Corporate governance

PHOENIX -- More than a year after Arizona Federal Credit Union decided to charge a controversial $3 monthly membership fee, the $1.2 billion-asset CU reports the dues have created their desired effect.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA. -- State Employees Credit Union has proposed merging into First Florida Credit Union to create an institution with more than $700 million in assets and nearly 60,000 members.

AUSTIN, Texas -- Credit unions and other community financial institutions have an opportunity to gain additional market share from big banks this year, according to new study, but CUs will still have to overcome some familiar obstacles.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. -- Community Choice Credit Union awarded $886,902 to members as part of the first payout through its new member rewards program.

Small federal credit unions can improve their bottom lines by tapping into two often overlooked sources of funds, a CEO who has taken advantage of them told attendees a CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference forum.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Though credit unions traditionally have offered better rates on savings accounts than banks, until recently CUs have not made much noise in the online marketplace.

TAMPA, Fla. -- GTE Financial has introduced a unique new program that aims to reduce members' waistlines and fatten their wallets.

HONOLULU -- Just because Prince Kuhio FCU is small doesn't mean it isn't dealing with big issues.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- A credit union here partnered with a CU in Pennsylvania in an unusual move.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- To help credit unions address their social media needs, the Minnesota Credit Union Network recently formed a strategic alliance with DAYTA Marketing to provide social media management services.

ORLANDO, Fla. -- Is there a prime opportunity for credit unions in "prior prime" members?

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- When it comes to credit union growth this year, the good news is that there are plenty of prospects. The bad news is that there's not much low-hanging fruit.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The economy, uncertainty about the future and conservative leadership have some credit unions protecting their capital instead of carefully planning for growth -- a decision Dennis Dollar says CUs can't afford.

ARLINGTON, Va. -- The best growth bets for 2014 may already be in your credit union's backyard.

Could wedding rings, caskets and dentures be among the keys to credit union growth this year?

DES MOINES, Iowa - Shrinking refi business, falling debit swipe fees and banks ramping up card marketing have credit unions increasing their emphasis on their cards' portfolio.

LAS VEGAS - The outlook for credit unions in 2014 is generally positive, according to industry insiders and analysts.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Even though anti-bank sentiment has begun to fade, credit unions still have a plethora of marketing opportunities to capture new business and deepen existing relationships with members in 2014.

DJIBIUTI, Africa -- Navy FCU has opened a new branch in Djibouti, Africa, to serve more than 4,000 military personnel stationed at Camp Lemonnier here.

SAN DIEGO -- Mission Federal Credit Union says its "Mission Fed Money Match" program has been a great success and will be continued and expande d in 2014.