in Salt Lake City will be addressing in the coming months. To underscore the urgency of the situation, Dames mailed a "Call to Action" letter May 25 to Roundtable credit unions concerning recreating credit union share insurance. "The continuing flight from the federal credit union system is an issue of concern to the entire credit union community," wrote Dames. "Field-of-membership restrictions are not the sole cause of this erosion, of equal or greater concern are the limits set on the evolution of every NCUSIF insured credit union by the NCUA." Dames asked each Roundtable credit union to contribute $1,000 to help cover the costs of the team's research and efforts. Among the many issues on the task force's plate, one that is not on their list, is the success of NCUSIF. Created in 1984, NCUSIF has seen unquestionable success compared to other federal insurance funds, including the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.) and FSLIC (Federal Savings & Loan Corp.). According to NCUA, NCUSIF has paid dividends in excess of $500 million to its credit union owners over the last five years. The flip side of that success however, is that NCUA charges 50% or more of its total operating expenses to NCUSIF. That's amounted to more than $250 million over the past five years. These "administration" costs are expected to exceed $60 million in fiscal year 2000. Coupled with that is the fact that no insurance losses have been charged to the fund for the same period in time. Furthermore, given the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) provisions approved by NCUA as required by H.R. 1151, the prospect that any credit union would have to dip into the NCUSIF is highly unlikely, said Doug Duerr, president/CEO of NASCUS. "This raises serious questions about the expense state-chartered credit unions are incurring to support the NCUSIF," said Duerr. What about the opportunity for state-chartered credit unions to be insured with private insurers such as American Share Insurance (ASI)? Only eight states allow credit unions to have private insurance - Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, California, Nevada, Idaho, Alabama and New Hampshire; 32 states require state-chartered credit unions to use federal insurance. "ASI is not going to march into a state regulator's office and demand they allow state-chartered credit unions to be privately insured," said Nick Damopoulos, vice president, ASI. "It's up to the credit unions to approach the regulator and ask them to consider private insurance." Commenting on the task force's investigation into the feasibility of an alternative to NCUSIF, Damopoulos described it as "commendable, it's good to have options" and said he hoped ASI would be included in the review process. As Dames explained in his letter, "a national private insurer would allow state-chartered credit unions the flexibility they need to be successful." Among the six advantages of private insurance he listed were: * alternative capital options; * expanded business authority; * increased CUSO options; * enhanced investment authority; * greater field-of-membership options; * increased member account insurance up to $500,000. In addition, said Dames, "National private insurance would also curtail the NCUA's pervasive impact and the dual regulations that state-chartered credit unions are not subject to." Dames' team expects to develop its action plan over the next 90 days, as of May 25. -...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -Tina Spence has joined Credit Union Times as its new circulation manager. Spence will be responsible for handling all aspects of circulation, including responding to subscriber queries; attracting new subscriptions; and billing duties. She comes to Credit Union Times with a strong background in publishing. Spence formerly worked for a publishing company in West Palm Beach, Fla., that specializes in publishing career recruitment sections for such publications as USA Today, Employment Review, Forbes, and others. A Florida native and mother of three, Spence enjoys exercising and spending time with her children. She is a licensed real estate agent and a graduate of the Business Training Institute....

MONETT, Mo. - Banking data processor Jack Henry & Associates has finalized its $44 million acquisition of credit union data processor Symitar Systems, San Diego. "The acquisition of Symitar greatly increases our presence in the credit union market, which is known for a commitment to investing in technology," said Mike Wallace, president/COO of Jack Henry. Jack Henry entered the credit union market with the acquisition of community bank/credit union processor Peerless Systems. That acquisition gave Jack Henry 90 credit union clients. The Symitar acquisition brings 237 more to its CU mix. Symitar was one of the last remaining large, independent credit union data processors prior to the acquisition....

MADISON, Wis. -CUNA Mutual Mortgage Corporation hopes to make home ownership a reality for more credit union members living in rural areas. The company has been approved by the USDA as a guaranteed rural housing lender. CUNA Mutual Mortgage Corporation can now work with credit unions to assist low- to moderate- income homebuyers in obtaining 30-year fixed-rate mortgages without the typical down payment required by conventional mortgage providers. Under the program, mortgages can be made for up to 100% of a dwelling's appraised value and in some cases may include closing costs and repairs. Approximately $3.2 billion in GRHloan funds are available this fiscal year to assist U.S. homebuyers. "Many small credit unions in rural areas do not have access to mortgage programs that fit the needs of borrowers in rural areas," said Stephen P. Renock IV, President and CEO of CUNA Mutual Mortgage. According to Renock, many national mortgage corporations do not offer this service to their credit union members because of the additional resources required to offer this product. "It is our goal to help make it possible for more credit union members to achieve the American dream of home ownership," said Renock. Eligible areas include rural areas and communities under 10,000 population, which are not parts of a larger urban area. CUNA Mutual Mortgage will roll out the GRH Program in the next 30 days....

