Surprise! Bankruptcy Filings Spike
WASHINGTON-Personal bankruptcy filings were up 10% in fiscal year 2005, a spike attributed largely to the bankruptcy reform bill that went into effect in October. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts reported that the number of filings for the 12-month period ending Sept. 30 was 1.782 million, an increase over the 1.62 million filings in 2004 and a new record.
TV Spots On ID Theft In Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-Credit unions in this state have recruited the support of Alabama Attorney General Troy King to raise public awareness of identity theft via a public service announcement distributed to TV stations in Alabama. Spearheaded by the Credit Union Coalition of Alabama, the program consists of a 30-second spot addressing the identity theft problem and tells viewers they can contact the Attorney General's Family Protection Unit for information about how to protect themselves and what to do if they are victims of such a theft. Credit unions financed the spot.
Mass. CUs Donate $100,000
SOUTHBOROUGH, Mass.-The Massachusetts' league's Social Responsibility Committee has presented a $100,000 check to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. The contribution was made on behalf of the Credit Union Affordable Housing/Homeless Trust (CUAHHT), and represents a new record in fundraising for the committee, which generated funds through a golf tournament, sales of candy bars, and direct contributions. RTN FCU, which initially pledged $5,000, added another $2,000 when it discovered $98,000 had been raised, bringing the total to an even $100,000.
League Employee Marks 50 Years
FARMERS BRANCH, Texas-The Texas league has honored an employee who has been with the league for 50 years with a luncheon. Jeanne Hardin began in 1955 as an 18-year old supply department clerk, and over the years has worked in positions from a machine room typist to a Dictaphone secretary. She currently is payroll administrator and has no plans to retire soon, according to the Texas league. Hardin recalled that during her beginning years at the league, she watched as it organized 100 new credit unions each year. "The sky was the limit-that was the mentality of the organization at that time," Hardin said.
