WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-Credit unions have begun announcing year-end bonuses:
* In Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman CU is paying its members an extraordinary $4 million dividend, the 12th year it has done so. Since 1998, a total of $37 million in extraordinary dividends has been awarded to Eastman members.
* In Peoria, Ill., CEFCU has paid its members an extraordinary dividend of $6 million, the eighth straight year for a year-end payout. This dividend was based on members' savings and loan activity during the year 2008, with $3 million going to borrowers and $3 million going to savers. Dividends were deposited to members' savings accounts on Dec. 8. CEFCU has paid its members $33 million in extraordinary dividends since 2000.
* In Biloxi, Miss., Keesler FCU is paying a $3.5-million bonus dividend to be paid based on year-to-date dividends earned on deposits for members of record as of Dec. 31, 2008.