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.- Daniel J. Balagna, was re-elected to a second full term as chairman of the board of directors for NACUSO, (National Association of Credit Union Service Associations) recently. Balagna is also president and CEO of Service Centers Corporation, the shared-branch CUSO that is celebrating 25 years of service in 2000. "As the head of one of the country's first CUSOs, it only seems appropriate that Dan lead the CUSO trade association into the new millennium," said NACUSO President Bob Dorsa. Service Centers Corporation (SCC), headquartered in Southfield, Mich., is owned by approximately 300 participating credit unions. It operates a network of cooperatively shared branch office facilities in Michigan, Virginia and Maryland under the trade name Credit Union Family Service Centers. SCC also owns and operates a full-service credit union ATM network called SC24. Balagna has served on the NACUSO board since 1990, holding the position of treasurer since 1996. He has a 35-plus year career in the credit union industry, said Dorsa, including 18 years with the Michigan Credit Union League. He has served on the faculty of Michigan's Wayne County Community College and currently serves as a director on the board of the Credit Union Interchange Group (CUIG). He received the Michigan Credit Union League's Distinguished Service Award and was inducted in to the Michigan Credit Union Hall of Fame in 1995....

SAN DIMAS, Calif. - WesCorp Investment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of the $12 billion Western Corporate Federal Credit Union here, was granted registered investment advisor status by the State of California's Department of Corporations. WesCorp Investment Service can now provide credit unions with professional investment advice and funds management services. Through the investment advisory service, credit unions will have access to portfolio analysis and structure recommendations, discretionary asset management, and mutual fund investments. Credit unions will work with Ron S. Araujo, CFA, designated principal. "Our goal is to provide a full range of technical, high-level money management strategies and services," Araujo said. "Credit unions that may not have the in-house resources or that wish to have additional expertise in managing a complex investment portfolio can benefit from this advisory service. Credit unions using this service will have direct access to portfolio managers and other technically savvy investment professionals." WesCorp becomes one of just a few corporates offering these investment services....

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Employees Federal Credit Union has announced a new partnership with Kerkhoff Group, LLC., a firm specializing in family business services. "We are very excited about our new partner and the opportunities to work together as we implement our new member business services," said Janet McDonald, PEFCU senior vice president of administration. "Our new commercial lending products and the services provided by Kerkhoff Group, LLC create a valuable combination for small businesses." Formed in 1998, Kerkhoff Group, LLC helps family-run businesses achieve profit, growth and intergenerational transitions. A few of the services offered include business formation, financial management, equity management and family business coaching. Kerkoff Group, LLC will be located in the Financial Mall in West Lafayette....

MAUI, Hawaii - The lush tropical rain forests, beautiful flowers and friendly, hospitable people of Maui have been the scene of hundreds of years of Hawaiian history. But for three days, June 5-7 the island was home to the first Pacific Sun Educational Conference sponsored by the California Credit Union League and the Hawaii Credit Union League. More than 600 credit union representatives-more than the CCUL draws to its annual Palm Tree Conference-traveled from as far away as Washington State, as well as California and Nevada to attend the conference at the Outrigger Wailea Resort. Attendees were treated to a blend of humor from noted author Larry Winget, a more serious presentation on the global economy by renowned columnist, commentator and author Marshall Loeb, and educational sessions on a variety of critical issues such as bankruptcy, privacy, e-commerce, and compensation. Of course, what would a conference in Maui be without time for sightseeing Hana, Haleakala National Park or the Ioa Valley or a luau....

CORVALLIS, Ore. - OSU Federal Credit Union has named Richard Hein president/CEO. Prior to joining the $217.5 million credit union, Hein was an account vice president at CUNA Mutual Group. In this position he worked with OSU Federal Credit Union for ten years. Hein focused on relationship management and developed solutions and teams to help financially strengthen credit unions. Other positions held at CMG include national account vice president, serving credit unions and members from California to Alaska; account vice president during his last six years in the Oregon area; and vice president of the California Center Credit Union Board for two years. OSU Federal Credit Union serves 31,978 members....

