Ken McCarthy

Lofty fertilizer and equipment costs are forecast to cut into profits this year. Farmers are expected to seek loans to cover higher expenses, but bankers are likely to be cautious in granting credit given recessionary pressures.

Banks and credit unions compete head-to-head in many markets, so credit union CEOs take advantage of bank earnings season to gain a little extra intel. But many will scour first-quarter results as closely as ever to determine the impact of the banking crisis on deposits flows, lending and the overall economy.

Rick Hein, who has been the chief executive of the financial institution for 23 years, plans to depart next year.

On the anniversary of the Center for Disease Control's mask guidance, banks and credit unions are striking a balance between health and branch security.

Mark Rabinowitz, the credit union's chief administrative officer, took over as chief executive on April 1, replacing Matthew Herbert.

Since 2011, and in ever-growing volume, credit unions have been buying community banks. Some see it as the free market at work while bankers say this is another example of credit unions' unfair advantage.

James Norris, who joined the Germantown-based credit union in 2010, will retire April 21.

After experiencing deposit growth above 11% in 2021, credit unions saw that figure drop to 3% last year. But some CEOs say funds are flowing in again in the wake of recent bank failures.

Fred Eisel will succeed David Brehmer, who plans to retire from the $6 billion-asset Vizo Financial on Jan. 5, 2024.

A few years ago, banks and credit unions were veering away from drive-up service in their new branches. And then the pandemic hit.