Of Navy Federal Credit Union's 220 branches worldwide, 15 are in San Diego County and more are planned.

John Tippets helps turn around the fortunes of North Island Credit Union, dubbed "The Island".

As president and CEO of the largest locally-based credit union here, $5.7-million San Diego County CU's Teresa Halleck said the biggest challenge is standing out in the crowd.

Although James Harris sees banks as the main competition for $742-million USE Credit Union, he acknowledges the nature of the hyper-competitive San Diego market means other CUs must also be reckoned with.

While credit unions in other citeis might object to San Diego claiming the title of most competitive market, there's little debate that a market home to eight credit unions of more than $1 billion in assets and 17 branches operated by Navy Federal can put a strain on cooperation.

Not all small credit unions in the Golden State are struggling to attract new members, as STAR Community Credit Union and San Luis Obispo-based SLO CU are welcoming new faces.

Eric Bruen, CEO of Desert Valleys FCU, has seen little empirical data that shows small CUs have experienced little growth in 2012, but he argues that may not be such a bad thing.

All those stories about consumers flocking from banks to credit unions are just that-stories. Or at least that's the case for two small CUs in the Golden State.

An analysis released last week suggests an NCUA proposal may stymie the increasing popularity of loan participations among credit unions and may even increase risk.

Community Financial Members FCU has kicked off another season of giving back to the community, bringing back its "Summer of Sharing" for an encore.

A lot has changed for Matt Weidler in the year since he was named the winner of the inaugural THINK Prize from CO-OP Financial Services. But one thing has not changed: the development status of Weidler's winning idea.

NCUA EYES $1B CORPORATE

A new underwriting system that gives a greater understanding of members' financial situations helped drive 14% loan growth during 2011 at West Community CU.

For the second summer in a row, Wildfire CU here is spreading goodwill in the community by giving $100 to 100 different people between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

CUNA Names Nelson As CEO

Frank Diekmann's experience speaking at the Illinois league's annual meeting at the Renaissance Hotel in Schaumburg.

Can individuals collaborate?

JAY, Me. – Credit union members are mourning last week’s passing of Roderick Perry, a charter member of Otis (Air Force Base) FCU, at 97.

BRISTOL, Penn. – Bucks First FCU said last week it plans to close its Warrington branch this fall because few members use it.

KANSAS CITY -- CommunityAmerica CU announced last week it is closing the two branches it operates in Topeka.