ALEXANDRIA, Va.-The expected consolidation and recapitalization of the corporate credit union system, hoped for by the end of 2009, is not expected to be enacted until the spring of 2010, at the earliest.

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. — While many credit unions covet Generation Y for future relationships, Communicating Arts CU sees the value in one member of GenY right now.

The recent rash of high-profile data compromises serves as a reminder that today's fraud perpetrators are sophisticated, relentless and ever-evolving. Unfortunately, when it comes to fraud prevention, too many CUs take a set-it-and-forget-it approach that doesn't match the evolution of contemporary fraud.

PHOENIX-Credit unions were told they do not want to become banks, among other advice, during the National Federation of Community Development CUs' Annual Conference on Serving the Underserved here. Ellen Seidman, a Senior Policy Advisor at ShoreBank, the nation's leading community development bank, said the current economic woes are precisely the reason CDFIs are more important than ever, but in order to achieve impact, there must be significant policy change, strengthening of institutions, and cross-sector collaboration.

ORLANDO, Fla.-David Gregory, moderator of NBC's "Meet the Press" and regular contributor to NBC's "Today" show, will open CUES CEO/Executive Team Network, Nov. 1. Gregory will offer insights into the latest headlines and behind-the-scenes intelligence, CUES said. For info: www.cues.org.

WASHINGTON-Improved financial literacy can and should play a role in aiding the economy's recovery, according to David W. Mooney, CEO of Chicago-based Alliant CU, who offered his perspective as a speaker at the first Global Financial Literacy Summit here. The summit, headlined by Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, was sponsored by Operation HOPE, the social investment banking and financial literacy empowerment organization. Mooney's comments focused on the benefits of financially literate consumers, as not only "better" borrowers and savers, but also as a means to temper business and credit cycles, specifically reducing excessive consumer borrowing, defaults and bankruptcies.

DEER PARK, Texas-Shell FCU here reported that June marked the strongest loan volume in the credit union's history, as it closed more than $17 million in consumer loans, mortgages and credit cards. SFCU said a summer auto loan special featuring 90-day deferred payments, combined with aggressive marketing, largely drove the volume.

MERIDEN, Conn.-State league president Tony Emerson and Connecticut Commissioner of Banking took to the radio airwaves to talk about the credit union difference during a recent hour-long broadcast. Emerson talked about the various charter types and emphasized CUs non-profit nature during his time on the air at WRDC-AM. He also answered questions from callers about student loan availability, CUs' financial health, mortgage refinancing and business loans.

The following article, part of CU Journal's July 13 Bonus Content, is an extended version of the way it appeared in print.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. — With more than $800 million in assets, 63,000 members and 190 employees, Hiway FCU here has grown over the years, but it hasn't added a single branch. In fact, the "no-branch" approach is an integral part of Hiway FCU's business strategy.

The following article, part of CU Journal's July 13 Bonus Content, is an extended version of the way it appeared in print.

MEXICO, Maine-Oxford FCU here has helped turn one local woman into a "Mongolian Millionaire." In conjunction with a local radio station and the Oxford Plains Speedway, Carolyn Costello beat out 10 contestants in a trivia contest to win one-million Mongolian tugrits, which converts to $706 in U.S. currency.

JULY

Synergent Teams Up With CO-OP

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. — Alaska USA FCU has assumed the operation of troubled High Desert FCU and is in the process of assessing whether it will be closing branches or laying off personnel.

SEATTLE — Express CU is expanding into the underserved market with the help of 16 area non-profits groups that will provide their clients with on-site financial services through the CU.

SEATTLE — A 75-year-old credit union here re-opened its doors with a new mission: to serve the unbanked of King County.

I'm beginning to think all this talk of a national brand campaign for credit unions has it backward. If it happens, it isn't going to come from the top-down, it's going to come from the bottom up. And a lot of folks won't be happy.

CFO Council Awards $50K In Scholarships

TUKWILA, Wash. — Startling national re-default rates should not discourage credit unions from initiating or continuing loan modification or workout programs, according to a number of industry experts.