Corporate governance

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.-While predicting the economy's course may be difficult, what isn't so difficult is forecasting that the Durbin Amendment could have a big effect on credit union business the rest of the year.

SUMMERVILLE, S.C.-David D'Annunzio hates to rely on an overused phrase, but "cautiously optimistic" seems to be the only way to describe the forecast for the second half of 2011.

DOWNEY, Calif.-On a recent trip to the gas station, Mary Torsney put more than $100 into the tank of her Chevy Suburban-and still only filled it to three-quarters full. So the CFO at Financial Partners CU here certainly understands the affect that high gas prices are going to have as credit unions stare down the second half of 2011.

SAN DIMAS, Calif.-Based on economic signs and the willingness of credit unions to spend a little more, Sarah Canepa Bang predicts CUs will have a stronger second half than the first six months.

BROOKFIELD, Wis.-With the Durbin Amendment hanging over CUs like the "Sword of Damocles," Mark Sievewright says it's time credit unions reinvent how they generate non-interest income.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.-The Golden 1 Credit Union is one of the great turnaround stories in California, having posted five consecutive profitable quarters after enduring huge losses in 2008-09.

PLEASANTON, Calif.-Credit unions will be putting new emphasis in the latter half of 2011 on gaining members and wallet share as the economy grinds toward recovery.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.-For Brandon Michaels, CFO at Mazuma CU here, the first half of 2011 has been fairly positive. The rest of the economy, however, "is still going to be a tough go," he adds.

ST. LOUIS-Slow economic growth means branches will continue to underperform and demand that credit unions make smart and hard decisions about the retail distribution network, one person is emphasizing.

ORLANDO, Fla.-With Florida seeing so much damage as a result of the housing bubble's burst, it's not surprising to hear Orlando FCU CFO Suzanne Weinstein tag her hopes for an economic recovery in the second half of 2011 to the housing market.

LOMBARD, Ill.-Unfortunately, now may be the best credit unions feel about the economy in 2011, according to one analyst who predicts things will take a turn for the worse in second half of the year.

DES MOINES, Iowa-Four things should be on credit unions' radar in the second half of the year, according to The Members Group.

WILMINGTON, N.C.-Slow economic progress in the last two quarters will actually increase the emphasis on debit this year, predicts one analyst.

RALEIGH, N.C.-As credit unions vie for bank customers' checking business, what really attracts the accounts, according to one CU, is making switching checking accounts easy for members.

WICHITA, Kan. – Central Star CU has created a CUSO that will offer mortgages and insurance.

SUITLAND, Md. – Andrews FCU joined credit union service organization Potomac Business Services LLC as an equity member May 19.

MADISON, Wis.-A team of professionals from the credit union and finance communities has created a mutual fund that aims to make it easier for CUs to package and sell member business loans.

ANAHEIM, Calif.-There are lessons in management to be had for credit unions from a man who has taken more than 10,000 trips on Disneyland's Jungle Cruise.

ANAHEIM, Calif.-Even if you haven't flown it, you're likely aware the Virgin America brand has a certain "cool" factor to it. What you may be less aware of is the airline's marketing budget is relatively small, especially compared to competitors'.

ANAHEIM, Calif.-When he first rode a skateboard he crashed into some bushes. Now he's introduced to audiences as a "brand."