MONROE, Mich.-Monroe County Community CU clamped down on employees having to shuffle paper-a process that only increases expenses and slows member service-by moving ever closer to the much-vaunted paperless work environment.

NEW ORLEANS-Three years after the storms' passage, the devastating effects of hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still being felt in Louisiana-and in some cases becoming even more magnified, thanks to the economic slowdown and another battering storm season.

ROSEVILLE, Mich.-Credit unions have come to recognize that life changes, such as young adults moving on to college or marriage, are opportunities to attract new members inexpensively. But few have developed programs to effectively leverage that knowledge.

JACKSON, Mich.-CP Federal Credit Union is saving more than $2,000 a month and freeing up staff by shifting to electronic item processing. The move not only benefits the credit union's bottom line, it's also helping the $300-million shop grow.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.-Faced with the challenge of pleasing one of the most tech-savvy fields of membership in the country, always-innovative KeyPoint CU earned a spot in Credit Union Journal's Best Practices awards with its implementation of Facebook banking.

NAPERVILLE, Ill.-Extending the credit union's reach via the Internet has become a necessity for most CUs. But to ensure sites drive business rather than take up space on the Web, design should focus on the transactions the credit union wants members to make.

HARRISBURG, Penn.-Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union is providing members with their FICO scores on a monthly basis to help them better understand what affects their credit-and better manage their finances-in this tough economy.

In This Issue, Credit Union Journal Presents Its Annual Tribute To Best Practices In Credit Unions. For The Journal, Whose Mission Is To Be A Vital Resource To Credit Unions Seeking To Grow, The Best Practices Are A Natural Extension Of That Editorial Mission.

NILES, Mich.-Two robbers pleaded guilty to charges related to last January's hold-up at Berrien Teacher's CU, during which a third accomplice was shot to death by an armed guard.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.-Redstone FCU said a long-time member has won the credit union's 300,000 member celebration trip giveaway ,which includes an all-expenses-paid trip to New Hampshire to visit for him and his wife to America's CU Museum, then a three-night stay at the nearby Wentworth by the Sea Hotel and Spa, airfare, ground transportation, and a $500 VISA gift card.

Delta Offers 12-Month CD At 4.5%

SAN DIEGO-Maintaining the Intranet for a $200-million credit union is more than one man can handle, especially when it is built from scratch.

ROME. N.Y.-Kiosks with the ability to handle nearly every financial transaction under the sun are nothing new.

BOSTON-As City of Boston Credit Union has worked to save money for its members via workout loans, it has found a way to save itself money, as well.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.-Envision Credit Union here is making something of a Best Practice out of Best Practices.

GURNEE, Ill.-Incentives are what really drive e-statement participation, suggests Abbott Laboratories Employees Credit Union, which recently persuaded more than 4,800 members to opt for paperless accounts.

LONGVIEW, Wash.-Fibre FCU's new operations center here is contributing locally-by helping to revitalize a tired downtown-and nationally, by having used sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices.

MILLVILLE, N.J.-Thunderbolt Area FCU has agreed to acquire TD Banknorth's branch located at the main entrance to Millville Airport.

GROTON, Conn.-Charter Oak FCU announced it is offering up to $3 million in discounted mortgages to those living in the Norwich area to help stimulate the local housing market.

DATCU Credit Union, Denton, Texas, named Sheryl Jackson business development officer.