CLEARWATER, Fla.-Debit transactions continue to muscle their way in on credit cards this year, and the holiday season isn't expected to alter the trend.

MADISON, Wis.-Credit unions looking to reducing costs in 2010 should keep in mind the old "penny wise, pound foolish" proverb when it comes to insurance coverage.

MADISON, Wis.-The financial market meltdown has led to questions about who should be held responsible when things go wrong, so making sure boards and management teams are appropriately covered is another insurance issue CUs are tackling.

SAN ANTONIO-When it comes to cutting the cost of insurance, credit unions may want to take Smokey Robinson's mother's advice: you better shop around.

SAN ANTONIO-Cyber security is only going to become a bigger issue for credit unions, which is why SWBC is preparing to roll out a special insurance program aimed specifically at cyber fraud.

WARREN, N.J.-The economic climate may affect potential risks the CU believes are otherwise insured, according to one analyst.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-It isn't children who are hoping for something new under the tree this year. Credit Union Journal presents its 8th Annual Holiday Wish List among technology execs and other credit union leaders.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.-If you could offer a dream iPhone application to members, what would it do? CUJ asked that very question to small CUs as part of our 8th Annual Technology Wish List and received an array of ideas beyond the standard menu of balance inquiries, funds transfers and bill payments.

LAS VEGAS-For the majority of credit union leaders, the focus is on the current bottom line, and not being a "model for others" in the 21st century.

LAS VEGAS-Two factors that led to significant changes to the international credit market continue to affect credit unions: the securitization of U.S. mortgage loans and international deregulation.

NetCapture Consumer Launched

MADISON, Wis.-CUNA Mutual Group's CUMIS Insurance Society has asked a state court to declare that surety bonds held by 26 credit union victims of the $140-million fraud by U.S. Mortgage/CU National Mortgage Corp. do not cover an estimated $125 million of losses suffered by those credit unions.

ALLENPORT, Penn.-Russell Bergstedt, President of Mon Valley Community FCU here, has died. Mr. Bergstedt had been president of the credit union for more than 25 years and was one of the founders of the annual Mon Valley Chapter ARC golf tournament. "Russ was a strong leader for credit unions in the state and Mon Valley and also for the United Steel Workers Union. His voice will be missed," said Pennsylvania CU Association CEO Jim McCormack.

VANCOUVER, Wash.-iQ Credit Union has been named by Seattle Business Magazine as one of Washington's 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2009. The credit union was ranked No. 4 out of eight organizations listed in the nonprofit organization category. More than 9,500 employees of nominated companies filled out surveys about their employers based on criteria such as leadership, communications, work environment, benefits and training.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA has extended the expiration date of its Temporary Corporate Credit Union Share Guarantee Program (TCCUSGP) from Dec. 31, 2011, to March 31, 2012. With this extension, new investments with maturities of two years or less in participating corporate credit unions made before March 31, 2010, will be fully covered by the guarantee program, NCUA said, in addition to the existing deposits already covered.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.-Purdue Employees FCU has been voted "best bank" in its market in the Journal & Courier's Readers' Choice Awards. Nearly 10,000 readers cast their votes for PEFCU, which earned the most votes in all financial services categories, being voted best credit union, best consumer bank, best commercial bank, best checking account and best mortgage lender.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) has earned re-accreditation by the National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS). The Florida OFR Bureau of Credit Union Regulation is responsible for the regulation and examination of 79 Florida state-chartered credit unions with approximately $19.5 billion in total assets. Florida was first accredited in 2004.

MEDFORD, Ore.-The Money Mammals Teaching Guide, developed with Rogue FCU, has earned the Desjardins Youth Education Award. The award recognizes leadership within CUs on behalf of youth financial literacy. "The Money Mammals" curriculum, which was written by Kerrie Davis of Rogue CU and based off content from the John Lanza-created "Money Mammals: Saving Money Is Fun" DVD.

Snatching Up Those Ex-Bank 'Members'

MADISON, Wis.-Credit unions' unique governance structure will take the industry to new heights by 2109.