INDIANAPOLIS - Virtual Financial Services (VIFI), a provider of Internet based financial solutions, announced the availability of a new electronic statement product that will allow credit unions to provide members with online statements through VIFI's Internet banking product, Internet- Banker. The product will be marketed as a module through VIFI's image warehouse product, Document Manager. Digital Federal Credit Union, Maynard, Massachusetts will be the first credit union to begin beta testing this product and is expected to roll it out to its members in the next month. Digital FCU will be providing DCU's member's electronic statements in the same exact format as the printed statements. "E-statements will help us give members rapid access to paper statement information and cut costs when members choose e-statements over paper," said Tim Garner, Vice President of Marketing with Digital Federal Credit Union "We're sure it will also help us more efficiently handle member service questions," added Garner. "Our call center staff is eagerly awaiting availability of e-VISAr statements. It will help with the regular flood of phone calls at statement time." To view online statements, a user must first request the ability to view their statements online via their Internet banking session. The end user is then notified via e-mail when each new statement is available to view online. They can then log on to InternetBanker, click on the online statements section, and view their institution's monthly financial statement. "One of our goals is to provide consumers with a complete, robust and convenient financial experience," said Peter Barnard, Vice President of Business Development for VIFI. "This is only the second step into the image warehouse product category for us. Within the next year we plan to roll out additional image warehouse products as part of DocumentManager," said Barnard....

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Credit union data processor SUMMIT here recently held a 20th anniversary celebration. About 500 people-a mix of clients, staff, select business partners and guests-celebrated the 20th anniversary during the SUMMIT Client Group Conference held in Maui, Hawaii recently. On behalf of the SUMMIT Client Group, Wayne Tew, chairman, SUMMIT Client Group Board of Directors, presented Kevin Sparks, SUMMIT's president with a 20th anniversary commemorative plaque. "For 20 years, it has been our privilege to work with and provide the technology requirements for hundreds of the nation's finest credit unions. We are honored by your recognition of our efforts to serve you. And, we renew our commitment to the continued success of each of our clients," said Sparks. SUMMIT, a Fiserv subsidiary, currently has about 310 credit union clients....

GLENDALE, Calif. - CUShopper is now running radio ads on the nationally syndicated Kin Komando Show. The Komando show is one of the most successful computer/Internet related shows on the radio airwaves. It is currently broadcasted in 350 markets in the country. The spots feature Komando advising credit union members to carefully consider their financing options at the credit union and to visit the CUShopper site to browse its products. During the eight-week campaign, the ads will air three times during each three-hour program. In other news from CUShopper, the company has unveiled a handful of results from its national survey of credit union executives and members regarding direct marketing and credit union financing options. "What was astounding was the correlation between purchases and first-time member loans," said Adam Walker, chairman of CUShopper. "Of those members surveyed, 39.66% said that as a result of their purchase with CUShopper, they made their first credit union loan application." Another key finding of the survey was that 31% of members said they would like to make purchases using CUShopper by having the cost of the product deducted directly from one of their credit union accounts. CUShopper said it has unveiled a program known as "Members First" to bring new enhancements to its product that build on these two key stats. One area it will be focusing on is the direct debit of a members account, and also improving loan processing and automation. CUShopper is also hinting at increasing its content. "We plan to increase relevant content in the CUShopper site and we also plan to initiate automation tools to make the transactions easier for credit union as well as the members," said Sandra Choi, its new e-commerce professional. For more information visit www.cushopper.com....

SAN DIMAS, Calif. - WesCorp has unveiled an online check imaging system, Snapshot, that allows members access to their share draft images via their CU's home banking system. WesCorp has been piloting Snapshot for the past six months. Once a credit union connects its home banking system directly to WesCorp's check imaging system, its members will be able to select, view and print front-and-back images of their paid share drafts from their own PCs. WesCorp can provide the Snapshot check imaging solution through any home banking product. There are no vendor restrictions. WesCorp is the nation's largest corporate credit union with assets of $12 billion....

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. -Mid-Atlantic Corporate Federal Credit Union announced that it has partnered with Louisiana Corporate Credit Union to offer Electronic Bill Payment (EBP) and home banking services to Louisiana Corporate's member credit unions. Under the agreement, Louisiana Corporate will market EBP and home banking to its member credit unions. Louisiana Corporate will provide settlement services and utilize Mid-Atlantic for back-end processing and the remittance of payments. "Based on our experience in serving the unique needs of small to medium sized credit unions, we believe that the flexibility of these products will be an attractive feature for many of our member credit unions," said Louisiana Corporate CEO David Savoie "These products also cater to those members who already have an EBP or home banking product component in place, but would prefer a credit union source for remittance and back-end processing."...

PASADENA, Calif. -Wescom Credit Union here recently rolled out a host of new online applications to complement its eBranch introduced last July. eBranch BillPayer, the CU's online bill pay solution, was released to Wescom's membership at the beginning of February, following a five-month pilot program. Since then approximately 2,600 members-more than 10% of all eBranch users-have begun using the service. In April, Wescom members made over 15,000 bill payments through eBranch BillPayer. Payments are processed by Princeton eCom. Wescom introduced eVision online trading to members in April. eVision offers members low-cost real-time trades, free market updates, and free stock and mutual fund analysis. Using eBranch BillPayer, eVision enrollees can transfer funds from their Wescom checking account directly into their eVision settlement account. eBranch BillPayer is free for all members who open an eVision account. eVision is operated by CUSO Financial Services, L.P., (CFS), which is owned in part by Wescom's CUSO, WFS (Wescom Financial Services). "Wescom Credit Union's ownership interest in CFS is a way for us to ensure that the online trading service our members receive is on a par with other services provided by Wescom," said WFS president Darin Woinarowicz, Also new is Wescom's eBranch checking account. The new account is designed to appeal to members who prefer to access their accounts by electronic means. Members who open an eBranch checking account pay no monthly service charge as long as they make all transactions via eBranch, ATMs, or other electronic delivery channels. Free online billpaying is included with eBranch checking accounts. Wescom serves approximately 180,000 members and has over $1.5 billion in assets. It can be found on the Web at www.wescom.org....

