Clearview Federal Credit Union, Moon Township, Pa., will be awarding ten scholarships in the amount of $1,250 each for the Clearview Federal Credit Union's Ninth Annual Ralph B. Canterbury Scholarship Award. The winners will be selected in May and honored at the Clearview FCUs annual meeting held on June 21. Applicants will be judged on academic performance, community activities/involvement, personal goal and an essay written on "Why I choose to belong to Clearview FCU."Members Advantage Credit Union, Michigan City, Ind., is providing a $1,000 scholarship to a local high school student titled, The Leona Bruno Scholarship, in honor of the first Members Advantage CU branch manager. Applicants must be active members of the credit union and submit the application by May 1.AmeriCU Credit Union, Rome, N.Y., has added three additional $1,000 scholarships to its annual scholarship program. Ten scholarships were awarded at AmerciCUs annual meeting. More than 85 applications were submitted for consideration of the scholarship committee. Recipients in the graduation high school senior category were: Ashley Armstrong of Rome, Douglas Doolen of Verona, Craig Hunter of Auburn, Stacy Jackson of Vernon, Eileen Kain of Utica and Lauren Leonardson of Sterling. Recipients in the continuing college category were: Kaitlin Bates of Rome, Zachary Johnson of Rome, Meghan Kusch of Rome and Brent Popvich of Rome.HAR-CO Maryland Federal Credit Union, Bel Air, Md., is offering a total of $18,000 in scholarships to all graduation Harford County High School seniors that will be attending college in Fall 2008. HAR-CO will give one $1,000 scholarship to a student at each high school in Harford County public and private, one $5,000 scholarship for a Harford County graduation senior who will attend Harford Community College full time, and a $1,000 Edward V. Goetz Memorial Environmental Science Scholarship to any Harford County graduation senior pursuing environmental studies. Applications for the scholarships are due on April 25.University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, Lexington, Ky., presented award plaques to each of the 2007-2008 Presidential Scholarship Award winners after a tour of the main branch. Recipients were, Jessica Stith, Corey Mongan, Kelsey Lewis, Sarah Robinson, and Nicholas Davis. This was the first set of recipients for a $5,000 Presidential Scholarship award that UKFCU plans to continue to donate annually to each of the schools in its field of membership.FAA Eastern Region Federal Credit Union, Clark, N.J., announced its selection of 15 students to receive the annual Salvatore Perricone Scholarship Award. Based on the Scholarship Committee's recommendations, the Board of Directors selected the scholarship recipients from over 70 applicants. The recipients included ten college and five high school students that were each awarded $750 to aid in their secondary education expenses. The winners are: Candace Barners of Scotch Plains, N.J., Amanda Gaines of Merrick, N.Y., Anthony Fiore of Centereach, N.Y., David Glickstein of Marlboro, N.J., Jonathan Foster of East Northport, N.Y., Amy Richards of Northport, N.Y., Kevin Ferguson of Cambridge, Mass., Matthew Harahush of Long Beach, N.Y., Smyrna Gibson of Brentwood, N.Y., Janet Actis of Nashua, N.H., Bethany Murphy of Pelham, N.H., Lauren Festa of North Belmont, N.Y., Corey Brunner of Medina, Ohio, Alexis Clyburn of Hillside, N.J. and Andrew Jursik of Flemington, N.J.City of Boston Credit Union, Boston, held its annual drawing for 15 scholarships for $1,000. The drawing was in honor of the late Thomas P. Coyne a former CBCU manager and brought in nearly 2,000 entries. This year's winners were: Sean Doiron, Caorline Greeley, Christian Lee, Genevieve Barrett-Moeller, Erica Anthony, Tia Martin, Kristen Slavin, Jill McFaun-Solimini, Alan Brewer, Evan Henerberry, Barbara Bray, Leonard Taylor, Andrew Hathaway, Patrice Michael, and Sarah MacCallum. The recipients are chosen by a random draw from applications completed by the member. The funds cane bused toward tuition at a grammar school, high school, or college for the 2008-2009 school year.DATCU Credit Union, Denton, Texas, awarded a $500 scholarship to Meghan Kaye Schwind at the Denton County Livestock Association Blue Ribbon Club. Schwind is attending Texas A&M and majoring in international travel, and this is the second scholarship she has received.P&G Mehoopany Employees Federal Credit Union, Mehoopany, Pa., participated in the Wyoming Valley Chapter of Credit Union's 14th Annual Norman G. Fulkerson Memorial Bowling Tournament. The staff of P&G Mehoopany Employees Federal Credit Union was one of many teams that participated in the annual fundraiser. The fundraiser benefits SPCA and local charities.Founders Federal Credit Union, Lancaster, S.C., has a multi-market partnership with March of Dimes for Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, Laurens, Spartanburg, and York counties. Founders FCU will donate $25,000 to the March of Dimes in 2008. The donation places Founders FCU as the first multi-market sponsor and one of the leading sponsors for the South Carolina Chapter. In addition to the donation, Founders FCU will participate in a local walk, provide a check/water station along the walk route, and host the March of Dimes Kiddie Corner sponsored by Daniel the Spaniel Kids Saving Club.Pagoda Federal Credit Union, Laureldale, Pa., purchased a ten pack of tickets to a benefit hockey game for a member that was diagnosed with leukemia. A portion of the tickets sold for the hockey game went toward a fund benefiting Natalie, the 20 month old Pagoda FCU member that was diagnosed with leukemia. Pagoda FCU held a drawing for the ten pack of tickets to help promote the fundraiser to its membership.Diamond Credit Union, Pottstown, Pa., presented a check for $15,000 to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Pottstown, Pa. The contribution is the largest corporate donation ever received by the Pottstown Area Relay for Life. Diamond CU has taken an active role in raising funds for the American Cancer Society for the past three years. In addition, Diamond CU is supporting the Berks County Relays as a Gold Level Sponsor. Diamond CU will also hold a variety of fundraising events that include Philadelphia Eagles Basketball Games, Basket Bingo, Car Washes, a Golf Tournament, Hot Dog days, Molly's Waffle House, employee jeans days, and a Music, Beef & Beer Night....

