Americas

LAS VEGAS — Despite unprecedented levels of support for marijuana legalization in the United States, businesses that work with this budding industry repeatedly voice the same complaint: the inability to obtain and sustain banking relationships because pot is illegal under federal law.

TAMPA, Fla. — In an effort to encourage physical fitness among its membership and local community, GTE Financial CU has offered a cash incentive for individuals who exercise, lose weight and shed belly-fat.

SEATTLE — Verity Credit Union, a $432-million federally-insured state-charter, launched a program last year to further encourage the local popularity of bicycle riding.

Sentry Bank in St. Joseph, Minn., has lined up its next president and chief executive.

Disciplined pursuit of acquisitions and efficient management of a complex business model have earned Mick Blodnick, the retiring CEO of Montana's largest bank, a spot as one of American Banker's three community bankers of the year.

Northrim Bancorp in Anchorage, Alaska, has promoted Joe Beedle to president and chief executive.

The former Astoria chief, who died Sunday, took Astoria from a sleepy mutual to the fifth-biggest publicly traded thrift in New York. Engelke was also know for freely speaking his mind while maintaining strong relationships with fellow bankers.

LANSING, Mich. — Six men have been arrested in connection with a string of credit union robberies here, and police are seeking information on a seventh person who may have been involved.

Citizens Security Bank in Bixby, Okla., will change its name in March to Mabrey Bank, taking on the last name of the family that owns and manages the bank.

The $1.3 billion-asset company said in a press release that Thomas Cherry will succeed Larry Dillon, who will remain chairman and chief executive. The company added that Cherry is expected to eventually succeed Dillon as CEO.