There was widespread support among attendees at CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference last week for passage of the latest Member Business Lending legislation, even as many of those same CU leaders said the cap on MBLs is not an issue for their own credit unions.

First-Time Homebuyer Grants

CU Lending Makeover Unveiled

SANTA ANA, Calif.-SchoolsFirst FCU, with $9.4 billion in assets, will pick up three branches in suburban Los Angeles with the merger of All Valley FCU, a one-time $95-million teachers credit union that NCUA designated as in poor financial condition.

Bridget Looby, VP of development and community relations at Catholic FCU, Saginaw, Mich., received the 2013 Great Women of the Great Lakes Bay Region award, which recognizes her commitment of time, talent and experience in a meaningful way to advance the community.

South Carolina FCU has launched a campaign designed to boost awareness of its electronic services.

SeaComm FCU transitioned to a sales culture internally nearly six years ago, and since then the focus has been not only making sure that the member leaves with the right mix of products and services, but an emphasis on cross selling and offering those things to the member.

Consumers banking with credit unions are more confident in the current economy year-over-year, according to data from the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor.

State Employees' CU slast week announced it has created a property management subsidiary, called SECU*Real Estate, to provide the credit union with the ability to streamline management of real estate property owned throughout North Carolina.

All of the discussion, debate and threats surrounding the federal sequestration and potential cuts to agencies and personnel had credit unions scrambling to make tentative plans to respond last week.

What is being offered to members at different credit unions in event of sequestration.

Oregonians Support Exemption

Political junkies in Washington last week were riveted by all the machinations surrounding President Obama's attempts to get his nominations through Congress. There were conspiracy theories and allegations. Talk of payback and retribution. Rumors and dark horse candidates. And all of that took place within the 703,000 square-feet building between 7th and 9th streets in the District.

Members are turning to their credit unions in growing numbers for mortgages. In fact, the mortgage business at credit unions soared in 2012. With this growth comes another level in regulatory compliance.

John A. Vardallas, CEO of TheAmericanBoomeR Group, gives thirteen critical initiatives credit unions should implement in 2013.

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

WASHINGTON – Freddie Mac reported an $11 billion annual profit for 2012 – its largest ever annual gain and first profitable year since 2006, the peak of the housing bubble.

APPLETON, Wis. – Community First CU has purchased and installed 20 automated external defibrillators at its local branches.

PLEASANTON, Calif. – Patelco CU said it is offering special discounts to members who were with the credit union on or before Dec. 31.

PLYMOUTH, Minn. – TruStone Financial CU will get a branch in nearby Cudahy, Wis., with the merger of Ladish Community CU, the third merger of a troubled credit union for $860-million TruStone in the last three years.