Meriwest Credit Union, San Jose, Calif., received the Community Champion Award for supporting the Spring Break Anti-Drinking and Driving Campaign. This is the fourth year in a row that Meriwest has supported the Anti-Drunk Driving Initiative. Public service announcements regarding driver's safety and prevention of drunk driving ran on the San Jose State University's campus radio station through the end of spring break....

LIVONIA, Mich. -- Six students from the greater Detroit area have received scholarships from an area credit union. This is the 14th year that the $291 million Co-op Services Credit Union has made scholarships available to area high school seniors....

NEW YORK -- Effective March 7, Jeffrey Rubin, co-founder of Newtek Business Services Inc., has resigned as president and a director to pursue personal and professional business interests, the company said....

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- NCUA has released a letter to federally insured credit unions reminding them of changes to the 5300 Call Report, including making more of the call report filing process electronic....

WASHINGTON -- The administration defended its role in the bailout of Wall Street investment bank Bear Stearns before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, saying that it was necessary to avert a greater breakdown in the financial market....

SALISBURY, Md. -- Credit Plus Inc., announced that it will include Fair Isaac Corp. FICO expansion score in its PRBC reports beginning in mid-April, offering a sharper evaluation of credit risk, according to the company....

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. -- Service Credit Union was acknowledged by the Pease Greeters, a nonprofit organization that welcomes and honors military personnel landing at the Portsmouth International Airport, for the credit union's continual support of the program....

WASHINGTON -- In a further retrenchment of its mortgage business, Washington Mutual Inc., announced the closing of its wholesale mortgage operation and home loan retail centers across the country....

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Taking strong issue with the Treasury Department's controversial financial regulatory reform proposal, NACUSO has announced a "call to arms."...

HONOLULU -- It could have easily been a time of widespread panic, but when word came that Aloha Airlines had filed for bankruptcy and then abruptly announced that it was out of business, Aloha Airlines Federal Credit Union took an aggressive, proactive approach to reassure its members....

SALT LAKE CITY -- Culminating five years of talks, the $2.4 billion Mountain America Federal Credit Union is merging with the 67-year-old Salt Lake CU, which retains a 26,500-member base of city employees and SEG groups....

INDIANAPOLIS -- For Indiana credit unions, it may still be too early to determine how widespread of an impact the shutdown of ATA Airlines Inc. will have on members who were employees of the Indianapolis-based carrier....

WASHINGTON -- Spurred by a groundswell of bad news in the mortgage and credit markets and hearing from constituents during a two-week break, the Senate stepped up efforts last week on housing legislation to help distressed homeowners....

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Credit unions that issue Visa had their chance in late 2007 to get back some of the money they lost in the TJX card security breach. Now MasterCard issuing credit unions will have their chance....

