Americas

Raleigh, N.C. — State Employees CU's foundation has teamed up with local universities to roll out a pilot paid internship program that could eventually be expanded statewide.

WASHINGTON, Pa. — With new leadership, a new culture and a new approach, Washington Community Federal Credit Union is shining up its image with a new name: Chrome Federal Credit Union.

First Niagara Financial Group in Buffalo, N.Y., said its first-quarter profit declined because of costs tied to its technology upgrade and lower spread income.

Hancock Holding in Gulfport, Miss., reported lower profit as low oil prices stymied loan growth in the energy sector.

City National Bank in Los Angeles said Thursday that its first-quarter profit climbed 14% from the same period last year, fueled by a surge in real estate construction and commercial lending.

Columbia Banking System in Tacoma, Wash., tapped organic growth and its purchase of Intermountain Community Bancorp to post higher quarterly profit.

Heritage Commerce in San Jose, Calif., has agreed to buy Focus Business Bank. The $1.7 billion-asset Heritage Commerce will pay about $55 million for the $391 million-asset Focus, which is also based in San Jose.

DAYTON, Ohio — The Superintendent of the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions on Thursday placed Montgomery County Credit Union, Inc., into conservatorship and appointed the National Credit Union Administration as agent for the conservator.

Astoria Financial in Lake Success, N.Y., topped Wall Street expectations despite a drop in revenue. The $15.5 billion-asset company reported a 39% decrease in net income from a year earlier, to $19.3 million.

The company will consider annual elections for all directors after investors passed a non-binding resolution urging for a change.