Corporate governance

TUKWILA, Wash.-Call them "Feeless In Seattle," the former bank customers who were flocking to BECU even before Wells Fargo and Bank of America announced a user charge for debit cards.

BETHPAGE, N.Y.-Bethpage FCU announced last week it would offer no-fee checking "for life."

RIDGECREST, Calif.-When it comes to managing growth at a small credit union-where the numbers can be skewed more easily-the advice from Eric Bruen is simple: don't get in over your head.

PACOIMA, Calif.-Despite sometimes feeling pressured by regulators and a difficult economy, Pacoima Development FCU continues its slow but steady growth.

COVINA, Calif.-John Meeks does not want to offer excuses, he wants to offer his members the services they expect.

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.-One common refrain is credit unions are the best-kept secret in the financial services world, and that's exactly where $32.6-million SLO Credit Union was before Suzanne Leedale took over as CEO in January 2008.

DOWNEY, Calif.-Every week the NCUA or the state regulator release the names of another two, three or four small credit unions that have held their last board meeting, having been merged into a larger credit union or liquidated altogether.

ATLANTA-As Delta Community CU here holds its second annual "Switch Day," it's getting a big boost from the big banks.

EL PASO, Texas – El Paso Employees FCU, the city’s fourth-largest credit union, will grow with a new name starting Jan. 1, Evolve CU.

SIDEBARTUKWILA, Wash.-Among the most interesting trends in the volume of new memberships being experienced by BECU is that more accounts are being opened online than in-branch.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – Post Community CU has received approval from state regulators to add four counties and almost 500,000 people in them to its field of membership: Eaton, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren.

LITTLETON, Colo. – Colorado CU has applied to state regulators to convert to a community charter serving 500,000 residents of surrounding Adams County.

HOUSTON – Local credit unions celebrated International CU Day by kicking off a new campaign to attract bank customers angered by growing fees with an advertising promotion called “Nickel-&-Dimed by Fees.”

BETHPAGE, N.Y. – Playing on the growing anti-bank sentiment, Bethpage FCU announced this morning no-fee checking—for life.

MASSILLON, Ohio – Massillon Area Credit Union has changed its name to Friends and Family CU to reflect its new community charter.

SCRANTON, Penn. – Tobyhanna FCU has rolled out a “Divorce Your Bank” campaign, the latest credit union capitalizing on the anti-bank fervor.

BRAINTREE, Mass. – Liberty Bay Credit Union is offering $250 and a chance to meet New England Patriots star receiver Wes Welker to members who sign up for a new checking, savings or direct deposit account.

CHICAGO-As credit unions seek to grow business lending, one person is warning that written agreements between business clients and CUs are key to managing risk in that sector.

COLUMBUS, Ohio-Credit unions are busy washing off the welcome mat for bank customers who may be put off by a new wave of bank fees.

ATLANTA – Delta Community CU is holding its second annual Switch Day Oct. 21 to overcome many bank customers’ biggest objection.