In response to the Jan. 5 article titled, "Consumers 'Think' Green, But Don't Act That Way," CO-OP Financial Services fully supports the notion of doing our part to reduce the excesses that cause harm to the earth. Late last year, CO-OP opted to discontinue printing its paper directories of over 28,000 surcharge free ATMs and 3,500 shared branch locations. We felt this was practicing good corporate social responsibility on our part.

FEBRUARY

Can you really afford to attend a conference in 2009? And not just because of the cost. Take a look around at the economy. Who even wants to leave the credit union, or, for that matter, their own house?

InfoIMAGE Opens New Mail Center

PEORIA, Ill.-Nearly 2,100 miles separates Citizens Equity First CU's headquarters from its newest branches after the $3.6-billion institution took over operations at Valley CU, but CEFCU is undaunted by the distance - or the troubles that led NCUA to seek an acquirer for the ailing Valley CU.

PORTLAND, N.D.-An image change and an aggressive approach in agricultural lending is paying off for Portland Credit Union.

Wegner Awards Dinner Registration Open

WASHINGTON-There's a new administration and Congress in place in Washington, and they're facing plenty of problems. If you were the new president or a member of congress, what would be some of your proposals and solutions? Credit Union Journal wants to hear from you on how you would fix this mess. Responses will be featured in the Feb. 23 issue, in conjunction with GAC. E-mail fdiekmann@cujournal.com.

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-If there was any doubt before, it became official last week: credit unions, like banks, are experiencing their worst crisis ever.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A story in yesterday’s Credit Union Journal Daily Briefing incorrectly stated that CFE FCU lost $3.4 million. The loss should have been attributed to CFCU (Community First CU) of Florida. CFE FCU earned net income of $2.5 million for 2008.

SHOREVIEW, Minn. – Check-printer Deluxe Corp said yesterday that net income plunged 44% in its fourth quarter to $27.9 million, mostly because of lower revenues.

GULFPORT, Miss. – A 27-year-old man was sentenced this week 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 yesterday introduced a "member bonus program" that will pay members a total of $250,000 later this month.

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.

McLEAN, Va. – Home loan rates rose this week from record lows as the bond yields used to peg borrowing costs jumped to their highest levels in more than a month, according to Freddie Mac.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Coastal FCU, which reported an 84% decline in net income for 2008, announced yesterday it is closing four underperforming branches by the end of the first quarter.

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Don’t tell the executives at Star One CU they’re in the midst of the worst financial crisis to hit the U.S. in decades–the $52.3 million net, more than four times last year’s $11.8 million net, belies that.

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif. – The real estate bust may be in full-force here but new troubles are emerging in other areas, including auto and credit card loans.

PRINCETON, N.J. – Credit unions around the country were scrambling this week to isolate fraudulent transactions and block debit cards that may have been exposed to hackers by a massive breach at third-party processor Heartland Payment Systems, the latest in a long series of cards scandals.