SAN FRANCISCO-GTE Federal Credit Union was on the brink of having to close its doors a year ago. But an influx of new talent and a change in focus has led the CU back to profitability.

SAN JOSE, Calif.-As firms in Silicon Valley hire more engineers born outside the United States., one CU is making the transition to America a little easier when it comes to their personal finances.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.-As credit unions cut and cut expenses in an economy that demands frugality, NCUA is spending more than 10% of its annual budget on travel.

We in Wisconsin indeed worked to get a credit union-to-stock bank direct conversion provision removed from our state budget bill, and were disappointed by Gov. Scott Walker's failure to veto it when it arrived at his desk.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-William Myers is the new director of NCUA's Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives. As the former CEO at Alternatives FCU, a highly successful CDCU in Ithaca, N.Y., Myers said he is keenly aware of the many issues small CUs are struggling with today.

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.-Reaction to NCUA's proposed rule changes regarding CUSOs has been swift and negative.

IT, Security Confab Scheduled

Teller Charged In $72K Theft

GLASGOW, Scotland-Jim McMahon, an Irish League of CUs board member, has been honored with the World Council's Distinguished Service Award for his work in a number of areas. Measnwhile, WOCCU presented its Ambassador Award to Servus CU in Edmonton, Alberta. Retiring President/CEO Pete Crear was recognized by Rotary International with its highest honor as a Paul Harris Fellow. Crear was also presented with the Raiffeisen Medal by Germany's Raiffeisen Union. WOCCU Vice Chairman Grzegorz Bierecki was honored by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for work done by Poland's trade association in developing credit unions in that nation.

GLASGOW, Scotland-Brazil's credit unions have moved aggressively to create a national brand and presence in which nearly every nonmember-facing function has been centralized, with partnerships formed with the likes of Bain & Co. and Accenture to ensure product and service delivery.

GLASGOW, Scotland-Poland's credit unions have come a long way in just 20 years, including a comprehensive collaboration aimed at cutting costs and raising awareness that exceeds anything currently being seen in the U.S.

GLASGOW, Scotland-While CUSOs are widespread in the United States, the nation has nonetheless been slow to fully leverage collaboration among credit unions.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA last week said it failed to obtain the self-imposed minimum commitments of $500 million for its voluntary prepaid corporate assessments plan, and therefore had canceled the program.

AUSTIN, Texas-Greater TEXAS Federal Credit Union's head of human resources Tammy Carter recently rappelled down the side of the 32-story One American Center to help raise funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas. GTFCU was one of the first 150 individuals or teams to raise a minimum of $1,500 and was granted the chance to send someone "Over the Edge." With $1,650 raised, Carter was selected to represent GTFCU. Below, Carter describes her experience.

MT. PROSPECT, Ill.-Credit unions will face two critical challenges in 2012, but they must overcome four barriers to achieving those two objectives, according to one technology expert.

SAN FRANCISCO-Interest rates are low and have been for many months, but the Federal Home Loan Bank here cautions CUs not to wait too long to plan for the inevitable climb.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich.-The $370-million Kellogg Community FCU has won a number of awards for TV spots that feature some of its members giving testimonials.

CHATSWORTH, Calif.-Factors that are hindering United Resources' capital offering are the performance of some of the other corporates and the fact that at least one is not requiring any capital investment to use its services.

Create-a-Site Is Launched

SW Bridge Reports $5.7M Net