WASHINGTON -- Bill Spearman, CEO of the $590 million Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, gave members of the House of Representatives Small Business Committee a credit union perspective on the use of credit cards to finance small-business start ups and CUs' role in small-business lending....

WASHINGTON -- The furor over the Treasury's Blueprint proposal for financial reorganization highlights a glaring fact about credit union charters: no one wants one, according Washington CU attorney Bruce Jolly....

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Attendees from across the country convened in Scottsdale, Ariz. last month for CU Business Group's second annual conference....

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah -- Just as all the children in Garrison Keiler's Lake Wobegon are above average, all your members are exceptionally dedicated and loyal to their credit union....

MADISON, Wis. -- LaserTech, the electronic statement printing company that provided statement printing services to numerous credit unions shut down unexpectedly on April 4....

ODESSA, Texas -- At long last, the $115 million First Basin Credit Union has announced that it will hold its annual meeting....

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Under a new Save the Dream law signed last week by Governor Jennifer Granholm, Michigan credit unions can now provide specialized mortgage refinance products to help ease the state's foreclosure crisis....

MADISON, Wis. -- Following the announcement of the 2008 CUES Golden Mirror Awards winners during the CUES Experience: Immersion Learning for Marketing, Technology & Operations Leaders, attendees can enjoy a private GMA After Party, co-sponsored by Priority Publications....

IRVINE, Calif. -- More than half of Americans feel the recently signed $152 billion federal economic stimulus package is a short-term solution for the troubled U.S. economy, according to an Experian Consumer Direct poll....

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- With the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul hosting the Republican National Convention in September and national interest high in anticipation of this year's election, the Minnesota Credit Union Network is working to ratchet up the political involvement of member credit unions....

MARTINSBURG, W. Va. -- It may not be big news elsewhere but West Virginia has its first student-run credit union branch in a high school here. But it's a matter of time--and motivation--when the achievement might fit nationally into the industry's advocacy and awareness pitch....

WASHINGTON -- The Federal Reserve reported that consumer credit debt rose $5.2 billion in the month of February for a total of $2.54 trillion, not including home equity borrowing....

FOSTER CITY, Calif. -- Since the launch of DuPage Credit Union's new Web site (www.dupagecu.com) in December 2007, the credit union has seen an increase of more than 1.4 million hits and 58% more membership applications compared to the same time last year....

ST LOUIS -- Electro Savings Credit Union staffers are giving back to troops who helped save the life of fellow employee Joshua Eckhoff, who while serving in Iraq with the Army National Guard sustained a serious head injury....

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- For credit unions serving primarily or entirely military personnel, Support Our Troops has historically been more than a slogan on a bumper sticker....

WASHINGTON -- Fending off the rains amidst Washington's famous cherry blossoms April 6, Ridouane Harroufi of Morocco and Lineth Chepkurui of Kenya, both new to the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run, took the wins at the 36th annual running of the world-class road race....

BURLINGTON, Mass. -- EasCorp will be encouraging credit unions to get smart at its partnership conference and 30th annual meeting....

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. -- Affinity Federal Credit Union Executive Vice President/Chief Strategy Officer David Snodgrass, has been inducted into the 2008 class of Who's Who in America's Credit Unions, which recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the nation's credit union movement....

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. -- Doing a 360 has never felt better, especially for Hamilton Sundstrand Federal Credit Union....

LANSING, Mich. -- Citing not-sufficient-funds abuse, the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services is cracking down on payday lenders with $50,000 fines or license revocation on customer overcharges....

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- The Richard Myles Johnson Foundation, San Mateo Credit Union and the California and Nevada Youth Involvement Network have joined forces to honor schools dedicated to helping students become more financially savvy adults....

Pacific Marine Federal Credit Union, Camp Pendleton, Calif., has posted on its Web site a deployment financial checklist Marines can refer to as the prepare to ship out. The same site includes links to other sources of help such as the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and USO-Operation Care Package....

WASHINGTON -- While on the sidelines for the last year, CUNA has now filed an amicus brief in the Kentucky court case dealing with another banker-driven challenge to community charters....

GOSHEN, Ind. -- Underscoring a new example of trademark controversy involving the American Farm Bureau Federation, the $450 million Elkhart County Farm Bureau Credit Union is shedding the Farm Bureau moniker to become known as Interra Credit Union late this summer....

