Corporate governance

MADISON, Wis. - Credit unions far outpace community and national banks in consumer perception and satisfaction, but that doesn't necessarily bring growth or market share, according to a new McKinsey/Filene report set to be released this week.

SAN JOSE, Calif.-A sophisticated on-boarding program is turning new members into profitable ones at Meriwest CU.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-This year credit unions should take their foot off the brakes, open up the marketing purse strings, and heavily promote lending. That's the consensus of a number of analysts who spoke with Credit Union Journal as part of this special issue focused on growth strategies.

ALBUQUERQUE-A renewed focus on analyzing data and measuring results has helped Kirtland FCU boost profitability and ROA.

DES MOINES, Iowa-Credit unions need to not only make sure they are offering credit and debit card rewards, those efforts need to be compelling, according to The Members Group.

SAN ANTONIO-Driving growth in 2010 means focusing on lending and ways to creatively expand the loan portfolio.

WILMINGTON, N.C.-This is the year to get creative with Internet marketing strategies and look for ways to tie the CU more closely to the everyday lives of members.

DALLAS-One of the best ways to drive long-term growth is to avoid ALM missteps in 2010. Bad choices could easily be made this year, stressed Tom Manley, partner at ALM First, who sees shrinking margins tempting CUs to invest long term.

MADISON, Wis.-Bob Larson, financial support consultant at CUNA Mutual Group, believes it's time for old-fashioned SEG marketing to make a comeback.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-With banks still on their heels in 2010, Dennis Dollar says it's time to hit them where it really hurts-in their checking accounts.

ELGIN, Ill.-Looking to grow in 2010 but unwilling or unable to invest in new branches? The most cost-effective solution, said one person, is to operate 24/7.

MADISON, Wis.-Mark Meyer believes there is a big question facing credit unions when it comes to growth this year.

PLEASANTON, Calif.-According to Harland Financial Solutions, growth this year is all about expanding on the market share windfalls of 2009.

PLANO, Texas-Driving growth in 2010 is all about measuring marketing's return and making the most out of what the credit union spends on promotion.

LOMBARD, Ill.-The most important step CUs can take is to position themselves as a true financial partner within their communities.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.-The majority of CU growth this year will come from existing members, predicts McGuire Performance Solutions (MPS), which recommends "old-school" financial management to capitalize.

DAYTON, Ohio-Members of Dayton Firefighters FCU are donning fireman's helmets to drive member growth-and they're not firemen.

Dealing with Loan LossesSAN DIEGO-This year credit unions can add to growth by subtracting, contends Ann Legg, VP-marketing at the $190-million Cabrillo CU here, noting the loan losses affecting many credit unions have required attention.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-The next 12 months will continue to challenge credit unions to devise business development strategies on a shoestring, and look for cost-effective ways to reach out to current and prospective members.

JERSEY CITY, N.J.-Sean McDonald, director of business development and marketing at the $54-million Liberty Savings FCU in Jersey City, N.J., believes that more credit unions will come to understand that they don't have to spend a "ton" of money to develop business.