MADISON, Wis. — Forget Whoville — the Grinch will continue to be felt in CUville.

WASHINGTON — At least one analyst is urging CUs to "make big plans" in 2011.

WASHINGTON — The last two years made it very clear that you can't hold onto longstanding assumptions about economic or consumer behavior.

ARLINGTON, Va. — This year could prove to be even more difficult for CUs than 2010, cautioned Tun Wai, who is also concerned that credit unions may be tempted to move away from conservative lending practices as the weak economy drags on.

BISMARK, N.D. — Apparently unwilling to invest capital again within the corporate system, approximately 30 credit unions are choosing the "corporate credit union alternative."

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There has been lots of discussion after Randy Karnes, CEO of CU*Answers, a CUSO in Michigan, circulated a petition calling for major changes in NCUA. Here's why I will sign, and why I think everyone should sign.

Undoubtedly, 2010 will be characterized as one of the most challenging legislative years with the passage of Dodd-Frank. As a result, 2011 will likely be defined by Congressional oversight of the rulemaking required to support the new legislation.

It's probably safe to say that 2010 didn't quite go as planned. Not for the Democrats. Not for the Dallas Cowboys. And certainly not for you and your credit union.

NORTHBROOK, Ill. – Allstate Insurance Co. has sued Bank of America to recoup losses suffered from its purchase of more than $700 million in Countrywide-issued mortgage-backed securities.

NEW YORK – Cliff Rosenthal is hopeful that 2011 will be a year in which NCUA examiners gain a better understanding of the unique operating characteristics of low-income and community development credit unions.

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. – The $11-million Niagara DuPont Employees CU is changing its name to Encompass Niagara Credit Union.

TEXAS CITY, Texas – AMOCO Federal Credit Union is paying a $1 million bonus dividend/loan interest refund to its members, the 15th year it has made such a year-end payment.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Tiny Champaign County Employees Credit Union, at $330,000 in assets, is being absorbed via merger by University of Illinois Employees Credit Union.

BISMARCK, N.D. – Thirteen credit unions have selected ProDraft Services, Inc.’s correspondent services solution as an alternative to the corporate CU services.

ALBANY, N.Y. – SEFCU has made a $220,000 donation to help struggling city/rescue missions throughout the Capital Region, Binghamton, Buffalo and Syracuse.

DALLAS – Those select employee groups (SEGs) credit unions have been so eager to shed have proven popular with another financial services provider: banks.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In 2011 “weak” corporates will merge out and in 2012 those relying on providing pass-through services will fall by the wayside.

WASHINGTON – In a bittersweet achievement, the number of homeowners in the U.S. who have received counseling to avoid foreclosure has now surpassed 1 million.

WASHINGTON – The number of delinquent mortgages rose while foreclosures also jumped in the third quarter, according to a report released Wednesday by federal regulators.