Growth strategies

WICHITA, Kan.-After catching its breath following an onslaught of new deposits and members last year, Mid American CU has changed its staff incentive structure to drive deeper relationships.

LIMA, Ohio-Retaining members comes down to showing them that the credit union is different than any other financial in the market, according to Superior FCU here.

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass.-The same strategy that helped put an end to a three-year growth skid at Southbridge Credit Union is now being relied upon to retain new members.

HARRISBURG, Penn.-It doesn't take an act of Congress for Pennsylvania State Employees CU to treat its members fairly - and PSECU will be emphasizing that point to its membership this year.

HADLEY, Mass.-It's not that UMassFive College FCU doesn't care to do much about member retention; it's just that it believes it has many things already working in its favor.

IMGCAP(1)]

FAIRHAVEN, Mass.-A program at First Citizens' FCU here for current and former military personnel has brought in thousands for veterans organizations and boosted wallet share at the credit union.

PLEASANTON, Calif.-1st United Services Credit Union is looking to build its online channel, leading the effort with its "virtual checking" account.

CHICAGO-Like most CUs, Alliant Credit Union knows one of the best ways to open the door to a new SEG is by going through companies' human resources departments.

CHICAGO-Alliant CU expects a white paper will help it bring in health savings accounts and SEGs.

MADISON, Wis. - Credit unions far outpace community and national banks in consumer perception and satisfaction, but that doesn't necessarily bring growth or market share, according to a new McKinsey/Filene report set to be released this week.

SAN JOSE, Calif.-A sophisticated on-boarding program is turning new members into profitable ones at Meriwest CU.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-This year credit unions should take their foot off the brakes, open up the marketing purse strings, and heavily promote lending. That's the consensus of a number of analysts who spoke with Credit Union Journal as part of this special issue focused on growth strategies.

ALBUQUERQUE-A renewed focus on analyzing data and measuring results has helped Kirtland FCU boost profitability and ROA.

DES MOINES, Iowa-Credit unions need to not only make sure they are offering credit and debit card rewards, those efforts need to be compelling, according to The Members Group.

SAN ANTONIO-Driving growth in 2010 means focusing on lending and ways to creatively expand the loan portfolio.

WILMINGTON, N.C.-This is the year to get creative with Internet marketing strategies and look for ways to tie the CU more closely to the everyday lives of members.

DALLAS-One of the best ways to drive long-term growth is to avoid ALM missteps in 2010. Bad choices could easily be made this year, stressed Tom Manley, partner at ALM First, who sees shrinking margins tempting CUs to invest long term.

MADISON, Wis.-Bob Larson, financial support consultant at CUNA Mutual Group, believes it's time for old-fashioned SEG marketing to make a comeback.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-With banks still on their heels in 2010, Dennis Dollar says it's time to hit them where it really hurts-in their checking accounts.