Connex CU, Hamden, Conn., promoted Kathryn Carlson to branch manager.

Meetings

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-A new review of the 2007 failure of Norlarco CU criticizes NCUA's role in monitoring the multi-billion dollar market for loan syndications, known among credit unions as participations, especially the more than $250 million of loans in speculative south Florida real estate loans the Fort Collins, Colo., credit union sold off to at least 18 other credit unions.

WASHINGTON-The Senate passed a credit card reform bill last week aimed at reining in abusive credit card practices, and the bill was expected to be approved by the House and sent on to the President for his signature.

WASHINGTON — NCUA worked behind closed doors with representatives of the Federal Reserve and the Treasury to ensure both corporates and natural person credit unions had adequate sources of liquidity available as the corporate system was showing signs of a meltdown last fall, NCUA Chairman Michael Fryzel told lawmakers last week during hearings on the corporate credit union bailout.

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. — Online crooks wielding SQL-injections have become more interested in 66 FCU as it works to expand its website business, with features such as membership enrollment.

I have to say Matt Blumenfeld has written an excellent article, "Will Third Time Be Unlucky Charm for Overdraft Reform" (CU Journal, May 11). I am especially gratified that Credit Union Journal has given balanced treatment to a controversial subject.

MAY

ISU Credit Union Joins TNB

ST. PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul FCU believes that while solid loan rates play a role in attracting members, creating lending solutions that meet individuals' needs keeps members doing business with the credit union.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — A new personal finance tool for consumers that emerged from a brainstorming team sponsored by a credit union think tank could be just the monetary strength training needed to fight back against the economy's recent body blows.

Credit union best practices in 2009? Some credit union leaders might respond by saying it's enough just to keep the doors open and the lights on this year.

Amidst the stock market collapse, bank failures, and negative press there may be a silver lining for credit unions. According to Forrester Research's Recession Marketing report (December 2008), consumers "look for brands they know and which support their need to connect to their peers. To thrive even in these economic hard times, brands can benefit by focusing more on demand retention and upsell than on acquisition."

Thanks to Frank Diekmann and the Credit Union Journal's Grow Show for opening my eyes to what the private sector and credit unions can learn from the Navy.

GASFCU 'Congratulates' Bank Customers

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Technology Credit Union here has become the second credit union to go live with an official iPhone application — a pioneering combination of locator, mobile banking and promotional features.

WASHINGTON — NCUA was already planning last week to stretch out the costs of the corporate credit union bailout after Congress passed legislation giving the federal regulator vast new powers.

FOM Issues May Come Into Play

WASHINGTON – The White House announced yesterday it is reaching into the past for its next NCUA Chairman and will nominate to the post Democrat Deborah Matz, who served on the three-member panel from 2002 to 2005.

PLYMOUTH, Minn. – Teacher FCU will begin its second 70-years of service under the new name of TruStone Financial CU, on June 1.