In a new twist on advocacy, the $1.1 Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union has launched an "engage the member" program by quizzing members on-site about their knowledge of CU purpose and structure.

From the podium, little was said about Wings Financial or Think FCU at the Minnesota Credit Union Network annual meeting here last week, but in the receptions and private gatherings there was plenty of buzz about the impact of the controversies and the state's newfound connection to them.

Like credit union leaders elsewhere, worried CEOs of Minnesota CUs were trying last week to make some sense out of the fast-moving events surrounding two of their own, Wings Financial and Think FCU, amidst heightened alarm about internal damage to the industry nationwide.

Seizing what it calls "an ideal opportunity" to advocate the credit union difference, the Michigan Credit Union League is pressing its media jibe at the planned relocation move of Comerica Bank to Dallas.

A hardy group of Ohio credit union executive "marchers" braved biting cold winds as well as enjoyed 80-degree temps to take part in a daily walkathon last week from Columbus to Cincinnati to benefit Children's Miracle Network.

Citing service and distribution handicaps, the Credit Union Association of Colorado said last week it has sold its "Savings Safari Youth Program" to one of its partners, ProAdSpec Inc., a Cottage Grove, Wis. promotion firm.

As a token of appreciation, the Tarheel Chapter of the North Carolina Credit Union League came up with the ideal gift for its departing chairman, Paul Phillips of Durham: a day at the races.

At last, "JA's BizKid$," the financial literacy show being financed by credit unions, is enjoying its national debut, at least in a pilot format.