four-hour shifts.

In addition, over at the National Orange Show Evacuation Center Arrowhead CU youth account mascot Rocky Raccoon, joined other mascots from local minor league baseball teams to help boost the spirits of those impacted most by the fires.

Arrowhead CU is also accepting donations at all branches on behalf of the American Red Cross, Inland Empire chapter. Members of Arrowhead CU can also donate easily through e-branch, the online banking system available on the credit union's Web site.

"We want to provide an easy way for our community to get funds to those affected by the fires. The Red Cross is the primary provider to those who have been evacuated and monetary donations are needed most at this time," said Arrowhead CU Senior Vice President Robert Reed.

Money Booth Ramps up Indiana CU's Membership Drive

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Don't underestimate the marketing potential of the money booth with blowing cash, according to Vigo County Federal Credit Union, which for months has been getting favorable media coverage for a promotion using the device at county fairs and local events.

"The members love it and it is giving our credit union positive press and let me tell you the local bank had to walk away from their exhibit because ours got all the attention," recalled Brenda Wright, business development specialist at the $26 million CU.

Vigo County said it devised using the whirlaway promotion to create interest in new membership and sure enough the money booth, which the CU calls "Money Storm 3000″, was a big hit at the county fair during car sales.

About the size of a telephone booth, Money Storm 3000 is open to qualifying new and referring members and is normally located in the lobby at the Terre Haute CU. Participants are allowed 20 seconds in the booth to grab as many $1-$20 "play" bills as they can.

When they exit the booth, the play money is converted to real cash. So far, winners have grabbed between $4 and $50!

"It is a fun thing that we debuted at our annual meeting and have started taking to events," said President Dale Burkitt. "An area radio station came to our office and we did a live on-air promo featuring the booth."

The money booth is mentioned in TV ads and during the county fair car sale a session in the booth was offered as an incentive to anyone who purchased a vehicle. Even car salesmen took turns in the booth and a local bank "left early from the show because their booth was not drawing as much attention as ours," said Wright.

Vigo County said it learned about the money booth idea after reading about its success at the $100 million Community Financial Credit Union of Broomfield, Colo. that used the money booth for a branch opening.

–[email protected]

TCUF Sends Teachers Back to School

DALLAS — Twenty-five Texas economics teachers recently entered their classrooms with new information and techniques on teaching economics and financial education to their students thanks to Texas Credit Union Foundation.

TCUF provided grants totaling $10,000 to teachers, each of whom are credit union members, to attend the National Council on Economic Education's Annual Conference in Denver.

"Many of the teachers have very limited budgets that would have prevented them from attending this conference. We felt it was important to assist them in attending. We also wanted to strengthen the bond between the teachers and their credit unions, so the scholarship program was open only to teachers who are credit union members," said Jill Pharr, executive director of TCUF.

The grants program was developed in partnership with the Texas Council on Economic Education (www.economictexas.org), one of TCUF's partners in promoting financial literacy in the schools. The grants were based on each recipients demonstrated need, as well as being a member of a credit union.

The Texas Council is a well-respected teacher training organization, with seven university-based centers around the state. The organization provides teacher in-service training on economics and financial topics to over 4,000 teachers each year.

TCUF is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation representing the Texas credit unions.

Nevada Federal Makes Top Three Best Place To Work Cut

LAS VEGAS — Nevada Federal Credit Union was presented an award for being one of the top three best nonprofit places to work in Las Vegas at the Southern Nevada Human Resources Association's Las Vegas Best Places to Work Annual Award Ceremony.

Awards presented recognized top employers for their best practices that create a more competitive workforce for employees in the city. Approximately 600

industries were in attendance at this October event held at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino.

"Nevada Federal is truly honored to be among the companies recognized this year as a 2007 best place to work in Las Vegas," said NFCU Senior Vice President of Human Resources Michael Traficanti. "At Nevada Federal we have created some really special and unique workplace programs and benefits, but what really makes us such an excellent place to work is our positive corporate culture and all of the great people that work for our company."

In selecting Nevada Federal for this award, the association highlighted the credit union's morale boosting Intranet site full of information including current events, policies and procedures and even a chat room that gives employees an opportunity to "Chat with Brad Beal" Nevada Federal president/CEO.

So. Cal. Wildfires Trigger Valley CU Disaster Relief Loans

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Valley Credit Union has made a special Disaster Relief Loan available to its members affected by the Southern California Wildfires.

First introduced to members to assist with the 9/11 terrorist attacks, this loan offers a lower rate than the credit union's Signature Loan and is offered during times of need. Valley CU hopes this will help alleviate the financial burdens caused

by this disaster.

"Disasters of this scale create an unexpected burden for our members and this loan will help them get through this time," said Valley CU Assistant Vice President of Lending Althea Morris.

Valley CU membership is open to anyone who lives, works or worships in Santa Clara, Alameda or Contra Costa counties, but the credit union has members in Southern California who may have once lived in the Bay Area or are relatives of members who live in their field of membership.

"Making this loan available to our members again is a way of offering assistance to our members who we cannot otherwise help due to proximity," says Valley CU Senior Vice President Lori White.