Aaron Passman

Tropical Financial CU here saw great success this year after launching its "Fame for Five" campaign that began with a quest to cast five members from different demographics to represent the credit union.

Gen Y memberships are up 40% at IC Federal Credit Union since it launched a series of irreverent ads on YouTube aimed at the younger demographic.

State credit union leagues in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas said they plan to merge, creating a new association to be known as the Cornerstone Credit Union League.

A new pre-paid card solution offers cardholders a "closed-loop," merchant-specific card, backed by Discover that can be used exclusively at participating merchants such as Macy's and Outback Steakhouse.

Drawing on its history as a credit union for educators, A+ FCU here has launched a website to teach financial literacy to members and non-members.

Looking to spice up its youth outreach, Listerhill CU here has launched a new monthly magazine-a medium "so old that it's cool again."

Connex CU has appointed a new VP with a one-year term-Quinnipiac University student Lauren Dufour is set to serve as the credit union's third VP of Unbanking.

ElecTel Cooperative FCU has booked more than $1.7 million this year as part of one-day-only loan promotions, including $74,000 in a "Green Wednesday" promo the day before Thanksgiving.

BluCurrent CU is offering a 0% APR loan for the holidays and booked nearly $140,000 in its first seven days as a result.

The United Nations' International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) officially hit the one-year mark on Oct. 31. The hope now is the IYC laid at least some groundwork for future collaboration among cooperative sectors.

The ancient Mayan calendar predicts that the world will end on Dec. 21. In response, Latitude 32 CU says that if it does, all its loans will be forgiven.

McGraw-Hill FCU was back up and running-at least in limited capacity-the day after Hurricane Sandy hit, and while the storm taught many lessons, the recovery is far from over.

1st Financial FCU brought in nearly $460,000 in auto loans as part of a Black Friday promotion this year, repeating a similar special from 2011.

Three Rivers FCU has gained a deeper understanding of member needs and increased its wallet share among young members since instituting "Your Voice."

Christian Financial CU boosted its auto lending portfolio and recaptured members' loans after instituting "Campaign Tracker."

Harborstone CU was able to successfully track down a scam artist by using technology, a move that has earned it a Credit Union Journal "Best Practices" Award.

Running for a seat on the CUNA board, Joe Thomas is attempting to paint himself as an innovator and a modern thinker. As part of that, he's brought a new element to CUNA board elections: social media.

Consumers will spend 3.5% to 4% more this holiday season than last, according to a new survey from CUNA and the Consumer Federation of America.

After struggling with poor financial performance and a limited rural market, Glenvil Cooperative CU has taken an unusual move and agreed to be acquired by First York Bankcorp, a holding company of Cornerstone Bank.

United Labor CU here has seen its lending increase by 10% since it began offering financial education courses for union members 18 months ago, a move that has earned it a “Best Practice” Award from Credit Union Journal.