BOSTON - Alaskans are carrying more credit card debit than residents of any other state, while residents of West Virginia are carrying the least, according to a new study.

HILTON HEAD, S.C. - So you say your credit union has been profitable and has also been attracting new members. Who says it will continue?

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. - After 37 years in credit unions, John Ruffin said he will retire as CEO of Robins FCU on Dec. 31. Ruffin joined RFCU in 1997 as EVP and was named CEO in 2003. Prior to that, Ruffin was with NCUA for 26 years, including as regional director in the Austin office. During his time at Robins FCU Ruffin has seen assets more than double to $1.1-billion. EVP John Rhea has been named to succeed Ruffin as CEO. Below, Ruffin shares some of his thoughts and insights:

SAN DIEGO - The traditional model for marketing is not as effective today, forcing credit unions to develop "member-centric" methods of generating account growth.

SALT LAKE CITY - Members who use business services at Mountain America Credit Union may feel a little more adventurous, and willing to take advantage of the credit union's services thanks to a unique member appreciation event.

EAST LANSING, Mich. - A marketing campaign by Michigan State University FCU has turned some of its members into celebrities in this town.

FAIRBORN, Ohio - A "green-friendly" portable decking system anamed winner in the "What's the Big Idea" challenge sponsored by Wright-Patt Credit Union. It was submitted by Michael Weaver of nearby Miamisburg, Ohio, who calls his proposed business "DECX."

WASHINGTON - The selection of Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) by Sen. Barack Obama as his running mate in the race for the presidency could have implications for credit unions and other financial institutions should Obama defeat Sen. John McCain in the race. But those implications likely will be in Congress, not the White House, as that body reshuffles committee assignments.

Bill Sterner To Be Presented With Wegner

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Credit unions now have an effective means of responding to member concerns over the safety of their savings.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NCUA is reporting that 97% of accounts at $12.7-million New London Security First FCU, which NCUA liquidated in July after it became insolvent, have been paid in full.

WASHINGTON – The National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) in going international with its Development Education (DE) program.

SAN DIEGO – New software has been developed to assist financials in identifying whether applicants got improper credit score boosts by being listed as authorized users on other people's credit accounts.

POPLAR, Mont. – The U.S. Department of Treasury has awarded $593,393 in Community Development Financial Institutions funding to $8-million Wolf Point FCU, a CDFI institution that serves the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

MADISON, Wis. – The evolution by credit unions toward community charters has led to a shift away from select employee groups and toward new types of groups with distinct motivations and behavior, according to a new study.

DENVER – Lawmakers gathered here for the Democratic National Convention claim electing Sen. Barack Obama president would produce smarter, more sensible financial services policies that would quiet and strengthen a troubled market.

DENVER – CUNA continues to hold out hope for passage of the Credit Union, Bank and Thrift Regulatory Relief Act (CUBTRRA) in the current Congress.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Credit unions now have an effective means of responding to member concerns over the safety of their savings.

SAN DIMAS, Calif. – Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc. (FSCC) and Cardtronics are launching a “California Cruisin’ Sweepstakes” in honor of the one-year anniversary of shared branching services at 7-Eleven stores.

FITCHBURG, Mass. – The $338-million IC FCU has added a special loan program to assist members with the cost of heating their homes this winter.