Here are some observations on some credit union topics before 2001 becomes history: * As the controversial Community Action Plan (CAP) hits the front page again, on the eve of its dreaded effective date of January 1, 2002, it appears likely that it will soon vanish from the credit union...

Wherever large numbers of credit union people gather, there you are likely to find a Credit Union Times presence, even at international gatherings where CU folks are completely surrounded by predominantly banking types from all across the globe. That will be the case once again at the annual mid-December meeting...

More so than any other credit union publication, the editorial staff of Credit Union Times is diligent in making sure every news story is accurate, balanced, fair, objective, and unbiased. They have no such control over letters to the editor printed in this publication. One of the most striking examples...

It seems like someone is forever predicting what will, or won't happen to credit unions, if they do, or don't do certain things. For example, here are just three of many current predictions being made: If credit unions don't serve those of "modest means," they will get taxed. Expanded fields...

There are three unrelated topics in my potpourri file on which some observations may be of interest: * First topic: Kudos to all those responsible for obtaining the new Internet designation, dot-coop, or more correctly, .coop. Obtaining a new domain is no small task. It has been estimated that there...

One of the biggest challenges facing credit unions today is the desperate need for educated volunteers. It is a topic that is rarely openly discussed. I often ask credit union groups, "What is one of the greatest strengths of credit unions?" Almost always, the reaction is total silence. Surprisingly, even...

There comes a point in every major controversy when it is time to finally make a tough decision to resolve it. The Overhead Transfer Rate (OTR) is an annual process that has been controversial ever since it became a method for dipping into the NCUSIF. However, since the OTR was...

When CUNA's Renaissance Commission initiative was first announced, I thought it was a good idea with a lot of promise for credit unions, and I said so in this space. Now I am not so sure. Since my initial positive feelings that all credit union interests could come together (didn't...