ARLINGTON, Va.-- NAFCU sent a comment letter to the Federal Reserve regarding its proposed amendments to Regulation Z to prohibit certain unfair, abusive or deceptive practices in connection with closed-end mortgage loans....

NORTH HIGHLANDS, Calif. -- SAFE Credit Union recently found itself caught in a mother-daughter struggle that centered on a checking account opened in a high school branch....

If past actions can accurately predict future behavior, credit unions shouldn't worry that the next U.S. president will implement reforms suggested by the Treasury Department that could harm the industry....

WASHINGTON -- Suggestions from the credit union industry on regulations in need of review or reform did not make the cut in response to a request from the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy....

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- A crew of credit union professionals and industry vendors will compete against 500 boats in the annual 125-mile Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race April 25....

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Federal Credit Union's board of directors announced that the credit union is now qualified to insure regular member savings accounts up to $350,000 and retirement accounts up to $500,000....

WASHINGTON -- More than 15 civil rights, consumer and housing groups joined together to issue a statement condemning the U.S. Senate for refusing to include changes in the bankruptcy code in the Foreclosure Prevention Act....

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- With the current state of the economy, some credit unions have noted an increase in concern from members about the safety and security of their accounts....

WASHINGTON -- Helping to ease the credit crunch, the Federal Housing Finance Board, which oversees the 12 banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, last month announced an increase of $100 billion in securities the banks can buy from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac....

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. -- Who says learning can't be fun?...

CHAPIN, S.C. -- Nine credit unions have signed up so far this year for the WebFederal3 Virtual Banking solution from PM Systems Corp., the company said....

PHOENIX -- Arizona Federal Credit Union opened its doors for operations inside the newly built Maryvale YMCA....

BROOKFIELD, Wis. -- Alaska USA Federal Credit Union plans to use a new Web-based cash management solution to optimize the supply chain among its 200 ATMs and 50 branches across Alaska and Washington state....

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. -- When South Carolina Federal Credit Union went searching for ways to build relationships with members, Beth Jaskiewicz, senior vice president of marketing, looked at reward checking and all its other income-generating products....

INDIANAPOLIS -- FISolv will be offering a free educational Webinar on how to develop a successful business continuity plan on April 29....

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Credit Union Association is giving its smallest credit unions a dues break by cutting the annual formula by as much as 17%....

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Housing Secretary Alphonso Jackson announced on March 31 that he would resign his post effective April 18, citing family matters for his resignation....

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- California credit unions that offer a full menu of mortgage options may gain some market share if they seek to take advantage of Charlotte-based Wachovia Bank's likely withdrawal of option ARMs from its mortgage offerings available in California....

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Golden 1 Credit Union has made the Center for Companies that Care's 2008 Honor Roll list....

LONGMONT, Colo. -- St. Vrain Valley Credit Union Board Director Orlando F. Ortega has recently been recognized by the Education Credit Union Council for his years of credit union service....

RENO, Nev. -- When it comes to core deposit strategy, CDs are about as fashionable as gas guzzling SUVs in a $4 per gallon economy....

ST LOUIS -- To help members stock away more in their savings accounts and improve the environment, Vantage Credit Union has kicked off its "Save Green, Get Green" campaign....

AUSTIN, Texas -- About 100 credit unions are successfully utilizing BancVue's reward checking program to insulate balance sheets against flat yield curves and increased loan loss provisions....

WASHINGTON -- CUNA and NAFCU have both stepped up their efforts to lobby both Congress and the U.S. Treasury Department in opposition to the portions of the department's recent regulatory reform proposal dealing with credit unions....

LOMBARD, Ill. -- With all the talk about creating unique member experiences to increase member loyalty and foster a strong primary financial relationship, Raddon Financial Group set out to see if member loyalty really pays or if it's just marketing hype....

HOBOKEN, N.J. -- The credit union business model is broken. Margins have declined and operating expenses have increased. Competition with big banks and others is fierce. Credit unions' share of consumer credit and savings is shrinking or flat....

The constant rain couldn't keep the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run organizers from smiling. Here (l to r) FSCC CEO Sarah Canepa Bang; NAFCU Chairman John Milazzo, CEO of Campus FCU; San Mateo CU CEO Barry Jolette; State Department FCU CEO Jan Roche; Northwest FCU Senior Vice President of External Affairs Juri Valdov; PSCU Financial Services CEO David Serlo; retired Wright-Patman Congressional FCU CEO Robert Hess; and FDIC FCU CEO Theresa Mann practice holding the tape for the runners as they cross. See full coverage, pages 52-53....

