LITTLE FALLS, Minn. — Barb Lyons has a unique insight into the needs of the members in her branch — she used to stand on their side of the counter.

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. — While many credit unions covet Generation Y for future relationships, Communicating Arts CU sees the value in one member of GenY right now.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — With more than $800 million in assets, 63,000 members and 190 employees, Hiway FCU here has grown over the years, but it hasn't added a single branch. In fact, the "no-branch" approach is an integral part of Hiway FCU's business strategy.

SEATTLE — Express CU is expanding into the underserved market with the help of 16 area non-profits groups that will provide their clients with on-site financial services through the CU.

Capitol Bancorp Ltd.'s latest divestiture deal underscores just how far the company has retreated from its original strategy.

CALEDONIA TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Security CU plans to open a 5,000-square-foot branch by December in a redevelopment of the former Cruisers Auto Wash site on Airport Dr.

MIDDLE ATLANTIC

As financial institutions across the country confront mounting piles of repossessed properties, Sovereign Bank in Dallas is using an unusual strategy to clear its inventory and clean up its balance sheet.

DENVER – The Credit Union of Colorado is expanding its branch network with a new facility in nearby Parker.

WICHITA, Kan. – Cessna Employees CU, which has watched thousands of its members lose their jobs during the past seven months, is constructing a free-standing branch at Cessna’s Pawnee facility.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Pentagon FCU yesterday it is expanding its operations in Omaha, Neb., with the addition of a second customer-care center to handle mortgages and collections.

To the Editor:

Chris Bauer, who took the helm last month at Anchor BanCorp Wisconsin, has a plan to shore up the listing Madison company, but acknowledges he may not have enough time to execute it.

ALLENTOWN, Penn. – People First FCU will give away a 42-inch HDTV as part of the opening of its newest branch, the $300 million credit union’s sixth.

WICHITA, Kan. – Catholic Family FCU said it will build a second branch and house its administrative offices there.

Federal banking regulators have reached an agreement with Amboy Bancorp. through which the New Jersey bank has pledged to take actions aimed at strengthening its capital position.

Lee Bradley, who has spent much of the last two decades raising start-up capital for banks, is turning his energies to recapitalizing them.

WORCESTER, Mass. – Webster First FCU has opened an 85,000-square-foot operations center in Worcester, next to one of its branches.

The uber-capitalized Iberiabank Corp. may soon have a way to put its extra cash to work.