Corporate governance

WASHINGTON — At least one analyst is urging CUs to "make big plans" in 2011.

The year 2010 may go down as a low-point for credit unions' balance sheets, but it may well mark a high-point for cleverness — often on a shoestring — in spreading the word about credit unions.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska-The integration of five California branches purchased by Alaska USA FCU from Arrowhead CU earlier this year is going well, according to Dan McCue.

BETHPAGE, N.Y.-Earlier this year, as several banks in its markets placed restrictions on free checking, Bethpage FCU made a splash by not only keeping its checking accounts fee free in 2010, but adding an interest component for qualified members.

SPOKANE, Wash.-About the only thing that has gone wrong in Global Credit Union's program to save its members money has been the goal-setting: it keeps beating the target amount and is forced to raise it.

HONOLULU-Hawaii State FCU continues to pull in new members through a microsite whose URL is the slogan of its membership acquisition campaign: "UR-eligible.com."

CHESAPEAKE, Va.-Ask members what they'd do if they were CEO of their credit union for a day, and they might say they'd give themselves a little more money back.

BREWTON, Ala.-Brewton Mill FCU has doubled its membership in the last five years by moving out from the confines of its small office at the local paper mill.

FRANKLIN, Tenn.-Southeast Financial CU has nearly doubled its membership and assets over the last five years by putting its employees-and loan program-first.

ENDICOTT, N.Y.-Retailers weren't the only beneficiaries of strong post-Thanksgiving consumer demand. At least two CUs held Black Friday specials, one netting 700 loan apps and another 585 new members.

LANCASTER, Penn.-Over the next 10 years, the credit union formerly known as Mennonite Financial FCU is projecting it will exceed even the 15% to 20% average annual growth is has enjoyed over the last decade.

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Technology Credit Union has created a Wealth Management Division by combining its private banking, personal banking and investment services departments.

ANAHEIM, Calif.-Credit Union Journal asked attendees of the California and Nevada CU Leagues' Annual Meeting and Convention, "What is your growth focus for 2011?"

A low-rate signature loan-in some cases 0%-helped a branch of DuPont Community CU to more than double its monthly member growth rate.

LAS VEGAS — Understanding member profitability is about more than knowing the members the credit union has — it's about knowing the members the credit union could have.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.-More credit unions have to share data processing systems. That's the opinion of Gregg Stockdale, CEO of the $35-million 1st Valley CU.

LAS VEGAS-The next "big thing" for financial services will be "profitability risk," and it might apply to credit unions more than any other type of institution.

LAS VEGAS-An audience of bankers and CU execs at BAI's Retail Delivery Show had these questions ...

LAS VEGAS-Standing next to a graphic showing the logos of well-known companies that have foundered or disappeared in recent years, Rich Weissman, CEO of database company DMA, said there's a question leaders must ask themselves: How did that happen?

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-Faced with shrinking ROA and growing compliance demands, credit unions and leagues are collaborating to devise solutions to keep small CUs in business.