PALO ALTO, Calif. - CyberBranch, a CUSO of Stanford FCU here, is currently beta testing a 30 second loan approval module for CUNA Mutual Group to implement in its Loanliner.com online lending product. "It's going to be the back-end loan decision engine for Loanliner.com," said Warren Marshall, president/CEO of CyberBranch. Currently about 140 credit unions are using Loanliner.com. In other news from CyberBranch, Marshall said CyberBranch is also getting set to unveil its own portal product. CyberBranch was formerly known as Cardinal Services. The CUSO has stepped up its nationwide marketing efforts, as well as marketing to Canadian credit unions....

OMAHA, Neb. - First Data Resources, a unit of First Data Corp., said its new First Data Evolve Suite, powered by Pegasystems technology, will help card issuers lower expenses while improving other aspects of their card programs. The product will be issued as an Application Service Provider. Card issuers will be able to use PC browser technology to access the Evolve applications, eliminating the need to purchase and maintain an in-house system. Evolve, jointly developed by First Data and Pegasystems, Inc., supports and automates process management, account handling, and call management for such functions as processing credit applications, managing collections, and handling customer service queries. First Data currently processes transactions for approximately 260 million card accounts worldwide. For more information visit www.firstdatacorp.com....

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Alaska Option Services Corp. said that its debit cards-ATM, Visa Check, and Master Money-can now be used for PIN-based point-of-sale transactions at all military commissaries worldwide. Military personnel will have the ability to use the cards to get cash back at time of purchase, possibly reducing their exposure to ATM fees. Alaska Option was formed back in 1983 by seven financials. Alaska USA FCU is the majority shareholder and operator of the network....

OMAHA. Neb. - First National Bank of Nebraska has announced that it has acquired the $49 million credit card portfolio of Eastern Financial FCU, Miramar, Florida. The portfolio acquisition closed in late April, with conversion of member accounts slated for October of this year. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "This alliance with Eastern Financial substantially strengthens First National's presence in the Florida market, since the businesses in Eastern's field of membership represent many of the largest and most respected employers in the southeast," said Elias Eliopoulos, executive vice president of First National. Eastern Financial FCU has approximately $1.15 billion in assets and serves 155,000 members. The credit union could not be reached for comment....

BURLINGAME, Calif. - Competix.com, an online loan automation firm, has formed a strategic alliance with Trans Union, one of the Big Three credit bureau firms. Under the agreement, Trans Union will provide credit reporting services to clients that sign up for Credit Manager, Competix.com's automated Web-based lending system. Credit Manager is aimed at small to mid-sized financials, according to Competix.com For more information visit www.competix.com -pgentile@cutimes.com...

I have just read Mike Welch's column (CU Times, May 17) on Jim Blaine's letter writing crusade to persuade Dan Mica to provide anti-predatory lending leadership. Mike should let Blaine be Blaine! I have had the pleasure to hear Blaine's message on several occasions. His leadership and passion against risk based lending, indirect lending and now predatory mortgage lending should be applauded. Our industry needs his leadership and yes his passion in these areas because too few credit union CEOs and board members are listening. Too many credit union CEOs and board members are driven by ego and will ultimately cause this industry to be taxed and cease to exist as we know it today. Our members are already confused by the fact that we look and act so much like a bank. What will they think when we look like a finance company! Yes we may offer slightly better rates than the finance companies, but we will still look like a finance company. Personally I think finance companies would have a hard time getting their customers to write congress to block anti-predatory lending legislation. At least they did in North Carolina when under Blaine's co-leadership we were able to get legislation passed to make it harder for predatory lenders in our state to steal the equity from the working poor. So Mike, let Blaine be Blaine. While his credit union benefits from his intelligence, our industry (and Dan Mica) benefits from his wisdom and yes his passion! Sam Whitehurst President Winston-Salem City Employees' CU...