WASHINGTON -- NCUA Board Chairman JoAnn Johnson will join other federal regulators April 15 in reviewing for the House Financial Services Committee the progress, or lack thereof, in helping Americans become more financially literate....

BOULDER, Colo. -- Evelyn Polando, chief operating officer of the $800 million Elevations Credit Union, has been named interim CEO succeeding the late William Sterner, the CU president, who died March 31....

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- To assist members with their wealth planning needs, the $619 million University of Iowa Community Credit Union has partnered with Precipio Wealth Advisors to make it happen....

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- William Haraf, Ph.D., named commissioner of the California Department of Financial Institutions last month by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, took office April 7....

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Credit unions participating in California's Government Relations Rally had a very timely issue to discuss with their legislators....

SANTA ROSA, Calif. -- Redwood Credit Union's sustainable building practices have not gone unnoticed....

ST. LOUIS -- When it comes to enhancing the member branch experience, a new white paper from NewGround, a full-service design and implementation company, suggests that the future lies in Radio Frequency Identification technology....

ATLANTA -- There are more design-build firm options in store for financial institutions in Texas as Design Build Concepts heads into the Lone Star state....

NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa -- Collins Community Credit Union is branching out to North Liberty. ...

PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- Greylock Federal Credit Union is ready to give credit unions more marketing options....

DALEVILLE, Ala. -- Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union has named Lisa Hales vice president of marketing....

INDIANAPOLIS -- The focus of this year's Marketing Association of Credit Union's Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony, to be held in Newport Beach, Calif., May 21-23, 2008, will be encouraging attendees to learn, connect and achieve....

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. -- Scott Credit Union is getting area kids excited about savings with its new Big Barkers Kidz Club....

MEDFORD, Ore. -- Rogue Federal Credit Union helped some 100 fifth-grade students from Jackson and Washington Elementary Schools run the mock city of BizTown....

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Congress has named the month of April "Financial Literacy Month."...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- NCUA recently advised that credit unions may reclassify a construction and development loan as a member business loan when the level and kinds of risks for which those limits exist are no longer present....

WASHINGTON -- Nearly 120 people including representatives from a handful of credit unions have turned out at public forums held in early April to share their concerns and offer suggestions on the Small Business Administration's proposal to institute a lender risk rating system....

LINDEN, N.J. -- Five more credit unions have contracted with Integrated Media Management to use its teller item-capture product, the company said....

MOLINE, Ill. -- I.H. Mississippi Valley Credit Union will be deploying image capture and returns software solutions and other Check 21 tools from VSoft Corp., the company and credit union said....

MEQUON, Wis. -- The Mortgagebot consumer-direct, Web-based loan origination system will now be offered to current and prospective clients of Open Solutions Inc., the companies said....

MONETT, Mo. -- Jack Henry & Associates Inc. said its remote-deposit capture solution is now being used by 622 financial institutions and approximately 11,000 merchants....

DEER PARK, Texas -- Shell Federal Credit Union launched its mobile banking service on April 1....

AUSTIN, Texas -- More than 80 people tuned into a recent Webcast held by the Credit Union Information Security Professionals Association (www.cuispa.org) to introduce a new vendor management program....

SAN DIEGO -- ComSec Inc. is so confident it'll find vulnerabilities in any credit union's Internet-facing and e-commerce applications that the client doesn't have to pay if none are found, the company said....

BOULDER, Colo. -- Boulder Municipal Employees Federal Credit Union has thrown a cloud over several square blocks of the city's downtown....

WASHINGTON -- As credit unions continue to feel the pinch of tightening net interest margins, noninterest income has become a greater concern over time....

RICHMOND, Va. -- Striking a balance between offering value-added services to members and the necessity of generating noninterest income is something Virginia Credit Union Inc. continues to strive for....

MELBOURNE, Fla. -- While its axiomatic that credit unions seek to build close ties to their members and communities, few others have seen their debit card program receive coverage in surfing and skateboarding magazines around the country....

PONTIAC, Mich. -- If necessity is the mother of invention, then the on-going margin squeeze at credit unions is helping them to find more creative ways to add to the bottom line without gouging members with added fees for services....

A revolution on how businesses, associations and government agencies will bank checks has begun. This is the best opportunity that has come along in years for credit unions to break into a market that has been serviced by the local bank market. And best of all, the costs to get on board this revolution is extremely low while the revenue potential is huge. Examine these benefits:...

