PORTLAND, Maine — As credit unions deal with the fallout from the corporate system failures and the general economic downturn, a number of them are eyeing mergers, or even charter conversions as a way to protect member capital.

NEW YORK — Following a major bailout and the seizure of two major corporate credit unions, the unanswered question remains: what does the future hold for corporate CUs?

INDIANAPOLIS — The second half of 2009 will keep CUs focused on services that reduce their expenses and manage risk, reports Allied Solutions, which predicts that involuntary unemployment insurance coverage could see even greater interest.

WEST PALM BEACH — As credit unions celebrate their first 100 years here in the U.S., the financial crisis has some worrying about how they'll survive to see the next 100 years, and all options are on the table: converting to a bank charter, mergers and even a total overhaul of the system could be in the near future for corporate and natural person credit unions alike.

WASHINGTON — Changes to accounting regulations surrounding mergers, particularly the move from the pooling method to the acquisition method, can make the process daunting but it should not be the reason credit unions abandon a planned merger.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The economy will continue to raise concerns about branch profitability throughout 2009, according to one consultant who has been finding ways for CUs to address the issue.

Credit Union Journal asked CU industry suppliers and analysts about what they are forecasting for the second half of this year.

ARLINGTON, Va. — NCUA Vice Chairman Rodney Hood has a unique perspective on what CRA for credit unions might hold, given that he previously served as the CRA officer at a bank.

Avanta Changes Name To Altana To Put Lawsuit To Rest

NEW YORK-Municipal Credit Union here has upgraded it online banking program.

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash.-Numerica CU is now offering reverse mortgages to its members through a partnership with Security Reverse Mortgage.

ERIE, Penn.-Erie FCU has added a voluntary donation component to its EZ Saver Account.

OLYMPIA, Wash.-Washington State Employees CU is helping members "recession-proof" their children's futures with a new account for minors. The Munny Bunny account comes with a keepsake "munny journal" and plush munny bunny for children ages 12 and under. The journal provides information about long-term savings.

SAN JOSE, Calif.-Alliance CU has released a new sutie of online tools to help small businesses manage their business finances.

SYRACUSE, N.Y.-A member of New Process Gear CU was charged with taking advantage of offline ATMs to steal $75,539 even though he had only $5 in his account.

BOSTON — It's not a fondness for seafood that led CUNA to host its America's Credit Union Conference here this week.

WASHINGTON — As credit unions lobby to keep Congress from imposing some sort of Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) on the movement, CU Journal set out to explore just what the compliance burden might be by looking at how it currently works for banks.

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Belonging to a credit union is so logical, why wouldn't intelligent consumers choose CUs over banks?

MECHANICSBURG, Penn.-The Mechanics-burg Area school board voted to name the Mechanicsburg Middle School library for Members 1st FCU.

DURHAM, N.C.-Fast-growing Latino CU opened its newest branch last week in the town of Garner, the community development credit union's eight service facility.