PROVIDENCE, R.I.–Former Rhode Island Senator Clairborne Pell, who died on New Year’s Day, is best known for the federal college-grant program that bears his name, but Pell’s work also played a vital role in underwriting one well-known credit union program.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.–In conjunction with credit unions’ 100th anniversary, during 2009 Credit Union Journal is publishing a series titled “100 Voices.”

WASHINGTON–Dune Capital Management has acquired the assets of the failed IndyMac Federal Bank for nearly $14-billion, the FDIC reported. Under the deal, expected to close in late January or early February, the Pasadena, Calif. thrift will be transferred to a newly formed holding company called IMB HoldCo LLC, which will be controlled by a limited partnership owned by the investor team.

WASHINGTON–Hard times have not prevented some credit unions from ringing in the new year by giving members a special bonus dividend–a move that is helping CUs demonstrate the CU difference and their financial health.

NCUA Loan Eval Guidance Unveiled

WASHINGTON-When 2008 made its debut some were predicting that as many as several hundred banks would fail and would be taken over by regulators. Yet while the year saw the collapse of Washington Mutual as well as the largest bank failure in history, that of IndyMac Bank, only 25 banks failed-well short of what many had feared.

WASHINGTON-Credit unions giving out year-end bonus dividends this year have been using the age-old CU tradition as a way to demonstrate their financial strength even in the midst of a financial crisis.

WASHINGTON-Hard times have not prevented some credit unions from delivering their annual holiday gift to members, the bonus dividend.

Landmark UBIT Trial Postponed In Colorado

NORTH HAVEN, Conn.-Two local credit unions are coming together to offer their members shared ATM access across the region.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.-If capital is indeed to protect against rainy days, then one person is advising credit unions to use it for those who are getting wettest.

FLORENCE, Ky.-One person is advising credit unions to use some of their capital in driving hard bargains with competitors facing even more strained capital positions.

MADISON, Wis.-Can a credit union have too much of a buffer?

MADISON, Wis.-Concerned as well with shrinking margins and "glad the capital is there," CUNA Mutual Group Chief Economist Dave Colby said the current high average capital levels give "a little cushion to credit unions that want to take advantage of some of the customer dislocation or dissatisfaction with the mega-merger banks. Credit unions know their markets very well. If they see demand from consumers to switch institutions, they are now in a strong position to set the rules-come over to the credit union with your CD, but bring your car loan too."

OGDEN, Utah-Cross training is going to be a critical personnel issue in 2009, according to several analysts, but at least one is urging caution.

WEST JORDAN, Utah-Suzanne Oliver, SVP educational services and chief learning officer at the $2.8-billion Mountain America CU, sees a greater emphasis being placed on training and education of the entire credit union staff.

OGDEN, Utah-Communications will play an important role in keeping staff focused in the event of a merger, shared Kent Streuling, VP of human resources for the $4.5-billion America First Credit Union, and chairman of CUNA's HR/TD Council.

SAN JOSE, Calif.-Michelle Greear, AVP training and career development at the $1.3-billion Technology CU in San Jose, Calif., sees 2009 bringing more cross-training opportunities, both to benefit employees and the CU. For staff, since more may stay put at the credit union due to the tight job market, employees will seek greater opportunities and expanded roles.

PHOENIX-Jennifer Godel, AVP, human resources and training at the $3-billion Desert Schools FCU in Phoenix, said the biggest issue facing HR teams is employees being "nervous" about the possibility of layoffs.

SAN FRANCISCO-Planning to build some of your credit union's marketing around being "green" in 2009? A new study shows that consumers have more of an interest in "thinking" green than actually "acting" green.