The El Paso Times talked to local residents about their efforts to get mortgages from local lenders, with local institutions indicating they have plenty of funds available. Among those included in the story was El Paso Employees FCU CEO Ray Ponteri, who discussed its health among problems elsewhere. "The credit union is doing fine and we are not suffering any losses, we are making loans and I don't see anything changing that," the newspaper quoted him as saying.
In a story headlined, "As Banks Fail, Credit Unions Deserve A Look," the News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. said, "...Lately, Mr. Big Bank has taken on the characteristics of a high maintenance relationship: fickle terms, low returns, hefty fees and - finally - the meltdown. So some people have started flirting with the competition. Credit unions in particular are getting a good once-over, and many like what they see." The story then went on to quote Joe Mecca of Coastal FCU and to detail the CU's rates, fees, products and offerings.
The Daily Press in Virginia, in reporting on how Citigroup's purchase of Wachovia would change the face of retail banks in the region, included comments from Jean Yokum, president of Langley Federal Credit Union, and Rick Pillow, president of the Virginia Credit Union League.
