Corporate governance

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NCUA on Tuesday said it approved four more mergers for billion-dollar-plus credit unions, as credit unions giants ended the year as they began it – acquiring their smaller brethren.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Consumers CU is relying on real members to tell their testimonials to the public in a new multi-media campaign that focuses on the financial success many members are celebrating due to their credit union.

TUKWILLA, Wash.-Many credit unions have seen an increase in new members and loans as a result of Bank Transfer Day. And then there's BECU here.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-In the last four months of 2011, $7.4-billion The Golden 1 Credit Union saw its monthly average new members numbers increase 75%.

ST. JOSEPH, Mich.-The former customers of Griffith Savings Bank are now officially members of United FCU, following the first-ever purchase by a federally chartered credit union of a state-chartered mutual savings bank.

MADISON, Wis.-Growth for growth's sake in 2012 will only lead to growing problems, notes one analyst.

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.-Despite all the potential new members in play courtesy of Bank Transfer Day, the growth focus in 2012 should be on getting more from existing members.

LITTLETON, Colo.-Looking to grow? Then do a better job of targeting those who are still growing themselves.

ATLANTA-When it comes to growth, it still comes down to fundamentals like crosss-sales.

CLEARWATER, Fla.-Credit card use picked up during 2011, meaning it's imperative CUs begin ramping up credit card marketing now.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Credit unions should consider encouraging members to use PIN debit over signature, one analyst suggests.

NORTH CANTON, Ohio-At times it seems many credit unions can't wait to push their older members out the door, but one company is cautioning that's a mistake.

RIVERWOODS, Ill.-Credit unions can grow their credit card portfolios in 2012, but one person is suggesting that they will do better if they pair their card offerings with a hyper-local spin on rewards programs.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-Time for credit unions to take the covers off their checking account "wow factor," while simultaneously also extending their reach.

DES MOINES, Iowa-Credit unions have to do a better job emphasizing to consumers that they are a much larger part of the community than the big banks.

WILMINGTON, N.C.-One analyst contends there is a revenue source CUs have not tapped that can some day bring them as much or more income than debit interchange.

TEXARKANA, Texas-Like other credit unions across the country, Red River Employees FCU has seen a strong increase in membership. It knows all too well its next challenge.

GREENSBORO, N.C.-A new government program offers a lifeline for credit unions with underwater mortgages on their books, notes Shannon VanSickler.

GLASTONBURY, Conn.-Expect more credit unions in 2012 to drive growth via significantly improved branch automation that takes the load off the front line and allows the CU to more easily absorb new members coming over from banks.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.-Credit unions often do a poor job of marketing their credit card offerings to members, according to one person who believes 2012 offers big opportunity to change that.