This week's special report explores a variety of IT trends, including: using Twitter to launch collaborative campaigns, how one CU built its own forecasting tool for setting sales goals, electronic loan modifications and much more. 

We've Got to Start Tweeting Like This

How some CUs are using twitter to launch collaborative campaignsWINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Twitter is where credit unions now "tweetup": they meet online and work together to launch new projects, including the well-known "What Are You Saving For?" (WAYSF) campaign launched last year by Members CU here.

One CU's Secret Weapon to Set, Surpass Loan Goals

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Employees FCU here can set precise sales goals — and stick to them — in this unpredictable economy, thanks to a sales reporting and forecasting tool it built last year.

How One CU Visualizes Success

SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Teachers CU rarely goes back to the drawing board when it builds new business applications — the CU's web business forms are now brought to life in visualization software, shoring up upfront investments and easing frustration for staff.

MFCU Upgrades Home Banking to Deepen Member Relationships

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. — To drive deeper member relationships and gain deposits from competitors, Michigan First CU has upgraded its home banking system with several new features — one of which allows members to access their accounts at other financials within the online banking interface.

24/7 Call Center Increases Sales; Cuts Expenses

LAS VEGAS — An around-the-clock, full-service call center has markedly increased sales and membership while cutting expenses at two credit unions.

'What Do You Want in a System That You Don't Have Now?'

WASHINGTON — One year after introducing its The Complete Credit Union Solution DNA release, Open Solutions reporting that 112 credit unions have now moved to the solution.

How Bellco Credit Union Is Achieving End-to-End Loan Modifications in Just Five Days

DENVER — Loan modifications are completed in five days when signed electronically at Bellco CU here — perhaps saving 50% of the costs associated with paper-based execution.

How Some CUs Are Dealing with 'Broken' Windows

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Microsoft Vista is a "disaster" and a "nightmare," according to some credit unions, who say they are either holding their breath for Windows 7, sticking with Windows XP — or exploring the world of operating systems beyond Microsoft.

Company Claims It Penetrated 95% of Banks, Credit Unions

BATON ROUGE, La. — Whether deploying high-tech data theft methods or something as low-tech as dressing up as a fire marshal, one company says it was able to penetrate more than nine in 10 of the CUs and banks it targeted.