Miracle Match Apps Available
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.-Applications are now available for the 2012 CO-OP Miracle Match, which enables credit unions to maximize their Children's Miracle Network Hospitals fundraisers through the $1-million matching program from CO-OP Financial Services. Established in November 2007, CO-OP Miracle Match is on track to distribute $1 million in matching funds to credit unions in 2011, representing 150 credit unions participating from 39 different states.
For info: www.co-opfs.org.
Guide On Nonprime Auto Lending
MADISON, Wis.-The National Credit Union Foundation's REAL Solutions Program has published "Non-Prime Auto Loan Toolkit" to help credit unions boost their auto loan portfolios. "There is tremendous opportunity for credit unions to reach out to this market that has been misserved by predatory and non-traditional lenders," author Nancy Pierce states in the toolkit's introduction The estimated size of the non-prime auto market ranges from $100 billion to $200 billion. The toolkit provides underwriting guidelines, techniques to mitigate risks, pricing guides, credit union examples, and a loan portfolio management guide and more.
For info: www.ncuf.coop.
Community Outreach Funds Awarded
TAMPA, Fla.-CSCU said that as part of its Community Outreach Scholarship program it will be awarding 10 scholarships. Credit union's involved in community outreach efforts are encouraged to submit their best community outreach plans to win scholarship funding for their cause. All applications must be submitted by Friday, Nov. 19th.
For info: www.cscu.net.
Operation Best Wishes Returns
WASHINGTON-Operation Best Wishes is returning for 2011. The popular annual holiday program gives the military and their families access to a video recording studio at participating CUs. The studio includes cameras, lights and a technician, along with the ability to superimpose families over moving backgrounds through the use of a green screen.
Families and the military alike record their personal greetings with the end result being a customized video greeting card designed to brighten the holidays of both family members and the deployed. The 8th annual national tour is being sponsored by the Defense CU Council.
For info: www.OperationBestWishes.com.
Output Wins Blockbuster Award
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.-The Minnesota Credit Union Network's newsletter, Output, first place in the 2011 Pro & Blockbuster Awards competition sponsored by CUNA. The awards recognize excellence in communications. MnCUN's first place recognition was in the Pro Award's "Most Improved Newsletter or Magazine" category. In 2010, MnCUN converted its Output e-newsletter from PDF format to HTML format as part of its overall communications effort to create and maintain a consistent image and look.
North Shore 'Admired Workplace'
VANCOUVER, Canada-North Shore Credit Union has been named a regional winner of Waterstone Human Capital's "Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures of 2011." The award recognizes culture that has helped enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage.
For info: www.canadasmostadmired.com.
New CEOs Are Named
ALLENTOWN, Penn.-The $375-million People First FCU has named Jeffrey Albert as its new CEO. Albert was previously SVP/CFO. Albert will succeed Fran Muto, who retired in June after 37 years at the CU and who recently died. Albert began his career with People First in 1990. Meanwhile, in Coventry, R.I., Coventry Credit Union said David Root has been named as its new CEO. Root, previously an independent auditor of the CU, will replace Richard Gingell, who has retired after four years as CEO.
CUES, Caribbean Group To Partner
MADISON, Wis.-The Caribbean Confederation of Credit Unions (CCCU) and the Credit Union Executives Society said they plan to collaborate on a CCCU and CUES International Convention, June 23-26, 2012 in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Content will focus on strategy, leadership and governance.
For info: www.cues.org.
New Names, New FOMs
MASSILLON, Ohio-Massillon Area Credit Union has changed its name to Friends and Family CU to reflect its new community charter. MACU's new FOM includes anyone who lives, works, worships or goes to school in Stark County. Also in Ohio, Euclid-based Eaton Family Credit Union has been approved by the state regulator to serve all of Cuyahoga County. Five years ago the $50-million EFCU expanded to serve all of Lake County, Ohio.
ORANGE, Texas - Sabine FCU will award $2,000 in prize money to winners of a Classroom Makeover Contest for teachers who are members of the CU. Two winners will receive $1,000 each. Teachers can enter by creating a video or submitting an essay with the students and teacher explaining how they could benefit from a classroom makeover. Once a winner has been selected, there will be photographs of the class - before, during and after the changes have been made.
Collier To Indiana Hall of Fame
INDIANAPOLIS-Ron Collier, CEO of Indiana Members CU, has been inducted into the Indiana CU Hall of Fame. The award recognized individuals for their service and contributions to Indiana's credit union movement.
Clarke To Retire From Goldenwest
OGDEN, Utah-Shelley Clarke, CEO of Goldenwest CU, said she will retire Dec. 31. Clarke began her career at the credit union in 1974 as a teller and during her career has worked in nearly every function. Over her career Clarke oversaw growth to $775-million from $190-million, was active in national associations, and received numerous state and national awards. Goldenwest has named EVP Kerry H. Wahlen to succeed Clarke.
SECU On Hand For Dedication
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - State Employees CU officials were on hand for the dedication of the Family House hospice, a $5.4 million project that was built with a $2 million grant from the SECU Foundation, the nation's largest credit union charity. The 45-room house on 8.8 acres is for families of adult patients who are undergoing medical treatment in Winston-Salem but who live outside Forsyth County.
Metro CU Joins Home Center
BOSTON- Metro Credit Union has been approved as a lending partner for the Boston Home Center. Metro will collaborate with the Boston Home Center to develop and enhance mortgage programs aimed at placing homeowners in the most sustainable mortgages.
Hoefer 'Outstanding Executive'
MADISON, Wis.-CUES has named Robert W. Hoefer, president/CEO of Dupaco Community Credit Union in Dubuque, Iowa, as the 2011 CUES Outstanding Executive. The award recognizes excellence in leadership.
CUES also honored five CUES Hall of Fame inductees: John J. Benoit, president/CEO, NorthCountry FCU, South Burlington, Vt.; Ronald L. Hance, president/CEO, Heritage Family CU, Rutland, Vt.; Dale F. Schumacher, president/CEO, Tampa Bay FCU, Florida; Randy M. Smith, president/CEO, Randolph-Brooks FCU, Universal City, Texas; and William Strunk (deceased), founder and former chairman, Strunk & Associates, Houston. For info: www.cues.org.
