ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Four credit unions that successfully revived their stagnant credit card portfolios were recognized at the meeting as shining examples of how CUs can reinvigorate their card programs. The credit union success stories were even more amazing given the credit unions spent very little money on their efforts. Recognized were Betty Gorham, CEO of the $20 million University of South Alabama FCU, headquartered in Mobile, which by increasing its card portfolio, increased its card accounts by 31%, its outstanding balances by 375% and its interest income by 49% and did so by spending $3,845. Lee Thorsness, credit card manager for the $700 million University FCU, headquartered in Austin, Texas, received recognition for using a wide variety of approaches to increase her CU's card portfolio by over $10 million. "Our motto became `if something doesn't work, don't give up, be patient and try something else.' " Lisa Broadwater, manager with the $1.6 billion Eastman Credit Union, headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee reported how her CU spent just over $1,200 on balance transfer contests and marketing plans to increase the outstanding balances by $1.7 million. The CU had also increased its card accounts by 281, she added. Melanie Ogrodowski, marketing director for the $112 million Glass City FCU, headquartered in Maumee, Ohio was recognized for spending just over $20,000 in a portfolio overhaul which saw her CU increase its outstanding balances by $875,000 as well as increase its interchange and card fee income as well.