$40K Raised For Flood Victims
MADISON, Wis.-The National CU Foundation reported that in the first week after activating its online disaster relief system, CUAid.coop, it collected nearly $20,000 to assist credit union people affected by recent flooding in North Dakota. Donations continue to be accepted.
CUAid was developed by NCUF in cooperation with state credit union foundations, state credit union leagues, and the Credit Union National Association's Disaster Preparedness Committee in 2006. The secure online tool links the entire credit union system to raise money for disaster relief.
Paper On The 'Credit-Challenged'
MADISON, Wis.-The CUNA Lending Council has released a new white paper, "Lending to the Newly Credit-Challenged: A Second Chance for First-Time Defaulters." The paper examines a back-to-basics approach for exploring loan options with members who've experienced credit setbacks for the first time in their lives, and notes that one 2010 survey found at 10% of all Americans had fallen behind on loan payments during 2009.
"Working with these members to restore their credit and financial standing presents an opportunity for credit unions to bolster loan volume and build loyalty, but it also requires a time investment in revisiting loan policies and practices and retraining staff to look well beyond credit scores in assessing members' ability and willingness to repay," the Lending Council said.
For info: go to the white paper section of www.cunacouncils.org-select the "Lending" tab for both.
Int'l Delegation Visits MnCUN
ST. PAUL, Minn.-The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) welcomed participants of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to its officers here. The visitors hailed from Argentina, Bulgaria, Israel, Malawi, Oman, the People's Republic of China and Sri Lanka, and visited the MnCUN to learn more about credit unions, their role in communities, and initiatives for financial recovery. During its three weeks in the U.S., the group also investigated how other countries can aid in the integration of emerging markets into the world economy. The group also visited South Metro FCU in Prior Lake, Minn.
Co-opapalooza Set For October
SEATTLE-Seattle Metropolitan Credit Union (SMCU) has announced it will once again host the "Co-opapalozza" here at the Seattle Center on Oct. 16. The event, which is free, is designed to provide exposure for all of the cooperatives operating in the Pacific Northwest. Other participating co-ops will include Group Health, PCC Natural Markets, Central Co-op, Equal Exchange, the National Cooperative Business Association, Northwest Cooperative Development Center, and the Flying Bike Cooperative Brewery. The event will include food and entertainment. For info:www.smcu.com/coop.
Readers Select Horizons North
NORTHGLENN, Colo.-Readers of MetroNorth Newspapers have selected Horizons North Credit Union (HNCU) as the best provider of banking services in the market. "The credit for this award goes to our service staff who work with our members every day to give them affordable, caring and reliable service," said CEO Brad Harvey.
YouTube Video Explains CIF
MADISON, Wis.-The National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) has posted a four-minute video on YouTube that gives viewers an overview of NCUF's primary funding mechanism, the Community Investment Fund (CIF). The video features NCUF's Resource Development & Donor Relations Director Josie Collins talking about the CIF, along with information on how the funds are distributed and how credit union organizations can invest. The video can be found at http://youtu.be/64DVCRkeFuY.
McAuliffe To Keynote Caucus
WASHINGTON-Terry McAuliffe, Democratic party leader and political advisor, will be the keynote speaker at NAFCU's 37th Annual Congressional Caucus Sept. 18-21 at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel. The deadline for early registration savings is July 29. For info: www.nafcu.org/caucus.
More CUs In Mergers
FAIRLAWN, Ohio-The $76-million Towpath CU and the $39-million TeleCommunity CU, Akron, are merging. Towpath will be the continuing name, with TCU CEO Alan McArthur continuing as CEO and TCCU CEO Rose Bartolomucci continuing as president. In Birmingham, Ala., meanwhile, The $560-million Alabama One CU has absorbed Birmingham News Employees CU via merger, and in Pennsylvania, $65-million SPEFCU is merging with $11.9-million Huntington County FCU.
Hedgepeth Named CEO At BFCU
FRANKLIN, Va.-Brian Hedgepeth has been named new CEO at Bronco FCU. Hedgepeth was previously director of retail services for BFCU, and has also held positions with several banks.
