Credit unions often lose auto loans to dealerships without even knowing their members were looking, in part because the members didn't know, either.

Financial institutions of every stripe will need to look for new products and services to make up for non-interest income that previously was generated from fees on deposit accounts, according to one analysis.

With most CU investments paying so little today, Jim Park recommends that credit unions look to make an investment in their card base.

Redwood CU, Santa Rosa, Calif., re-elected four directors to its board for three-year terms: Robert Eyler, Greg McGuirk and Jim Olmsted. Lou Funk has been re-elected to RCU's supervisory committee.

Paul Yang, CEO of Premier Community CU in Stockton, Calif., was named winner of the $10,000 THINK Prize from CO-OP Financial Services last week.

Sub-Prime Loans Growing

What often seems to be overwhelming regulatory compliance demands will "continue to be an issue" for the foreseeable future, according to one analyst, who is recommending all credit unions have a designated compliance officer.

Even with 7.7-million members in Lone Star State CUs, the Texas League is preparing to unveil a new effort to convince even more consumers to leave their banks.

Brian Turner has an admission: "everyone" thinks he's an "idiot," but he's not swayed when it comes to his opinion on interest rate risk.

Jeff Baxter wastes little time getting to the heart of the matter: "The first question is always, 'What is this all about? How do you go from being a rock guitar player to the dark side of the military intelligence community?'"

Billy Beane's life has changed a bit in recent years following release of the movie "Moneyball," in which Brad Pitt played him.

Often, the best perspective is an outside perspective, and last week CUs got more than a half-dozen, including from a former Doobie Brother who is now a defense expert. From an online purveyor of luxury goods. And from a man whom Brad Pitt played in a movie.

Credit unions were offered some ideas on becoming a "cult brand," from one company that has managed to do just that.

Put a group of people in a room and ask them about their banking relationships, and a fountain of angry complaints begins flowing. Yet most of those people never close those accounts or move to a credit union.

The world hardly needs another grocery or convenience store, yet Trader Joe's has managed to overcome all that and become a market leader.

No one knows risk management like NASA does, and one real-life "rocket scientist" urged credit unions to embrace risk if they want to innovate.

FED: DEBIT FEE CUTS DIDN'T

Navy Army OK'd For Big FOM

Altura Credit Union has been a poster child for the troubles many CUs in California have faced in recent years, but with $7-million in first quarter net income the $708-million CU has joined a number of others in reporting stronger performance.

Bethpage FCU, which has a strong relationship with Long Island's gay population, has introduced a new affinity program which will make a donation to the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender Center when its supporters open new checking and savings accounts at the credit union.