Worth Noting

Former CUNA Chair, Eugene, Dies

NORFOLK, Va.–Former CUNA Chairman Christie Eugene, 82, has died. Mr. Eugene was active in CUs for 61 years, including serving as CUNA chair from 1991-93 and 13 years on the CUNA board. Eugene began leading Norfolk Fire Department FCU in 1948, before retiring in 2002, and then remaining as treasurer. Eugene also held numerous volunteer positions with the Virginia league, from which he received the James P. Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2009, he was inducted into the national CU House of Leaders.

 

CUNA, NAFCU Make Nominations

WASHINGTON–CUNA has nominated Mike Long, chief credit officer with UW CU, Madison, Wis., to serve on the Federal Reserve’s Consumer Advisory Council, and re-nominated Alan Cameron, CEO of the Idaho league, to continue serving on the council. NAFCU nominated Daniel Berry of Duke University FCU and Issa Elias Stephan of First Financial FCU for positions on the CAC.

 

CSCU Hosting Three Fraud Webcasts

CLEARWATER, Fla.–Card Services for Credit Unions is launching a three-part “Fraud Prevention Webcast Series” that is open to all CUs and which it says is designed to offer a tune-up” to CU fraud-fighting efforts. Sessions are scheduled for: Sept. 21, “Fighting Fraud Today-Fraud Trends 2010” (1 hour); Oct. 13, “The Fraud Squad” (90 minutes) and Nov. 17, “Optimize Your Fraud Prevention Engine- Fraud Tune-Up Tips” (90 minutes).

For info: www.cscu.net.

 

Poll Links CUs, Candidate Support

WASHINGTON–CUNA has released what it said is an “overwhelmingly positive response” by voters in a poll that indicates they would support a candidate who fights against banks and makes it possible for credit unions to provide loans to small businesses in their respective communities. The CUNA-sponsored poll, conducted by Frederick Polls of Arlington, Va. and Voter/Consumer Research of Washington, found that no fewer than three-in-five voters in separate polls of voters in eight congressional districts around the country said they would have a “positive reaction” to a candidate opposing bank interests and supporting expanded CU MBL authority.

 

SECU Gives Members 'Another Chance’

RALEIGH, N.C.–State Employees’ CU is offering members “Another Chance” when it comes to NSF fees and returned check charges. Another Chance sends checking account-holders a text or other message whenever a potential NSF might occur. If members make a deposit by the end of the business day, no NSF fee is charged. SECU offers “NSF Fee Free Days,” meanwhile, waive any $12 NSF fees the member may incur on two days each year.

For info: www.nsecu.org.

Ireland’s CUs Get Warning

DUBLIN, Ireland–Ireland’s chief regulator has warned this country’s CUs they can no longer continue paying overly generous dividends on member savings. James O’Brien, the country’s registrar of CUs, said falling income levels and higher loan losses mean many CUs must rethink their pricing, and that the regulator will be taking a more aggressive posture in monitoring CUs.

 

Assenmacher To Retire From MCCCU

MONROE, Mich.–Monroe County Community CU President/CEO Paul Assenmacher said he will retire on April 1, 2011 after nearly 40 years with MCCCU. During his tenure, the CU grew from eight employees, approximately 2,800 members and $4 million in assets, to 68 employees, more than 30,000 members and $143 million in assets. Current EVP/COO Mike Newman has been named to succeed Assenmacher.

 

Discovery Conference To Be Held Online

MADISON, Wis.–CUNA Mutual Group’s said it will, for the first time, host its 2010 Discovery Conference online on Nov. 3. Registration is free for the day-long event, which will include opportunities for networking via chat rooms, an exhibit hall, and prizes. Registration will open Sept. 27 at www.cunamutual.com/discoveryonline.

 

Michigan CUs Post Positive Numbers

LANSING, Mich.–Michigan credit unions showed continued growth in the second quarter, reporting strong net worth, lending, and membership gains, according to CUNA and NCUA data. During Q2, 15,000 additional members have joined CUs, earnings averaged 0.3%, the average net worth ratio is 10.7%, lending grew 1.2% (led by used auto loans), and commercial loans were up 17.7%.

 

White Paper Examines Grant Process

MADISON, Wis.–Why don’t more credit unions apply for grants? A new white paper seeks to make the grant application process less intimidating. Released by the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council, “Writing Grants Right: Extend Your Outreach–and Budget” demystifies the “grant-writing process and offers practical recommendations on where to look for funding, how to cultivate relationships with grant-makers, and how to craft a winning application.”

For info: www.cunacouncils.org and select the “Marketing & BizDev” tab.

 

NAFCU Webcast For Directors

WASHINGTON–NAFCU will host a webcast on Sept. 29 titled, “Fiduciary Duties: The Changing Landscape for Credit Union Directors” from 2-3:30 p.m. EDT.

For info: 800-344-5580, www.nafcu.org/FiduciaryDuties.

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