When I came to the St. Mary's Cathedral Federal Credit Union in October 1966, there was a little over $500,000 in assets and two and a half employees. Today, Catholic Federal Credit Union has $215 million in assets and 80 employees. The first half dozen years at the credit union, a large percentage of our loans were made for debt consolidation. We would pay off charge accounts at local department stores and proprietors of that nature. The local municipal and district court offered a service for those debtors unable to qualify for the consolidation loan. For a nominal fee the courts would take money from the member's weekly paycheck and disburse it monthly to creditors. Financial circumstances were much simpler then; the biggest problem members had was resisting overcharging at local department stores....

Our state and national movement suffered a major blow with the loss of our colleague, our chairman, Bill Sterner, who collapsed at the start of the Credit Union Association of Colorado's annual Legislative Forum on March 28 in the State Capitol. Just a few short days later, Bill was gone.There are all sorts of words and phrases that come to mind about Bill's death--"untimely," "unjust," "in a blink of an eye"--these, and countless more, all describe the feelings we cope with in trying to understand and process how someone so full of life, so vibrant, and such a great credit union leader, could be here one day and then gone the next.After Bill suffered his heart attack on Friday morning, we all asked ourselves if we should continue with the Legislative Forum or call a halt to everything while we waited for news on his condition. The answer to that question was not easy, but it was clear: Bill Sterner would have been the first to tell us to "carry on," to get to work and to make things happen for the greater good. So, we did, but not without great effort, because all of us were worried and anxious about Bill.The forum was a great success. On display was the growing clout of our movement, something we have purposefully built over the past few years to improve the lot of every credit union in Colorado and to make us grow. Even without his physical presence, I know Bill would have been smiling, seeing how well the meeting went.In the days following Bill's illness and then death, as I communicated with CUNA, other state league presidents and countless other credit union leaders across the country, it became obvious what a unique individual Bill Sterner was--something we perhaps took for granted because he was here and just one of us. Bill was not just known nationally--he was universally respected and admired across the land--as a true leader for credit unions. Bill's passing is not just a Colorado loss; it is a national and international loss.Most of us see the role of volunteerism in our movement on a daily basis--the hard and selfless work of our elected, uncompensated boards of directors, the day-to-day community involvement of our staff and members and the special projects that we all tackle.From my vantage point, I also see the hard work and efforts of our association's board of directors, our committees and our task forces. Without the willingness of CEOs, senior managers and board members to give freely of their time, this association could not function.The apex of these voluntary efforts--the place where the rubber meets the road--resides in the office of chairman of CUAC. Hardly a week went by when Bill Sterner and I did not talk, or meet or plan--multiple times--for the present and future success of our association. A planned 10-minute call would easily turn into 30; a short meeting would transmute into a long one; and a simple issue would take on complexity that neither of us could have predicted.Bill was never too busy to break loose the time to deal with association issues. He drew on his vast history in the movement to guide all of us in the right direction--but he never did so with a harsh word or force--it was his personality and gentle persuasion that carried the day. He also leavened any dispute or problem with a healthy dose of humor and a wry smile for the sometimes contradictory pressures we face daily at CUAC.His legacy at the association includes a new 21st Century headquarters for CUAC, finalized on his watch. A statewide branding campaign that is beginning to bear fruit; programs for small credit union growth and a new financial literacy offering, FoolProof, that we hope will quickly grow into a national program, available to all credit unions. He also (mercifully) could converse with our Ecuadorian partners in fluent Spanish when they visited Colorado, undoubtedly sparing us an international incident. Bill was a renaissance chairman in every sense of the word.The work will always be there; what made it easier was Bill Sterner's wisdom, advice, wit and hard work for all us. Bill never entered the association headquarters and made a beeline to my office. Instead, he stopped along the way, greeting staff, asking how things were going and making everyone feel like they were part of something larger than just themselves. We will miss him dearly.CUAC's staff and board, now led by Vice Chairman Doug Ferraro, will honor Bill's memory by moving forward, knowing that is what he would have wanted us to do. Doug will be another in a long line of great chairs of CUAC, all of which have worked hard for our Colorado credit union movement. We will do more great things with Doug's leadership and future successes will be in our windshield, but Bill's contributions will not fade.On the back of the program at Bill's service was a poem--"End of Day." It ends with the words "miss me, but let me go." Bill Sterner's death makes letting him go a necessity; missing him will be the hardest part. Thanks for all you did for us, Mr. Chairman.John DillPresident/CEOCredit Union Association of Colorado ...

