Banking just got a little more convenient for Microsoft staffers. First Tech Credit Union is the latest resident in the Commons, a new retail area for Microsoft employees on the company's Redmond, Wash. campus. Microsoft's the Commons is designed to make the lives of its employees easier with such convenient amenities as restaurants, a pub, shops, a soccer field, a post office and a bicycle repair shop. The new full-service First Tech CU Studios West branch features a paperless touch-screen kiosk, designed to provide members fast, convenient access to information, community events, and credit union services.

N.C. CU Offers Help on Newletters

Local Government Federal Credit Union is making it easy for North Carolina local government staffers to meet their newsletter deadlines. The credit union has launched a free resource called NewsWorks (www.lgfcunewsworks.org) that provides everything from tips on writing and design to articles and resources on how to overcome obstacles and achieve financial goals. "In-house newsletters often serve as the primary vehicle for reaching employees with important news and information," said LGFCU President Maurice Smith. "However, in some counties and municipalities, producing an employee newsletter is often a responsibility that falls on a town clerk or someone else who wears several hats within the organization-someone who may have little time and resources for that facet of the job." Created as a one-stop resource, the NewsWorks site includes coverage of current financial events and question-and-answer articles penned by LGFCU's financial experts. In addition, visitors can find easy-to-use templates, free artwork and photography, tips and links to help with newsletter production. "We want local governments to know that we don't just want to partner with them when it comes to a financial transaction-and our intent here is not to push credit union products," said Smith. "We want to be a real partner who can help make their jobs easier and their communities and workplaces better."