GLENDALE, Calif.-Job 1: plugging the holes. After that, it's time to take a closer look at the entire business model, according to Ron McDaniel, CEO of California Credit Union.

BUENA PARK, Calif.-Adam Denbo, CEO of Agribusiness CU, is taking a decidedly sunny approach.

WEST PALM BEACH-Between massive layoffs (see related story, page 1), increasing losses among credit unions and no end in sight to the financial turmoil, CUs are looking for more than just good news-they need tools to help them survive - and even thrive - in 2009.

PHOENIX-Happy employees equals happy members.

RACINE, Wis.-Educator Credit Union's new branch here is literally going green.

PEORIA, Ill.-More than 60,000 Americans were handed pink slips last Monday alone, and as layoffs pile up, credit unions are racing to their members' sides to ease the pain as much as possible.

LAKELAND, Fla.-The construction of the state's first "net zero energy building" is more than just an environmental accomplishment - it's also the rallying point for a total re-branding effort on the part of one credit union.

CLEARWATER, Fla.-The desire to expand branch networks in the shadow of a recession may only accelerate the trend toward modular construction of CU branches.

RACINE, Wis.-When constructing a new branch in markets where winter is a factor, credit unions can save more than 10% on the project by opting for a prefabricated building shell.

RALEIGH, N.C.-Coastal FCU is rolling out its new Express Teller system at two of its branches in the Triangle region. The St. Albans Drive and Wakefield Commons locations will be able to use the new interface that gives tellers the ability to provide traditional services to multiple branches.

ST. LOUIS-Credit unions looking to take advantage of the relative weakness of the big banks by expanding their geographical footprint need to take a deep breath before making commitments, according to several experts.

SAFCU Opens Branch In Schertz

AUSTIN, Texas-A+ FCU is planning to site a new branch location that will serve Kyle and North Hays County. The new branch will be located in Kyle's Plum Creek Uptown District, which is part of a 2,200-acre mixed-use, master-planned community located 20 minutes south of Downtown Austin. Plans call for the 3,800 square-foot branch to open during or after 2010. In addition to its prime location in the Plum Creek development, the site is also near the Hays Consolidated Independent School District offices, Performing Arts Center and schools. The Plum Creek development is designed to integrate retail, mixed-use and office space into a walkable, pedestrian-friendly town center, which was part of the attraction for A+ FCU, the credit union said.

ST. LOUIS-Credit unions should avoid closing branches and find other ways to rein in their costs because they could end up paying for the negative message branch closures send members, say several industry experts.

CINCINATTI-Credit unions in multiple sections across the country are cutting expenses by shutting down branches and reducing positions, but these cuts may end up costing the credit union even more than they are worth, several experts warned.

GULFPORT, Miss.-A 27-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the March 2007 robbery at Keesler FCU in Biloxi, he committed with the help of his mother.

TROY, Ohio-HTM Area CU said it has acquired a vacant Taco Bell fast-foot restaurant where it plans to build a new headquarters and branch.

BROOMFIELD, Colo.-Community Financial CU introduced a "member bonus program" that will pay members a total of $250,000 later this month. Members will receive checks from $5 to $1,100 based on interest and dividends earned on their accounts, as well as interest they paid on loans at the credit union.

DECATUR-A federal judge has dismissed bank fraud and conspiracy charges against a former businessman and a former president of Lauderdale County Teachers CU of defrauding the credit union of more than $6 million.

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