I read with interest Mike Welch's column regarding NCUA Board member Dennis Dollar's "RegFlex" proposal (CU Times, May 10, 2000). While I understand and appreciate his call for directional support of Mr. Dollar's initiative, from my perspective the current proposal is somewhat wide of "True North." I'm not sure that some of the specifics (e.g., a 9% net capital level) benefit members in terms of a CU's ability to offer "value" loan rates or facilitate growth, and it is not clear what the consequences would be if a CU falls below the flexibility thresholds. Be that as it may, while one can applaud the direction, there is still a long way to go in terms of regulatory synchronization with the intent of the American people as manifested through their elected representatives in support of H.R.1151. We constantly hear cries from NCUA Chairman Norm D'Amours about serving the underserved, predatory lending and payday lenders, yet NCUA's regulatory mechanics appear "geared down" in terms of the SEG application process, rule interpretation, and creative rule application. While Mr. Dollar deserves support in terms of direction, as does Mrs. Wheat in terms of her initiative to identify "low income communities," there still remains a need for further change in NCUA's vision. Credit unionism received a mandate from the American public and, in recognition of that, NCUA should be operating out of an expansive paradigm consistent with that mandate. Whereas NCUA regulations have permitted creation of new SEGs, in reality they have only allowed access to the low-hanging fruit. In no way have they facilitated access up to and including the canopy. Moreover, we in the credit union movement can also be found wanting. Collectively, we need to refocus our vision from that of a scarcity to an abundance mentality. Too many of us see a fixed size pie where a bigger slice for someone else means a smaller portion for us. Too often we fail to see the potential for growth not only in the whole pie, but also in our ability to make more pies. In point of fact, we need both a paradigm shift on the part of our regulators and a mindset change within the credit union community. Only through the synergy released by both changes in perception can we hope to unleash the tremendous potential that lies within the CU movement. Anything less is dabbling at the margins. And we had better get on with it. For the longer we delay, the greater the risk of losing our window of opportunity. Didn't somebody once say, "Time and tide."? Michael G. Clinton Chairman Affinity Federal Credit Union...

As I drove through San Francisco over Memorial Day weekend, something struck me. Every single billboard I passed was touting the "dot com" shopping experience. Obviously, I recognize that I was just a few miles from Silicon Valley in what might be considered the most tech-savvy city in the world. But I could just have easily been standing in Des Moines, Houston or Little Rock. If you look around you these days, it doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing, "dot coms" have permeated every part of our society. And, as we all know, the majority of these companies want to sell you something. Everywhere you turn, both traditional and Internet-based companies alike are asking for your (and your members') money for online purchases. There is no doubt that American consumers' interest in online shopping is growing exponentially these days, especially with all the enticing offers of great deals, convenience and free delivery. And with over 55% of America's credit union members online, a large portion of your membership is likely to have already tried online shopping, either through a commercial portal or through an e-tailer's website. But many consumers are finding that the online shopping experience is a little intimidating. With so many e-tailers pushing so hard for the instant sale without giving the consumer any advice or product information, it's no surprise that consumers feel overwhelmed by the Internet e-commerce experience. I have read that the majority of e-commerce transactions that are abandoned prior to payment happen because the end user does not trust the e-tailer's Internet payment mechanism. And the statistics indicate that as much as 95% of all online e-commerce transactions are never completed for this very reason. Consumers are stopping the process right at the point of checkout, and are going back to "safer," more traditional shopping methods to actually make their purchases (i.e., via telephone, in person, etc.). The reason consumers are afraid to complete the online transaction is also the underlying reason for the lack of trust between the consumer and the e-tailer: the online retailer is an intangible, faceless, unknown entity to the member. This is where credit unions have a distinct advantage in the online marketplace. When it comes to e-commerce opportunities, credit unions are in a very unique position. The advent of the customizable portal has allowed credit unions to develop an online presence that reinforces the trust that consumers must have in order to confidently complete financial transactions over the Internet. Historically, credit unions have acted as their members' financial advocates, offering low interest rates, financing advice and management of their financial futures. Now is the time for credit unions to parlay this trusted advisor relationship onto the Internet by blurring the lines between financial and non-financial product offerings in order to expand their role and become the consumers' all-around Internet advocate. In addition to offering consumer information prior to and during the sale as well as providing the financial solutions to complete the transaction, credit unions now have the ability to manage their members' entire Internet lives. An e-commerce portal branded to your credit union creates a safe environment for your members on the Internet. This enables your credit union to serve your members in an advocacy role while allowing them the freedom to shop and search online without worry. In addition to your own financial products and services, the portal will allow your credit union to offer traditional Internet features, such as news, travel, free e-mail, shopping, mortgage lending, auto buying, leasing and financing, search capabilities and more.your In order to establish your credit union as your members' trusted online resource, your credit union should serve your members' online needs in four ways: 1. Show Your Members That You Are Their Internet Advocate: Let your members know you are on their side by protecting their personal, financial and online activity information. This should be your credit union's top priority - especially online. The member must be confident that their credit union will not disclose their personal or financial information to any outside vendors or service providers. 2. Become Your Members' Internet Advisor: Inform your members about online retailers, products and services through unbiased product information and comparisons. Make sure your credit union is giving your members as much information as possible during their online shopping experience. 3. Serve As An Internet Aggregator: By leveraging the buying power of your entire membership in negotiating with online retailers, your credit union will be able to secure special purchasing opportunities and incentives for your members without having to disclose individual members' identities or information. 4. Play the Role Of Internet Gatekeeper: Combine your credit union's financial products, services and payment methods with the offerings of carefully selected and pre-screened e-tailers on your credit union's portal. This enables your credit union to assure your members that they are doing business with their credit union rather than with unknown online entities they do not trust. One last word on e-commerce: make sure the Internet marketing partner you select provides a program that enables your credit union to receive commissions on the actual revenue made from e-commerce onlinepurchases on your portal. This will help you turn your credit union's Internet marketing initiative into a revenue-generating program, which can sustain your Internet and e-commerce activities well into the future. In order to maximize your credit union's e-commerce potential, it is critical that you select the right partner to enable your credit union to provide all of these services to your current and potential members. Make sure you choose an Internet marketing partner that understands your credit union's advocacy role and takes it as seriously as you do....

