Michael Bartlett

Affinity FCU said it has approved approximately 150 applications for a 5/5 Adjustable Rate Mortgage product it introduced earlier this year.

A second chance checking account offered earlier this year by the $674-million Altura Credit Union has proved quite popular.

For $9.6-million Express Credit Union, outreach is everything.

Members of three CUs in Arizona responded so positively to a pilot test of prepaid gift cards dispensed at ATMs, the concept is being expanded nationally.

When Rivermark Community Credit Union announced plans to shutter three branches in 2012, it quickly added it had no intention of going branchless, but was ramping up its electronic banking efforts.

Silver State Schools Credit Union continues to claw its way out of a deep hole, but says its numbers are heading in the right direction.

A trio of "smart offices" in the heart of California's wine country is working out well for $130-million Community First Credit Union.

As the first year of the "Texas 12" program winds down, one member said he has been thrilled to meet others like him.

The size and growth of the Hispanic market in the U.S. is no secret. Less well-known is how credit unions can better penetrate it.

Every business faces a growth paradox, according to John Moore, in that small business must appear larger and large business must appear to provide the service of a smaller operation.

Xceed Financial Credit Union had so much success with the program that garnered it a Credit Union Journal Best Practices Award, the $746-million CU is now planning an expansion.

By taking advantage of consumer frustration with banks, $132-million WestStar Credit Union has successfully driven growth with a "Kick Some Asterisk" marketing campaign, and seen some terrific ROI in the process.

Credit unions often struggle with creating a strong presence in the mainstream media, especially smaller CUs. But San Jose CU has earned a Credit Union Journal Best Practice for the attention it garnered before, during and after Bank Transfer Day.

What has your credit union been doing in 2012 to transform new members into members who use the CU as their primary financial institution?

Many businesses "freak out" over social media, but Jay Baer says that attitude conveniently forgets there have been radical game-changers in the past, including the telephone, fax machines and, of course, the Internet.

Credit unions that strive only to be logical and follow the “rules” will remain stuck behind innovators, according to Frans Johansson.

Thanks to issues near (America’s “fiscal cliff”) and far (Europe’s debt bubble), the economy will go through three to five more years of “modest ups and downs.”

CO-OP Financial Services expects to go live by December with several new emerging payments technologies.

While some CUs are reporting strong volume in HARP loans, others say they’ve seen little activity at all.

A number of credit unions that say that have “embraced” the government’s HARP program say it has hugged them back by boosting lending.