Corporate governance

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.

SAN DIEGO-Anne Legg, VP-marketing at the $190-million Cabrillo CU in San Diego, is another who sees many more credit unions embracing social media.

LONGVIEW, Wash.-Lesley Carrell, SVP-marketing for the $680-million Fibre FCU is forecasting that margin pressures will reduce the number of credit card rewards programs.

ONTARIO, Calif.-Carol Payne, VP-communications and marketing for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, said that whatever CUs do to drive business this year, they will be measured much more closely than in the past.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NARFE Premier FCU has reversed its negative member growth trend by putting "feet on the street."

Omni Community CU sweetens annual rebate with chance to double cash-back reward