News Briefs
CEO Says He Was Fired For Whistle Blowing.
FORT WAYNE, Ind.-The former CEO at Community Link FCU claims he was fired as head of the $20 million credit union because he shared information with NCUA examiners on potential conflicts of interest on the board of directors and other regulatory violations..
According to a suit filed in federal court here, James Countryman, who was hired in 1999 to lead the Huntington credit union, told the chairman of the credit union's board he expected NCUA in a 2006 examination to raise objections that two of the five members of the supervisory committee were family members of the chairman. The following year, in 2007, Countryman said he told NCUA of numerous credit union practices he believed were in violation of state or federal laws and regulations. The complaints resulted in NCUA issuing a supervisory agreement against the credit union..
The month before NCUA was preparing for a June 2009 examination at the credit union, the board fired Countryman, who had pledge to cooperate fully with the examiners. The credit union, claims the suit, fired Countryman "in retaliation for him agreeing to provide information to the NCUA Board and/or examiner in violation of the Federal Credit Union Act," says the suit..
Lawyers for the credit union could not be reached for comment..
First Citizens' FCU Searches For Model Citizens.
FAIRHAVEN, Mass.-First Citizens' FCU has launched its first annual Model Citizen Award program utilizing Facebook, a popular social networking site, to seek nominations..
The Model Citizen Award Program will recognize individuals in surrounding communities for their acts of kindness, volunteer work and efforts to make their community a better place. An individual or organization can nominate each "model citizen" by becoming a First Citizens' Facebook fan and submitting a 500-word summary about who they are nominating. At the end of the contest, one winner will be selected by a First Citizens' committee..
The winner will receive the Model Citizen Award and a weekend getaway to Martha's Vineyard. The winner's nominator will receive a $50 dining gift certificate. The six-week program will feature radio commercials and online advertising with the program's media partner, 95.5 WBRU..
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High School Junior Wins Savings Contest.
EAST LANSING, Mich.-A junior at local Sexton High School won a $900 prom package as winner of Michigan State University FCU's Cash for the Bash contest, which sought ideas on how to save on prom expenses..
Francesca Wojda won the prize for a 150-word essay explaining how she would cut back on prom expenses..
The high school student was given up to $300 for a prom dress from Pierre's Bridal, Prom, and Tuxedos, $158 worth of hair and makeup from Douglas J Salon, $100 gift cards to both P.F. Chang's and Eastwood Towne Center, a corsage and boutonniere from Addy's Floral & Gifts, and $250 deposited into her credit union savings account...
Walmart Branch Signals Shift At AVCU.
LANCASTER, Calif.-Antelope Valley CU has expanded into the Santa Clarita Valley and changed its name to All Valley FCU to reflect the change..
The first new branch in the Santa Clarita Valley is located inside a Walmart Super Center retail store..
While it has been open to members since April, the credit union had a grand opening recently with drawings, a prize wheel and activities around the KHTS fire truck and a live remote broadcast.