An important duty of any trade association is to get good exposure in the mainstream media for the industry they represent. In recent months there has been an increasing number of credit-union friendly mentions in the general interest media as a result of CUNA's and NAFCU's stepped up PR efforts. Included in these are some solid letters to the editor from CUNA CEO Dan Mica in Time Magazine, the American Banker, and USA Today. However, the June issue of Consumer Reports is the most recent example of favorable national credit union publicity. Its editors apparently decided to go beyond their usual concentration on determining who makes the best lawnmowers, house paint, insect repellent, TV sets, and refrigerators, to take a close look at financial institutions from a consumer value and acceptance viewpoint. Some observers feel this is a rather unusual departure for Consumer Reports and that they may have strayed outside their long-standing areas of expertise by attempting to position themselves as experts in determining the best bang for the buck among financial services. Testing toasters is one thing. Testing institutions that once gave toasters away for opening new accounts is something quite different. But they did it. And credit union interests appear to be the benefactor of this editorial departure. In fact, the CU trades and other credit union supporters are actually crowing about the reported findings. After reading various press reports on the consumer survey that formed the basis for the Consumer Reports editorial coverage, I bought the magazine and read the out-of-character piece. It didn't take long to see firsthand why credit union readers were happy with this latest national publicity, but banking readers not nearly so. The main thing I learned is that a PR savvy trade group not only generates positive publicity, but has the skill to make the most out of national coverage of their industry that drops out of the heavens. Credit union public relations practitioners quickly put a positive spin on the good news in Consumer Reports even before banking interests could downplay the same survey results. Each side understandably picks and chooses which survey facts to quote and emphasize very carefully. Here's some of what the article said from a credit union viewpoint (CUNA's NEWSWATCH, May 15, 2000): "Credit unions are better than big banks at providing high-quality financial services, Consumer Reports concludes. In all, 88% of credit union members say they are either `completely satisfied' or `very satisfied' with their credit union service. Only 63% of bank customers were satisfied with their bank." The CUNA weekly newsletter went on to quote CUNA CEO Dan Mica: "Consumer Reports is one of the most respected sources for information in America. It makes a difference in where consumers shop and what they buy, and that includes financial services." Here's what the article said from a bankers' perspective (American Banker, May 10, 2000): "While a consumer magazine would naturally zero in on where to get things on the cheap, banking industry executives obviously have different agendas-finding wealthy customers, for example, or cross-selling products." Said Wells Fargo chairman and CEO, Richard Kovacevich: "If you come to us just for a checking account, you're not going to get the best deal." These comments appeared in that same article: "The banks themselves were skeptical about the results. Said one spokesman for a bank that came out on the low end of the ranking: `We were near the top in a ranking three weeks ago by Smart Money magazine. So what are we to make of that?'" CUNA's Mica called the report a "major event for the credit union movement." The American Banker article concluded with this: "Some consultants warned that the survey was not scientific and that those who participated may have done so because they had a gripe. `Consumer Reports matters because it's a very well-known brand,' said Mr. Wendel of Financial Institutions Consulting. They are known as objective, but this is not the same kind of analysis as their product analysis." My own take on the Consumer Reports survey and resulting report in its June issue is that the average reader will come away with the impression that credit unions are a good deal, even if they are not members of one, or even all that familiar with credit unions. The average consumer today has the perception that big banks don't really care much about the consumer. Doing the megadeal and making buckets of money for CEOs and stockholders is job number one in the eyes of the typical retail customer. This report reinforces that perception and in doing so, presents credit unions in a very favorable light by comparison. What will probably stick most with the magazine's 4.3 million readers, especially the 14,000 surveyed for the report, is that credit unions give a better deal to the little guy than banks, especially big banks. Also, that the overall consumer satisfaction level for credit unions is considerably higher than that of banks. As credit unions continue to garner positive publicity, individual credit unions have a golden opportunity to take advantage of the good news as part of their ongoing marketing efforts. But, a simple mention in the credit union newsletter of the Consumer Reports piece, for example, weeks from now isn't the answer. Instead, why not purchase copies of the June issue of Consumer Reports for every one of the credit union's volunteers and staff? Why not make copies available in the main office and branch lobbies? Why not send copies to all select employee groups (SEGs) with a cover note to reinforce their loyalty and support of the credit union? And why not make sure opinion leaders important to the credit union receive a personal copy. Undoubtedly the various state and national credit union trade groups are doing something similar? Good CU publicity is only as good as the good use credit unions make of it! Comments? Call 1-800-345-9936, Ext. 15, or Fax 561-683-8514, or E-mail mwelch@cutimes.com....

