PCUA Promotes CU Student Loans To Schools
HARRISBURG, Penn.-The Pennsylvania Credit Union Association sent a letter to state colleges and universities letting them know that CUs continue offer student loans at a time when many lenders have backed away from such programs. The letter sent by CEO Jim McCormack includes a listing of more than 170 credit unions participating in the federal student loan program through an alliance with AES/PHEAA and notes that participating CUs approved more than $84.5 million dollars in federal student loans in 2008.
Long-Time Delaware League Staffer Passes Away
NEW CASTLE, Del.-Ruth Lawley, executive assistant at the Delaware Credit Union League for 24 years before retiring in October, has died after a nine-year battle with lymphoma.
Amidst numerous tributes to Lawley, Bill McKeown, who served as interim League CEO, observed, "St. Francis wrote that, if you have one friend, you are fortunate; if you have two friends, you are prosperous; if you have more than two, you are blessed. Ruth must have been a saint." Her former office will be renamed the the "Ruth Lawley Welcome Center" at a special ceremony this month.
Trades Greet New Congress On First Day
REAL Solutions Expands Into 30 States
WASHINGTON-REAL Solutions has now expanded into 30 states, nearly a full year ahead of schedule. The program, administered by the National Credit Union Foundation, offers solutions for reaching into and expanding service to low-income communities.
"As millions of consumers faced an uncertain economy in 2008, REAL Solutions became an even more critical strategy," said NCUF Executive Director Steve Delfin. Among the various programs under the REAL Solutions umbrella are loan programs, Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA), and non-prime auto loans. Plans now call for expanding into additional states. For info: www.realsolutions.coop.
Kebles Retires, Smith Tapped As Successor
WILKES-BARRE, Penn.-John Kebles has retired as president/CEO of Choice One Community FCU, but will retain the title of CEO and serve as an adviser until June 30.
During his career Mr. Kebles served as chairman of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association and was named winner of the 1990 Lifetime Achievement Award for Professional of the Year and the 2005 winner of the Keystone Award. Tom Smith has been named to replace Kebles as President/CFO through the transition stage. He will assume the title of President/CEO, effective July 1.
