Credit unions can boost their bottom lines by transforming their websites from "brochure-ware" into "e-commerce ecosystems," says Jeff Chesky, chairman and CEO of Insuritas, a provider of outsourced insurance agencies.

Given the dearth of non-interest income sources, and with investment income at all-time lows, Jim Merrill noted credit unions' primary bottom line booster remains lending.

Mortgage origination provides credit unions with important fee income, brings interest-earning potential, and ultimately builds membership loyalty, reminded Linda Clampitt.

Credit unions need to converge delivery channels and better leverage data they already have on their members to improve their bottom lines, says David Cerwinski, VP sales & client services for Wescom Resources Group.

A recent advisory by the California Department of Financial Institutions-prohibiting CUs in the state from using phrases like "anyone can join" in their advertising-has come as a surprise to many people, including the state league.

Credit unions are being urged to implement a four-step process that will help avoid conflicts with examiners when it comes to allowance for loan and lease losses.

Barely three years after being chartered, Chippewa Eagle FCU is set to close its doors in a merger that two people say is the result of a dispute with the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Council.

Credit union CEOs are feeling better about the bottom lines of their members, but are not as optimistic when it comes to their own credit unions.

Consumer Borrowing Hits Highest Levels Since 2008

Jim Drogue is retiring after a 37-year career in credit unions. He shares his thoughts and lessons learned on leaving a CU for a trade association, why Wisconsin is so progressive with the REAL Solutions program, and what might lie ahead.

The choice of and loyalty to a specific auto lender is driven more by intangible loan factors, such as good service, ease of contacting the lender and lender responsiveness, than from more quantifiable loan factors, such as interest rates and down payment requirements, according to a new report from the Filene Research Institute.

A new report issued by the Filene Research Institute said serving the immigrant population is a long-term investment that begins with basic financial products.

A "smart" branch of $805-million Financial Partners Credit Union that features no cash but is heavy on technology has been so successful the CU plans an immediate sequel.

ORANGE, Calif.-Count Ryan Ashton is a fan of a new "smart" branch of Financial Partners Credit Union.

Infor Recognizes Navy Fed

Jim McCormack, the outgoing president of the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association, knows how nice it is to get down to business now at the annual PCUA meetings, because many years ago the CU focus was always on dues.

Is there any such thing as a "good" payday loan? That is the debate at the heart of a move by the National Consumer Law Center and Center for Responsible Lending to urge NCUA to crack down on nine credit unions that allegedly engage in predatory payday lending practices.

Credit unions often make a big mistake when hiring talented front-line staff-they train them well only to have them scooped up a few years later by local competitors.

CUs have been offered some advice from a former member of the Doobie Brothers when it comes to managing an institution in an increasingly complex financial services market.

Jill Kusmirek, VP of wealth management at Columbia Credit Union, Vancouver, Wash., was named Investment Advisor of the Year for 2012 for the local region of Cetera Advisor Networks.