Commentary

When I joined the corporate credit union network just over 10 years ago, I was basically unaware of this segment of the credit union system. Of course, I was familiar with my local corporate, but I had never actually heard of the "corporate credit union network" as such, or of...

Before the first member walks through the door, before the staff is assembled, before the first brick is laid, and before a single design line is drawn, there are two important steps necessary to insure the success of a new member delivery point. The credit union must find the best...

Marshall McLuhan, the world-renowned communications icon first coined the terms "global village" and "the medium is the message." Today the business of credit unions is the constant invention of new membership villages - community charters, global outreach, new messages, new mediums, and growing confrontations with old financial village merchants (banks)....

Given the option, most credit union CEOs would elect to eliminate paper from their day-to-day operations. Many of the benefits of a seamlessly integrated paperless environment are readily apparent. However, beyond the elimination of paper, the full benefits of a successful document management solution have not been well understood by...

There is plenty of good news about the health of credit unions. By almost all indicators, credit unions are thriving in the 21st century. In the past three years, assets and net worth have increased; delinquency has decreased; and loan-to-share ratios have held steady. However, there is also reason for...

As I write this, Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) is putting together a regulatory relief package that he hopes to introduce prior to Congress recessing for its summer break. Senator Crapo has been tasked by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) to produce a bill similar to the House-passed reg...

In action long sought by CUNA, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last month proposed that credit unions engaging in certain limited securities activities may also be exempt from registration requirements and related costs as long as such activities are conducted under the terms applicable to the corresponding bank exceptions....

Being not-for-profit, credit unions must constantly look for creative ways to reach their target audience. A very effective way is through community involvement. To enhance the credit union's public image, planning and participating in a variety of activities should be the first step. Over the years People's Alliance Federal Credit...