Whatever happened to...? That question is often asked of stories that are in the news one day, gone the next. In this issue Credit Union Journal continues an annual tradition of looking back at stories we've reported throughout the year and providing an update.

A joint branch operation pairing two CUs here has successfully filled a hole in each institution's coverage area and slowly increased traffic since opening this summer.

A rewards program that provides incentives for cardholders to purchase Michigan-made products and services has boosted one CU's credit card outstandings by 28%.

Michigan State University FCU plans to bring back its "startUP Challenge" again in 2013 after awarding $25,000 in the first year.

Communications FCU says its loan program for compressed natural gas (CNG) fueled vehicles continues to grow.

With major data processing conversions just completed, it's now time for Pathways Financial CU to begin earnestly focusing on leveraging economies of scale.

One big question for 2012 has been how will overdraft income be affected by several new laws.

These days you'll find Phil Perkins hanging drywall, puling electric wire, and swapping out old plumbing-a big change for the former CEO of Western Bridge Corporate FCU who guided the organization during its conservatorship.

A spokesperson for the union workers who picketed the construction of a new branch of UFCW FCU here says that the non-union-built building is done, and those workers are done with the credit union.

When Rivermark Community Credit Union announced plans to shutter three branches in 2012, it quickly added it had no intention of going branchless, but was ramping up its electronic banking efforts.

Silver State Schools Credit Union continues to claw its way out of a deep hole, but says its numbers are heading in the right direction.

While the Pennsylvania CU Association deemed its Small Credit Union Clinics successful, in 2013 the league will roll back small credit union support into its regular league and CU meetings.

A trio of "smart offices" in the heart of California's wine country is working out well for $130-million Community First Credit Union.

"Socky Saves," a smartphone app designed by CommunityAmerica CU to teach kids the importance of saving, has garnered more than 500 downloads since launching less than three months ago.

Space Coast CU believes the member service issues resulting from its 2009 acquisition of Eastern Financial Florida CU are well under control in 2012.

As the first year of the "Texas 12" program winds down, one member said he has been thrilled to meet others like him.

Tropical Financial CU here saw great success this year after launching its "Fame for Five" campaign that began with a quest to cast five members from different demographics to represent the credit union.

Gen Y memberships are up 40% at IC Federal Credit Union since it launched a series of irreverent ads on YouTube aimed at the younger demographic.

While the Senate has approved the bill to eliminate one of the dual-fee disclosure requirements at ATMs, it's no time for credit unions to relax when it comes to monitoring ATMs.

NCUA has rejected Commodore Perry FCU's appeal to the agency's Supervisory Review Committee.