LIVONIA, Mich. -- On the drawing boards since last year, two Detroit area credit unions, the $191 million Community Choice of Livonia and the $225 million Research Federal of Warren, are slated to complete a merger and a computer conversion this weekend.

In a ploy to build membership, the $200 million Members Credit Union is relying on blogs, low-cost online ads and home-grown videos to showcase its three-year old "Football Pick 'Em" game promotion that now has more than 1,500 players.

Marking what is being called a "dramatic" move to fight hunger among school age youngsters, a group of North Carolina credit unions are helping finance a local charity's distribution of daily food snacks in dozens of classrooms.

While creating great national unease, the mortgage crisis offers credit unions outstanding opportunities to increase market share as the industry assists beleaguered homeowners, according to a major CU service vendor.

Paul Coakley, chairman of the $35 million St. Agnes Employees Federal Credit Union, Baltimore, and a CU volunteer since 1972, was named "Director of the Year" today at the annual National Directors Convention.

When is it obvious that a director is "micro-managing" operations and the paid staff of the credit union? Is standing in the lobby asking questions of members and staff an example of "micro management."

Forum Credit Union Senior Vice President Doug True spoke at a break-out session at the National Directors Convention yesterday about the CU's newfound success with a local funeral home.

Mountain America Credit Union may have been at the epicenter five years ago of what many saw as crippling banker attacks, but today the $2.3 billion Salt Lake City CU enjoys unparalleled 25% new member growth, 1.64 ROA and 8.8% capital, its president/CEO Gordon Dames told directors Thursday.