The editorial staff of Credit Union Times is committed to making sure every story that appears in this publication is accurate, balanced, and unbiased. No such commitment can be made for the dozen of letters to the editor that appear in each weekly issue. By their nature, letters are anything but balanced and unbiased. They reflect the thoughts and feelings of readers which are usually regarding articles or opinion pieces that have appeared in Credit Union Times. Sometimes they refer to previously published letters. But while not unbiased, all letters submitted should be accurate. Often they are not. Who's responsibility is it to make certain the facts stated in letters are indeed factual? We think that responsibility belongs with the letter writer. Recently, a trade group executive referred to Lawrence Connell as the first NCUA Administrator (Chairman). He wasn't. A couple of other letter writers stated population percentages and the number of counties involved in a colleague's credit union expansion. Both pieces of information were incorrect. Since our editors only edit letters to the editor for length, grammar, and style, not for factual accuracy, our advice to any readers submitting a letter to be considered for publication in our letters section is to first check your facts. Credit Union Times gladly runs corrections when a mistake it makes somehow slips by. But errors in letters to the editor must depend on sharp-eyed readers to set the record straight....

Central Florida Educators Federal Credit Union, Orlando, has named Micki Ruiz assistant vice president and branch manager of the Winter Garden branch. Publix Employee Federal Credit Union, Lakeland, Fla., has named Amy Taylor director of marketing. GTE Federal Credit Union, Tampa, Fla., has promoted the following individuals: Suzanne Wilson, senior vice president of operation; John Thompson, senior vice president of information technology; Neil Timson, senior vice president of lending, Brad Baker, vice president of finance; Kenny Rywant, vice president of information technology; Katy Slater, vice president of member services; Traci Germain, vice president of marketing; and Peg Harriman, vice president of human resources. Educational Community Credit Union, Jacksonville, Fla., has announced the following three new board directors: Florida Community College Executive Dean Brenda R. Simmons; Vistakon Johnson & Johnson Director of Manufacturing Beverly Williamson; and Duval County Public Schools Retired Director of Instructional Research Howard Winesett....

Merco Credit Union, Merced, Calif., has re-elected Directors Ron Vantz, Barbara Jamison and Stephen Jones to three year terms. In addition, MCU has re-elected Mike Foster to the supervisory committee for a three-year term. Nevada Federal Credit Union, Las Vegas, has elected the following officers: William L. Flaxa chairman, George A. Peterson vice chairman, and Billy G. McCoy secretary. Point Loma Credit Union, San Diego, has re-elected the following officers to its board: Thomas A. Knight, chairman; James A. Baldwin , vice chairman; Ellen M. Schmall, secretary; and Salvatore J. Lupo, treasurer. In addition, PLCU has appointed Dennis Hurst, David D. Washburn and Howard F. Wong as directors. Hughes Aircraft Employees Federal Credit Union, Manhattan Beach, Calif., has appointed the following officers to the board: Paul A. James, chairman; Robert A. Young, vice chairman; Andrew L. Savoy, treasurer; Mary Y. Yasui, secretary; David A. Gale, associate treasurer; and Janet C. Sparrow, assistant secretary. In addition, HAEFCU has elected the following directors: Paul Gee; Richard W. Knapp; Thomas J. McElroy; Daryl F. Johnson; and Donald A. Gonzales....

