The idea for the credit union addition arose after KACCU members visited the Safety City site for a training program in 2001 and saw the scaled-down replicas of houses, local landmarks and businesses–but no credit union. A seed was planted that evening, and after six years of fundraisers, including silent auctions, bowling tournaments, casino nights, game nights and in-branch contests, the employees of KACCU credit unions raised over $22,000 to make "My Credit Union" a reality.

According to Hodges My Credit Union is a permanent symbol of the vital role credit unions fulfill in neighborhoods, communities and home towns.

MSGCU Offers Home-Buying Seminars

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — The Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union will be offering seminars on purchasing a home. The sessions are free but registration is required.

MSGCU mortgage specialists will provide members with information on how to avoid the pitfalls commonly associated with buying a home. Mortgage experts will provide tips on budgeting, the prequalification process, mortgage loan options, appraisals and home inspections.

The first seminar was offered on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. at the main office community room, 40400 Garfield, Clinton Township. The second seminar will be offered on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Troy office community room, 4555 Investment Drive, Troy.

To register, call 586-263-8800, ext. 229 or email [email protected].

New Advisory Board Is Formed By CU Business Group LLC

PORTLAND, Ore. — Four credit union executives have been named to serve on a new advisory board to help shape the direction of CU Business Group LLC.

"The role of the advisory board is to provide input and direction from our credit unions' perspectives," said Larry Middleman, president/CEO of the business lending, deposit and consulting services CUSO. "We have significant expertise and vision from CUBG's formal board of directors, and the advisory board will strengthen our perspective of the marketplace for business services in the credit union industry."

The four executives tapped to serve on the board are Carl Roer, vice president of lending at the $400 million Sound CU; Brian Sherrick, executive vice president, operations/lending at the $480 million Postal CU; Gary L. Smart, vice president of business services and lending at the $230 million Crane FCU; and Jeff Stone, executive vice president, member business services at the $1.7 billion North Island CU.

Each of the four members was hand-selected by Middleman based on his experience and expertise in the industry and ability to provide a diverse set of perspectives on business services, according to CUBG. Middleman said he hopes feedback and input from them will aid in shaping the direction of CUBG and help the CUSO seek new opportunities.

CUBG serves 279 credit unions in 34 states.

One CU to Win Newsletter Makeover

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Credit unions looking for a newsletter makeover can enter Profound Communications' 2008 credit union newsletter makeover contest.

The winning credit union will receive a new, custom look for its newsletter designed by Profound Communications in addition to free quarterly newsletter production for one year, including copywriting and design.

"The newsletter is a key communication strategy for credit unions and a critical tool for informing members about new products, services and policies," said Tammy S. Holtzmeier, founder of Profound Communications. "It is crucial to maintain a newsletter that reflects the membership of the credit union so that the publication remains an effective and valued source of information."

According to Holtzmeier, newsletters are one of the most valuable marketing tools used by credit unions as it keeps members informed about products, services and events and always keeps the credit union's name front and center.

To enter the 2008 credit union newsletter makeover contest, download a copy of the official entry form at www.profoundcommunications.com/makeover. Submit your complete entry form along with a brief statement of 250 words or less describing why you think your newsletter needs a makeover and how it will improve your credit union and a sample of your most recent newsletter.

Entries must be received by midnight Oct. 31, 2008.

For more information visit Profound Communication's Web site.

Illinois CUs Fill Student Lending Void With $100 Million in Loans

CHICAGO — Eight credit unions in Illinois have stepped into the breach to provide Land of Lincoln students $100 million in loan funding for the 2008-2009 academic year after several other financial institutions dropped out.

Alliant Credit Union in Chicago; Baxter Credit Union in Vernon Hills; CEFCU in Peoria; Corporate America Family Credit Union in Elgin; Credit Union 1 in Rantoul; I.H. Mississippi Valley Credit Union in Moline; Motorola ECU in Schaumburg; and Scott Credit Union in Collinsville agreed to come up with the financing.

"We are pleased to team up with [Illinois Student Assistance Commission] and back their efforts to help students get a quality education," said Dan Plauda, president/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League.

Plauda added that college students are under enough pressure without having to worry about whether or not their student loans have fallen through.

ISAC's executive director, Andrew Davis, turned to the state credit union association for help after the previous lenders informed him that they would no longer provide funding for the loans. The ICUL determined that investing in the securities issued by ISAC would be permissible under the state's credit union act. ICUL then met with several of its credit unions to determine their interest in investing in ISAC securities.

"When the global credit markets turned their backs on Illinois students, these eight credit unions stood tall," Davis said.

The Stafford loans offered to the students as a result of the partnership are wexpected to provide several advantages including much lower interest rates and more favorable terms.