HOBOKEN, N.J. -- Mergers, for credit unions and banks, commanded the front page of Credit Union Times ten years ago....

The credit union industry is searching for improved profitability but is falling into the trap of pursuing business lines and strategies that blur the distinction between banks and CUs. I submit that if CUs dilute their distinction from banks, banks will gain more market share with their vastly larger budgets and more extensive partnerships. I propose a different course....

In most cases, a credit union's members would rather turn to the credit union they know and trust for all of their financial needs instead of establishing a new relationship with another financial organization. It only stands to reason, therefore, that members who are small- business owners would look to their credit unions when it comes time to invest in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or begin an HSA program for their employees....

Credit unions are dealing with a lot these days: margin squeeze, rising delinquencies, Treasury's Blueprint ideas and competition to name a few items. Not to add to credit union woes, but I'm dedicating this column to five things credit unions don't want to hear--or read....

East, South, Midwest, West...

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- American Eagle Federal Credit Union reported a strong financial performance for 2007 and re-elected five board members during its 72nd annual meeting....

WAUKEGAN, Ill. -- Consumers Credit Union has welcomed its new 2008 board of directors....

LAS VEGAS -- A unanimous vote has made WestStar Credit Union's former Audit Committee Chairman Jeff Pero chairman of the board....

WASHINGTON -- NAFCU Associate Director of Legislative Affairs Javier Sanchez has been elected chairman of the Military Saves National Partners Committee....

BALTIMORE -- MECU of Baltimore is mourning the loss of longtime Board Member Charles L. Benton Jr., who died of pneumonia at the age of 91....

