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LAS VEGAS – Clark County CU paid its members a bonus dividend yesterday for the night year in a row–a $2.9 million payout this year.

DEARBORN, Mich. – Members of DFCU Financial FCU woke up yesterday richer–by $17 million-courtesy of their credit union’s third annual bonus dividend.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – Arrowhead Central CU, which is expected to report an annual loss, announced yesterday it is closing four branches throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties, shelving plans for new branches and may lay-off as many as 30 employees.

DAYTON, Ohio – Dayton Firefighters FCU said it paid its members a 25% bonus dividend to members totaling over $159,000.

BRISTOL, Penn.–NBACU members received more than $350,000 in rebates and bonuses on top of the regularly scheduled $125,000 in 4th quarter dividends.

WASHINGTON–Dune Capital Management has acquired the assets of the failed IndyMac Federal Bank for nearly $14-billion, the FDIC reported. Under the deal, expected to close in late January or early February, the Pasadena, Calif. thrift will be transferred to a newly formed holding company called IMB HoldCo LLC, which will be controlled by a limited partnership owned by the investor team.

WASHINGTON-When 2008 made its debut some were predicting that as many as several hundred banks would fail and would be taken over by regulators. Yet while the year saw the collapse of Washington Mutual as well as the largest bank failure in history, that of IndyMac Bank, only 25 banks failed-well short of what many had feared.

WASHINGTON-Hard times have not prevented some credit unions from delivering their annual holiday gift to members, the bonus dividend.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.-If capital is indeed to protect against rainy days, then one person is advising credit unions to use it for those who are getting wettest.

FLORENCE, Ky.-One person is advising credit unions to use some of their capital in driving hard bargains with competitors facing even more strained capital positions.

MADISON, Wis.-Can a credit union have too much of a buffer?

MADISON, Wis.-Concerned as well with shrinking margins and "glad the capital is there," CUNA Mutual Group Chief Economist Dave Colby said the current high average capital levels give "a little cushion to credit unions that want to take advantage of some of the customer dislocation or dissatisfaction with the mega-merger banks. Credit unions know their markets very well. If they see demand from consumers to switch institutions, they are now in a strong position to set the rules-come over to the credit union with your CD, but bring your car loan too."

ARLINGTON, Va.-Decisions regarding the function of capital are expected to get a lot tougher for credit unions in 2009 as many wrestle with shrinking net income, and others are content to keep that number flat.

NEW YORK-2009 will continue the trend seen at the end of last year as the American economy speeds headlong into the trough of one of the nastiest recessions on record, according to one analyst's projections.

MADISON, Wis.-The economic forecast for 2009 leaves a lot to be desired, but the new year could provide more opportunities to benefit from the banking crisis before a slow recovery begins, several economists say.

SLEEPY EYE, Minn.-Focusing on the long-term for both the credit union as a whole and the relationship with each individual member has helped Southpoint Federal Credit Union earn the number-two spot on Callahan & Associates' Return of the Member overall rankings.

CINCINNATI–Communicating Arts Credit Union has declared a 2008 bonus dividend for members of $140,000. The bonus will be calculated at 5% of the total dividends the member earned on savings during the year and 5% of the interest the member paid on loans durin gthe year.

FORT WORTH, Texas–American Airlines FCU will distribute about $11 million in bonus dividends to its members, a new record for the credit union.The bonus dividend is based on dividends earned on qualifying share accounts and/or interest paid on applicable loans in 2008. Both the savings and loan portions of the dividend were calculated at an annual rate of 3%.This year, an additional $80 bonus was give to members who maintained three or more account categories, as well.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.–CU Community is closing out 2008 with a bonus dividend for its members. Each member will receive as much as an additional 50 basis points on their fourth quarter savings account earnings.

WASHINGTON – When 2008 made its debut some were predicting that as many as several hundred banks would fail and would be taken over by regulators. Yet while the year saw the collapse of Washington Mutual as well as the largest bank failure in history, that of IndyMac Bank, only 25 banks failed – well short of what many had feared.