Michael Bartlett

The first step for a potential consolidation of the credit union associations for Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas went forward last week as member CUs of the Texas League voted in favor of what is being called the Cornerstone Credit Union League.

With uncertainty surrounding the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, one CUSO is developing a capital markets alternative credit unions can use.

Credit unions are not doing enough to generate more purchase-mortgage dollars going forward, according to David Bednar.

After heavy losses in 2009 and 2010, Pioneer West Virginia FCU's $1-million net income in 2011 seemed so incredible that it drew some pointed questions from NCUA examiners-and has prompted many credit union CEOs to ask, "how'd they do that?"

Veteran credit union executive John Tippets took a credit union that some said was "toast" and made it the toast of the town, and at CU Journal's Grow Show, Tippets will outline exactly how he did it.

Brandon Michaels, president and CEO of $476-million Mazuma Credit Union, believes if an organization does not get culture right, "nothing else matters."

Two credit unions on opposite sides of the United States are putting a twist on the usual loan balance transfer promotion with a "coopetition."

While most people might think of an open house as an event hosted by a Realtor, $106-million HomeTown Credit Union turned the tables a bit and welcomed real estate professionals into two of its branches with open houses of its own.

After record earnings in 2012, $3.8-billion Patelco Credit Union has installed "The Member Giveback" for qualified members in 2013.

As the dates near for the three state votes to create the potential Cornerstone Credit Union League-which would consolidate the associations for Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas-an online voter guide has been re-leased to advance the "business case" for the move.

A new study has found that 70% of all ATM users buy prepaid cards, but just one in 20 credit union members buy their prepaid cards from their credit union.

Credit unions should prepare now for a consumer "frenzy" this summer that will be fueled by pent-up demand for durable goods, according to Brian Turner.

Columbia Credit Union is taking TV viewers in its markets back to 1952, including using a "vintage" spokesperson.

Eighteen months after new rules required volunteer directors to better understand what makes a federal credit union tick, board members are generally better prepared to do their jobs, according to industry analysts.

Despite some early resistance, Dennis Dollar sees NCUA's director education requirements as a significant step forward for credit unions.

Global Credit Union has launched new branding, including a new logo, a new look in its branches and upgrades to technology used in the lending process.

The $38-million Spartanburg Regional FCU was recently named by SNL Research as having the nation's lowest average rate on a 30-year mortgage, 2.50%.

The surge of membership resulting from Bank Transfer Day is good news overall, but it has not done much to lower the overall age of members.

Dennis Dollar said he has not participated in a single strategic planning session at a credit union over the past three years during which the issue of an aging membership hasn't been discussed.

Credit unions that offer financial wellness programs to help their employees combat financial stress can boost their bottom lines in multiple ways.