RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- It's not exactly unexpected but still the "find a credit union" Web sites have shown a whopping 60% increase for successful public searches during September, the California/Nevada Credit Union League said Friday.

PORTLAND -- In the latest example of safety-soundness messaging, a coalition of nine Oregon credit unions took out full page ads Thursday in three major state papers to reinforce the increase in NCUSIF deposit insurance to $250,000.

SEATTLE -- Last month's fire sale of Washington Mutual Savings Bank to JPMorgan Chase Bank has brought a huge jump in memberships for the $8.5 billion BECU.

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas -- Disaster relief funds drawn from across the U.S. and directed toward employees who suffered losses from Hurricane Ike have now topped $469,000, and of that, nearly $400,000 has been distributed in 827 grants, the Texas Credit Union League reported this week.

BEAUMONT, Texas -- The massive cleanup process began in earnest last week for those Ike-battered Texas credit unions now shifting their attention to aiding stricken employees and members while restoring normal operations.

SAN ANTONIO -- In a ceremony on the tarmac of the San Antonio Airport Monday, President Bush paid special honor to Sonya McDonald, vice president of sales operations and marketing, at Randolph Brooks Federal Credit Union, for her fundraising activities on behalf of wounded war veterans.

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas -- As part of the industry's invigorated safety and soundness campaign, the Texas Credit Union League said Friday it is now offering its members a safety and soundness tool kit to assist in conveying the CU insurance message.

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas -- Reminding CU leaders once again about the urgency of Hurricane Ike recovery, the Texas Credit Union League said Thursday it is pursuing a broad disaster aid program coupled with hiring a former associate of TV's Dr. Phil for CU counseling.