Clearview Federal Credit Union, Moon Township, Pa., will be awarding ten scholarships in the amount of $1,250 each for the Clearview Federal Credit Union's Ninth Annual Ralph B. Canterbury Scholarship Award. The winners will be selected in May and honored at the Clearview FCUs annual meeting held on June 21. Applicants will be judged on academic performance, community activities/involvement, personal goal and an essay written on "Why I choose to belong to Clearview FCU."Members Advantage Credit Union, Michigan City, Ind., is providing a $1,000 scholarship to a local high school student titled, The Leona Bruno Scholarship, in honor of the first Members Advantage CU branch manager. Applicants must be active members of the credit union and submit the application by May 1.AmeriCU Credit Union, Rome, N.Y., has added three additional $1,000 scholarships to its annual scholarship program. Ten scholarships were awarded at AmerciCUs annual meeting. More than 85 applications were submitted for consideration of the scholarship committee. Recipients in the graduation high school senior category were: Ashley Armstrong of Rome, Douglas Doolen of Verona, Craig Hunter of Auburn, Stacy Jackson of Vernon, Eileen Kain of Utica and Lauren Leonardson of Sterling. Recipients in the continuing college category were: Kaitlin Bates of Rome, Zachary Johnson of Rome, Meghan Kusch of Rome and Brent Popvich of Rome.HAR-CO Maryland Federal Credit Union, Bel Air, Md., is offering a total of $18,000 in scholarships to all graduation Harford County High School seniors that will be attending college in Fall 2008. HAR-CO will give one $1,000 scholarship to a student at each high school in Harford County public and private, one $5,000 scholarship for a Harford County graduation senior who will attend Harford Community College full time, and a $1,000 Edward V. Goetz Memorial Environmental Science Scholarship to any Harford County graduation senior pursuing environmental studies. Applications for the scholarships are due on April 25.University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, Lexington, Ky., presented award plaques to each of the 2007-2008 Presidential Scholarship Award winners after a tour of the main branch. Recipients were, Jessica Stith, Corey Mongan, Kelsey Lewis, Sarah Robinson, and Nicholas Davis. This was the first set of recipients for a $5,000 Presidential Scholarship award that UKFCU plans to continue to donate annually to each of the schools in its field of membership.FAA Eastern Region Federal Credit Union, Clark, N.J., announced its selection of 15 students to receive the annual Salvatore Perricone Scholarship Award. Based on the Scholarship Committee's recommendations, the Board of Directors selected the scholarship recipients from over 70 applicants. The recipients included ten college and five high school students that were each awarded $750 to aid in their secondary education expenses. The winners are: Candace Barners of Scotch Plains, N.J., Amanda Gaines of Merrick, N.Y., Anthony Fiore of Centereach, N.Y., David Glickstein of Marlboro, N.J., Jonathan Foster of East Northport, N.Y., Amy Richards of Northport, N.Y., Kevin Ferguson of Cambridge, Mass., Matthew Harahush of Long Beach, N.Y., Smyrna Gibson of Brentwood, N.Y., Janet Actis of Nashua, N.H., Bethany Murphy of Pelham, N.H., Lauren Festa of North Belmont, N.Y., Corey Brunner of Medina, Ohio, Alexis Clyburn of Hillside, N.J. and Andrew Jursik of Flemington, N.J.City of Boston Credit Union, Boston, held its annual drawing for 15 scholarships for $1,000. The drawing was in honor of the late Thomas P. Coyne a former CBCU manager and brought in nearly 2,000 entries. This year's winners were: Sean Doiron, Caorline Greeley, Christian Lee, Genevieve Barrett-Moeller, Erica Anthony, Tia Martin, Kristen Slavin, Jill McFaun-Solimini, Alan Brewer, Evan Henerberry, Barbara Bray, Leonard Taylor, Andrew Hathaway, Patrice Michael, and Sarah MacCallum. The recipients are chosen by a random draw from applications completed by the member. The funds cane bused toward tuition at a grammar school, high school, or college for the 2008-2009 school year.DATCU Credit Union, Denton, Texas, awarded a $500 scholarship to Meghan Kaye Schwind at the Denton County Livestock Association Blue Ribbon Club. Schwind is attending Texas A&M and majoring in international travel, and this is the second scholarship she has received.P&G Mehoopany Employees Federal Credit Union, Mehoopany, Pa., participated in the Wyoming Valley Chapter of Credit Union's 14th Annual Norman G. Fulkerson Memorial Bowling Tournament. The staff of P&G Mehoopany Employees Federal Credit Union was one of many teams that participated in the annual fundraiser. The fundraiser benefits SPCA and local charities.Founders Federal Credit Union, Lancaster, S.C., has a multi-market partnership with March of Dimes for Chester, Chesterfield, Lancaster, Laurens, Spartanburg, and York counties. Founders FCU will donate $25,000 to the March of Dimes in 2008. The donation places Founders FCU as the first multi-market sponsor and one of the leading sponsors for the South Carolina Chapter. In addition to the donation, Founders FCU will participate in a local walk, provide a check/water station along the walk route, and host the March of Dimes Kiddie Corner sponsored by Daniel the Spaniel Kids Saving Club.Pagoda Federal Credit Union, Laureldale, Pa., purchased a ten pack of tickets to a benefit hockey game for a member that was diagnosed with leukemia. A portion of the tickets sold for the hockey game went toward a fund benefiting Natalie, the 20 month old Pagoda FCU member that was diagnosed with leukemia. Pagoda FCU held a drawing for the ten pack of tickets to help promote the fundraiser to its membership.Diamond Credit Union, Pottstown, Pa., presented a check for $15,000 to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Pottstown, Pa. The contribution is the largest corporate donation ever received by the Pottstown Area Relay for Life. Diamond CU has taken an active role in raising funds for the American Cancer Society for the past three years. In addition, Diamond CU is supporting the Berks County Relays as a Gold Level Sponsor. Diamond CU will also hold a variety of fundraising events that include Philadelphia Eagles Basketball Games, Basket Bingo, Car Washes, a Golf Tournament, Hot Dog days, Molly's Waffle House, employee jeans days, and a Music, Beef & Beer Night....

Meriwest Credit Union, San Jose, Calif., received the Community Champion Award for supporting the Spring Break Anti-Drinking and Driving Campaign. This is the fourth year in a row that Meriwest has supported the Anti-Drunk Driving Initiative. Public service announcements regarding driver's safety and prevention of drunk driving ran on the San Jose State University's campus radio station through the end of spring break....

MADISON, Wis. -- The Credit Union Executives Society will host a Webinar that reveals the results of a recent study and related white paper, "21st Century Growth Strategies for Credit Unions," on Monday, April 14....

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- The findings from a new board management study reveals that the vast majority of credit unions are facing at least some difficulties in their efforts to develop and maintain a high-performing board of directors....

PLANO, Texas -- Credit union leaders are expressing a great deal of negativity concerning the economy, according to Southwest Corporate's most recent CU CEO Confidence Survey. The first quarter 2008 index registered the lowest confidence level yet in the survey's four-year history....