Americas

CHICAGO — A customizable website to help credit unions promote financial education made the final three at this year's CO-OP THINK Prize.

CINCINNATI — As banks cut back on branches, credit unions are stepping up their interest in bricks-and-mortar service delivery.

First Farmers Financial (FFMR) in Converse, Ind., has agreed to buy seven branches in Indiana from Bank of Montreal's BMO Harris Bank.

GLENDALE, Calif. — When it was time to remodel its branch here earlier this year, Los Angeles Federal Credit Union installed touch screen and other technology to up its cool quotient.

SAN ANTONIO — Credit union branches are less likely to be a "destination" for members, so the key is to be where the members already are. That's why progressive CUs are exploring and expanding in-store branch opportunities.

TAOS, N.M. — After removing confidential credit union documents out of an unlocked courier van, a would-be thief was foiled by an off-duty police officer eating at a local drive-in restaurant here who spotted the alleged burglary in progress.

Hampton Roads Bankshares (HMPR) in Virginia Beach, Va., reported higher net income that largely reflected lower expenses and a spike in income from bank-owned life insurance.

Glacier Bancorp (GBCI) in Kalispell, Mont., has agreed to buy First National Bank of the Rockies in Grand Junction, Colo.

Kevin Cummings, CEO of Investors Bancorp, wants to reach $30 billion in assets in the next six years, but he admits that Investors must sharpen its focus on commercial clients to achieve that objective.

U.S. Bancorp (USB) supported $202 million of tax-credit-based financing in the southeastern United States last year, more than doubling its community development financing from the previous yea