Mid-Atlantic Federal Credit Union, Gaithersburg, Md., has named Monica Svinicki member service center team manager. SSA Baltimore Federal Credit Union, Md., has announced the following staff appointments: Patricia Banks, branch supervisor of the Security West Office; Mary Spain, member service representative; Gwendolyn Williams, member service representative; and Mary Pratt, general ledger accountant. In addition, SSA Baltimore FCU has promoted Michael Hall to member service/call center representative. Fort Belvoir Federal Credit Union, Woodbridge, Va., has appointed the following officers to the board: Donald Swyger, chairman; Pamela Boyer, first vice chairman; William Phillips, second vice chairman; Melvin Goss, secretary; and Leslie Poole, treasurer. In addition, FBFCU has re-elected Bruce Edwards director. Capital Communications Federal Credit Union, Albany, N.Y., has appointed the following to its main office: Patricia Beyer, information systems associate; Jim O'Connell, marketing associate; and Cameron Audette, financial services associate. In addition, CCFCU has made the following staff changes: Joan Flanigan, call center manager; Sean Baldwin, lending associate; Julie Hencke, member services associate; Margarita Gonzalez, lending associate; Sharon Burlingame, call center associate; and Christine Audi, information systems associate....

FISI-Madison Financial, Nashville, Tenn., a provider of retail marketing, small business, e-commerce and insurance strategies, has appointed FISI-Madison Financial, Benefits Consultants Inc. and Long Term Preferred Care CEO Ken Keith vice chairman of the direct marketing division of New York-based parent company Cendant Corporation. Castle Financial Services, Inc., Burbank, Calif., has named Bruce V. Pitts financial consultant....

Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union, Media, Pa., has announced the grand opening of its full service Chester branch office. FMFCU has over $200 million in assets and serves over 42,000 members. NorthStar Credit Union, Naperville, Ill., has contracted with HBE Financial Facilities to build its new one-story 7,800-sq. ft. facility. NorthStar CU has $31.8 million in assets and serves 6,794 members. Oahu Educational Employees FCU, Hawaii, has announced the grand opening of Members Financial Resources, Inc., a credit union-owned service organization which offers investment alternatives, financial management and insurance. The new office will be located on the 2nd floor of OEEFCU's Ala Moana Branch. Gulf Coast Community FCU, Gulfport, Miss., has announced the grand opening of its Orange Grove branch office. GCCFCU has $41 million in assets and serves 12,962 members. The Golden 1 Credit Union, Sacremento, Calif., has teamed up with baseball's Sacremento River Cats as the exclusive credit union partner and ATM provider at Raley Field. Raley Field is Sacramento's first new professional ballpark in over half a century. Golden 1 CU will provide two ATMs at Raley Field. Golden 1 has over $2.5 billion in assets and serves 364,000 members. Riverside Schools CU, Calif., has celebrated its newest Corona branch opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Over 400 people attended and toured the new facility which features such state of the art financial technology as remote teller access and self help computers with easy Internet access. RSCU has $275.4 million in assets and serves 62,274 members. Community First Credit Union, Santa Rosa, Calif., has announced the grand opening of its new lending office in Petaluma. CFCU has $81.7 million in assets and serves 11,902 members. Boeing Wichita Credit Union , Kan., has announced the grand opening of its Northeast Wichita branch. BWCU has $248.6 million in assets and serves 38,281 members. @LANTEC Federal Credit Union, Norfolk, Va., has announced it will establish a new branch and corporate offices in the Mount Trashmore section of Virginia Beach. The three-story, 13,000 square-foot brick colonial will provide a full spectrum of financial services including a free-for-members Web Caf. Members can access their online banking account or just surf the Web through a personal computer available in the lobby. The move is scheduled during the month of June. Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver, Wash., has announced that its first in-store branch will be located at Fred Meyer in Battle Ground. The in-store branch is a first for CCU and will be a full-service branch with both deposit and lending staff. The CCU in-store branch is scheduled to open at Fred Meyer in early July. Alliance Credit Union, Fenton, Mo., has held a groundbreaking ceremony for its fourth office in the metro St. Louis area. ACU President and CEO Dennis Sommer said the new branch marks the first time in its 52 year history that a full service facility will be built from the ground up. ACU has $90.3 million in assets and serves 26,925. Keystone Credit Union, Tyler, Texas, has announced the grand opening of its new branch office at 1550 Rice Road. KCU has $33.5 million in assets and serves 4,276 members....

State Employees Credit Union of Maryland, Baltimore, has been awarded the 1999 Colleen Good Marketing Excellence Award. SECU won second place for card programming excellence based on account acquisition, growth in outstandings and customer penetration....

Royal Credit Union, Eau Claire, Wis., in partnership with WAYY has raised over $450 and collected over 800 pounds of food for Rice Lake We Share and the Feed My People Food Bank. RCU has $433.8 million in assets and serves 84,385 members. Houston Texas Fire Fighters FCU, has donated $2,115 to the American Cancer Society. The donation collected for the annual Relay for Life will be used to provide education, research and patient services. North Hollywood Postal Credit Union, Calif., has raised $1,000 for the Richard Johnson Foundation Fund by winning the San Fernando/ Antelope Valley Chapter's annual Bowl-A-Thon. Ohio University Employees Credit Union, Athens, has raised $1,031 during the Athens County Big Brothers/Big Sisters "Battle of the Banks". OUECU has $101.7 million in assets and serves 15,685....