Sharon Custer, CEO of $281 million BMI FCU, cited functionality and integration with the Symitar Episys core platform in its choice of the WRG online banking suite.

Kevin Sarber, president of WRG, says, "Our 100th client milestone reinforces one of the principles WRG was founded on–to leverage our experience as a credit union to design software solutions that other credit unions can benefit from."

The tech CUSO's other solutions include hosted service bureau processing, ATM deposit balancing, item processing, disaster recovery services, automated lending, e-statements and online membership applications.

ICUL Trade Group Using Passageways Portal

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The newest user of Passageways' portal solution is not a credit union, but is a homegrown member of credit union land.

The intranet specialist says that ignite–a joint venture of the Indiana Credit Union League (ICUL) and Indiana-based participants in the i3 group at the Filene Research Institute–will be using the Passageways Corporate Portal Framework for its internal communications and data management.

"Ignite provides a forum for new idea exchange, implementation, collaboration and networking for Indiana's credit union leaders and emerging leaders," says ICUL President John McKenzie. "The Passageways portal complements the organization's mission and purpose to promote innovation in credit unions."

Passageways was founded in 2003 as a CUSO of Purdue Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) and now has more than 100 clients.

Bob Falk, COO at $460 million PEFCU, says he used the Passageways portal during his participation with the Filene i3 group, and the credit union decided to offer it to the ignite group when it was formed.

Paroon Chadha, Passageways co-founder and vice president, says, "With a decentralized communication center, members of the organization are able to post information as it becomes available, ensuring that everyone has access to timely updates."

NSC Announces Free ATM 'What's New' Webcast and Podcast for Foreign Exchange Services

ARLINGTON, Va. — NAFCU Services Corporation recently announced new educational opportunities free of charge for credit unions.

NSC and its Preferred Partner in the area of electronic funds transfer and ATM processing, Fifth Third Processing Solutions, has released a free Webcast titled "Windows ATM Operations: What's Different? What's New?" The Webcast discusses the nuances of protecting Windows versus OS2 ATMs. It also touches on cash management, advertising capabilities and personalization.

The free Webcast and accompanying slides are located at www.nafcu.org/fifththird.

Security requires a much different approach from the OS2 system. "Because the Windows operating system is more common, it may be seen as more vulnerable to hackers. It requires ongoing maintenance in the form of patches," says Angela Brown, senior vice president and general manager of financial institution services for Fifth Third Processing Solutions. "Fortunately, remote software distribution makes it easy and offers other interesting capabilities."

David Frankil, president of NSC added, "Credit unions can benefit from staying current with ATM operations and learning how their peers are using ATMs to enhance member service."

Also available through NSC is a new podcast, in cooperation with eZforex, another preferred partner, which explains the opportunities in foreign exchange services for credit unions. The 14-minute podcast features an interview with Evan Shelan, CEO of eZforex.com, and discusses untapped demand for foreign currency and how credit unions can benefit from offering those services.

The free podcast is located online at www.nafcu.org/ezforex and also at nafcuservices.podbean.com.

"When a member walks into a credit union and needs to purchase foreign currency for a trip, the last thing you want to do is send them to a bank," eZforex CEO Evan Shelan explained. "Not only will they pay exorbitant fees at an inferior exchange rate, but you run the risk that their other business will go with them."

"Credit unions have traditionally been reluctant to offer a wide range of foreign exchange services because of the required infrastructure, training, expense and risk of maintaining inventories on-site," Frankil said. "But programs like eZforex, which outsource the entire function, allow credit unions of any size to offer foreign exchange as a member service with zero up-front investment, and as a bonus create a source of non-interest income as well."

CCUL Credit Union Search Service Adds Three States

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — The Arkansas, Indiana and Missouri credit union leagues have joined the California Credit Union League's findacreditunion.com service.

There now are 30 states and the District of Columbia using the service, which allows consumers to research about 4,500 credit unions nationwide.

Indiana adds 189 member credit unions to the list, while Missouri has more than 160 member credit unions and Arkansas has 65.

"Their addition makes the site a more central resource for consumers to find a credit union they are eligible to join throughout the country," says Catherine Arra, findacreditunion.com project manager.

The site recently added new features, including alphabetic or random searches, radius features and detailed maps and directions. Searches also can be made by geographic, employment and religious affiliate information.

For more information, contact Arra at [email protected].

Oregon Tech CUSO Offers New Web Site

EUGENE, Ore. — iTech Northwest has a new Web site offering interactive looks at its software products and services.

The site at www.itechnw.com was developed by a local community college intern working in collaboration with the tech CUSO's software developers and graphic designer.

It features tours of the Boardroom Web collaboration and communication solution and a mock election highlighting the capabilities of the Cast My Vote software, as well as beta recruitment for digital signage and custom software development.

Also on the site are a new press section and a "higher calling philosophy" page, with a blog planned next.

"We want people to have a sense of who we are and how we can contribute to their businesses and lives," says Thea Albright, business relationship manager for iTech Northwest, a CUSO of $575 million Northwest Community Credit Union.

"We believe our new website accomplishes this goal. At the same time, we also want our website to be a practical tool and resource that our clients and prospects can leverage on a daily basis," she says.