Corporate governance

WINSTON, Salem, N.C.-While most CUs likely face another large premium increase for employee health insurance, one credit union expects its costs to remain stable-if not decline-for the next benefits year.

NORTH HAVEN, Conn.-Connex CU's director of training is in the middle of leading a course when her phone rings. She stops the class, takes the call, and provides information that eventually helps a member.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.-One credit union has learned just how much better it is to be proactive and seek out refinancing opportunities than to just advertise it offers great rates.

NORTH HAVEN, Conn.-Connex CU believes a 10-year home loan is perfect for the current economy and has the numbers to prove it-$19 million from 148 loans over five months.

INDIANAPOLIS-Too much business is never a bad thing, but you have to be able to support it if you're going to benefit from it.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.-Xceed Financial Credit Union's "Personal Banker" program is paying off with higher loan balances and more account relationships among participating members.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-The Golden 1 Credit Union had a lofty goal for giving back in 2010-to have each department and branch participate in at least one community outreach activity.

NORTH HAVEN, Conn.-It's more effective to show people what they can save at the credit union rather than tell them about it.

LAS VEGAS-In a market with 14% unemployment, it was clear members without jobs weren't going to look to borrow.

WEST JORDAN, Utah-Mountain America Credit Union hasn't put in place one Best Practice as much as it has installed Best Practices across the enterprise.

BURBANK, Calif.-A "Synergy Department" at Partners FCU has helped drive a Best Practice for growth.

PENSACOLA, Fla.-Spending $20,000 annually on a comprehensive employee training program is a small price to create a pool of talented leaders who are driving CU performance, says Pen Air FCU.

CHARLESTON, W.Va.-Pioneer West Virginia FCU has completed an impressive turnaround.

LAKE MARY, Fla.-After being named Central Florida's best credit union for the fourth time by local media, CFE FCU here set out to do more to raise awareness of its brand via its Facebook page and a Web Hunt game.

RALEIGH, N.C.-With 1.7 million members and $23 billion in assets, State Employees' CU here is the second largest CU in the U.S. But despite its size, SECU still strives to remain innovative in ways other CUs struggle to be. SVP of Education Services Leigh Brady said that SECU's strategy is simple: Listen to the needs of the members.

SAN FRANCISCO-When other financial institutions passed on working with a local agency on a loan program to help drivers purchase a taxi medallion, the $770-million San Francisco Federal Credit Union stepped up.

PLYMOUTH, Minn.-After instituting a new sales and service culture in January and tying it to an employee-incentive program, TruStone Financial FCU here has seen a 56% year-to-date increase in its membership numbers-and that was prior to all the hubbub around Bank Transfer Day.

SANDUSKY, Ohio-Credit unions may struggle with awareness and misconceptions about membership, but one CU believes it's actually lack of relevance that is often the biggest detractor to growth.

CHARLESTON, W.Va.-Sometimes the best thing for a struggling credit union is to start over.

JACKSONVILLE, Ark.-Some credit unions are finding those debit promotions that have ramped up the past few months are reeling in more than checking accounts, they're attracting profitable members.