COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.-Ent FCU has opted to work with Members Trust to provide FHA's HECM to members, and performs "enough of the processing, which is the bulk of the work except for the underwriting" to earn the full origination fee.

ORLANDO, Fla.-At a time when people are just happy to still be employed, convincing people to borrow money is no mean feat-one reason CUNA is predicting an average loan growth of 5% for U.S. credit unions in 2008.

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MADISON, Wis.-Despite the economic downturn, Filene Research Institute chief Mark Meyer believes lifestyle lending will remain in high demand, especially for medical procedures.

PHILADELPHIA-Credit unions looking to reverse mortgages as one way to bolster its lending portfolio can choose from a number of options before taking the plunge.

NEW HARTFORD, N.Y.-Several more credit unions have announced special year-end bonuses including:

AKRON, Oho-Towpath CU is offering to pay members who bring in their loose change this week an extra 10% of the total they bring in, as part of this year's saving campaign, "Akron Saves."

MIDLAND, Mich.-Dow Chemical Employees CU announced a $9-million special payment to its members, just as the $1.2-billion credit union was reporting one of its best years.

ATLANTA-Suncoast Schools FCU will receive a $500,000 grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta to help a local non-profit build 50 units of affordable housing in Riskin, Fla. The funds will help the Florida Home Partnership of Riskin complete phase three of the 166-unit Bayou Pass Village. The funds were among $43 million in grants awarded by the Atlanta bank for 85 projects.

Pasadena Service FCU, Calif., announced the retirement of Charlene Bowman.

Events

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA has approved a charter for 1st Bergen FCU in Hackensack, N.J., which will serve almost one million residents of Bergen County, just outside of Manhattan.

PITTSBURGH-The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh reported that mounting losses on its mortgage backed securities could push it up against regulatory risk-based capital limits.

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah-Unsecured loans to pay for elective medical procedures or big-ticket retail items such as Jacuzzis and central air conditioning at the point of purchase could become the next great opportunity for credit unions following in the footsteps of indirect auto loans, some industry experts say.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA weighed in on a director dispute last week, ruling after the director was removed by a vote of the board that only membership can remove a director by a special vote.

WASHINGTON-In what may be considered unusual timing, Congress reintroduced a new credit card reform bill, just days after the Federal Reserve approved new card rules that would do many of the same things.

When I first heard about credit unions being all about "people helping people" I thought, "Nice rhetoric," but what does it really mean. That was in back in 1977 when I was hired by the Illinois league to be its first-ever general counsel. I have now been CEO of the league for more than 25 years and have experienced that philosophy in so many ways on a daily basis.

WASHINGTON-CU's chances for tapping the Treasury department's Troubled Asset Relief Program faded last week, even as the House was passing a bill that would facilitate cash infusions for credit unions under the TARP.

Kulia Ohana Federal Credit Union is a $4-million credit union that serves residents of Wailuku and Kahului, Maui. The credit union is tucked away on a quiet residential cul de sac, and though small in size, the credit union is big on making a difference. One Kulia Ohana FCU member experienced this first-hand.

I enjoyed Frank Diekmann's Jan. 12 column about his CU experiences over the years, as credit unions in America celebrate their 100 anniversary. We all have some stories to tell, don't we? And, that's what's so powerful about member testimonials because they are real-just like our credit unions. Georgia FCU celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008, starting with $35 in deposits and now $500 million in assets. After 25 years personally with GFCU, I can't imagine working any where else or loving it more! And, could there be a better time to share the good news about credit unions being "safe havens" for consumers than during the current recession?