Bigger isn't always better and can lead to problems for a credit union, analysts and credit union CEOs are cautioning.

A credit union can be the most efficient organization in the industry, but if it is not effective, it won't grow. That is the stance of Randy Karnes, CEO of CU*Answers.

Mark Shobe, the CEO of $3.5-billion DFCU Financial, takes pride in running an efficient credit union, and knows that as it grows it must keep a tight focus on its strengths while avoiding the bureaucracy and red tape that can take root.

IOWA CITY, Iowa-Jeff Disterhoft, the CEO of the $2-billion University of Iowa Community CU, believes the industry is paying attention to efficient growth.

CommunityAmerica CU here has expanded its partnership with the Special Needs Planning Center, bringing the non-profit in-house to better serve families of special needs children in the Kansas City region.

MOORE, Okla.-As Janita Davis opened the door and stepped out of the credit union vault that saved her life and the lives of more than 20 others from the historic tornado that leveled this town, she knew she'd see devastation that would take her breath away.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.-The powerful tornadoes in this state last week damaged or destroyed numerous credit union branches, and left employees in many facilities seeking safety and shelter inside vaults.

CUs in the path of the deadly tornadoes that swept through the Plains last week are now focused on rebuilding their communities, with the majority of CUs fortunate to escape with only minor damage, CUNA Mutual Group reports. The Moore, Okla., office of Tinker FCU, however, was not so lucky.

Two New CEOs Are Named

Portions of the following column were either written or edited while sitting on the balcony of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colo., so the words are either philosophically inspired by the formation of CUNA, or psychologically imbalanced by memories of Jack Nicholson in "The Shining." If I had to guess, I'd go with the latter.

Progressive credit unions must capture the attention of members and potential members with a compelling online story via a modern corporate website. Does your website match up?

When it comes to hiring, hire the very best-regardless of what industry they're in. To quote today's great philosopher, Ron White: "You can't fix stupid."

A selection of images featuring credit unions’ efforts in their communities.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.—NCUA this morning said it has returned control of Arrowhead Central Credit Union to its members.

ARLINGTON, Va. – NAFCU said it has added Richard Cordray, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), to the agenda for its Annual Conference and Solutions Expo, July 9-13 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

BROCKTON, Mass. – More than 540 walkers and runners participated in the Outrunning Homelessness Race and Walk, sponsored by Crescent Credit Union, to raise funds for the School on Wheels of Massachusetts.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NCUA yesterday liquidated the seventh credit union of the year by shutting down Electrical Workers #527 CU in Texas City, Texas.

LIVONIA, Mich. – CU Solutions Group has released an update on its member engagement program, SaveUp.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Authorities are saying they have an admission from a former teller at the now defunct Lynrocten FCU here that she and the CU’s manager engaged in a 10-year-long scheme to defraud the credit union.

ARVADA, Colo. – Partner Colorado CU said it has received member and regulatory approval to merge with HealthONE FCU in Denver.