Growth strategies

MOLINE, Ill.-Nothing runs like a Deere, and perhaps the same can be said for its credit union, too, which has committed itself to running wherever the sponsor runs.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Three local credit unions – Western CU, Powerco CU and Members First CU – plan to combine operations in a rare three-way merger to create an entity with $175 million in assets and about 25,000 members.

KATY, Texas – A group headed by the mother of Prince Fielder, a major league baseball star, announced plans to charter a credit union with an educational wealth empowerment program for pro athletes and their families.

HILO, Hawaii – CU Hawaii FCU has acquired Ka’u FCU in a merger, creating a $235-million credit union with more than 27,000 members.

COQUILLE, Ore. – Oregon First Community CU has completed the merger of SOFCU Community CU, creating a credit union with $710 million in assets and 30 branches serving more than 70,000 members.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima Valley CU and Catholic CU have completed their combination, creating a $475-credit union to be known as Solarity CU.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NCUA yesterday reported it approved three more conversions from federal to state charters in December, making nine for the year.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NCUA on Tuesday said it approved four more mergers for billion-dollar-plus credit unions, as credit unions giants ended the year as they began it – acquiring their smaller brethren.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Consumers CU is relying on real members to tell their testimonials to the public in a new multi-media campaign that focuses on the financial success many members are celebrating due to their credit union.

TUKWILLA, Wash.-Many credit unions have seen an increase in new members and loans as a result of Bank Transfer Day. And then there's BECU here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-In the last four months of 2011, $7.4-billion The Golden 1 Credit Union saw its monthly average new members numbers increase 75%.

ST. JOSEPH, Mich.-The former customers of Griffith Savings Bank are now officially members of United FCU, following the first-ever purchase by a federally chartered credit union of a state-chartered mutual savings bank.

MADISON, Wis.-Growth for growth's sake in 2012 will only lead to growing problems, notes one analyst.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.-Despite all the potential new members in play courtesy of Bank Transfer Day, the growth focus in 2012 should be on getting more from existing members.

LITTLETON, Colo.-Looking to grow? Then do a better job of targeting those who are still growing themselves.

ATLANTA-When it comes to growth, it still comes down to fundamentals like crosss-sales.

CLEARWATER, Fla.-Credit card use picked up during 2011, meaning it's imperative CUs begin ramping up credit card marketing now.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Credit unions should consider encouraging members to use PIN debit over signature, one analyst suggests.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio-At times it seems many credit unions can't wait to push their older members out the door, but one company is cautioning that's a mistake.

RIVERWOODS, Ill.-Credit unions can grow their credit card portfolios in 2012, but one person is suggesting that they will do better if they pair their card offerings with a hyper-local spin on rewards programs.