Credit unions place a heavy emphasis on building member satisfaction and loyalty. Yet for many, developing deeper levels of trust and loyalty with their members remains an elusive and perplexing process. This may be because these organizations frequently neglect a critical ingredient–the “heart” or “emotional bond” between the credit union and its employees and members.

To improve our CU’s bottom line this year, we:

CUDL Symposium Announced

After 50 years with the same credit union, Betty Phillips was profiled by the Akron Beacon Journal. The story noted how Phillips had initially applied for a job with the Firestone tiremaker, when someone suggested she try Firestone Federal Credit Union. Then 27, Phillips was hired as a teller in 1958, and has spent the past 40 years as president, overseeing growth in assets to $170 million.

HOUSTON - Not too surprisingly, the Disney Company has tracked a direct correlation between its guests’ past experiences at its theme parks and repeat attendance.

St. Mary’s Unveils Payday Loan

HOUSTON - The new league chair is Ayn Talley, CEO of Houston Police FCU. Jada Kelley, CEO of DuPont Goodrich FCU in Nederland, Texas, has moved to vice chair. (c) 2008 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cujournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com

HOUSTON - Greater cooperation and challenging the status quo were the buzzwords at the Texas CU League’s recent Annual Meeting here–along with a moment to recognize an impressive attendance streak.

HOUSTON - Texas League CEO Dick Ensweiler told league delegates advocacy remains a top priority, Ensweiler continued. He asked the CUs to encourage their staffers to donate to the league’s political action committee. “We have to make sure the right people are elected,” he said. “All we need is $1 per week from all credit union employees in the state donated to the TCUL PAC through payroll deductions.” (c) 2008 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cujournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Increasing numbers of credit unions are opting for mergers rather than cope with the difficult economic conditions that are causing them to report losses.

WASHINGTON - CUNA last week called on House members to vote against a proposal aimed at controlling credit and debit card interchange fees, saying the interchange fees should be left to the market.

Events

HAVERHILL, Mass. - In requiring Northeast Community Credit Union to conduct the vote on its merger into nearby Haverhill Bank a second time, the NCUA Board will leave the final decision to the agency’s Region One office.

MANCHESTER, N.H. - St. Mary’s Bank, the nation’s oldest credit union, last week announced it is offering its members a payday loan product.

America’s Christian CU, Glendora, Calif., announced that Fawn Imboden was named HRD Network’s Human Resources Professional of the Year.

OGDEN, Utah - Goldenwest CU announced it will donate more than $50,000, raised during the credit union’s eighth annual “5K For Schools” run, to nine local schools.

FAIRFAX, Va. - Apple FCU, which serves the educational community in suburban Washington, last week broke ground on a new branch in Kingstowne, one of three new facilities planned this year by the $1-billion credit union.

WARREN, Ohio - Greater Warren CU announced the hiring of Brain McCue as its new president and CEO.

PENSACOLA, Fla. - Pen Air FCU said it has contributed $50,000 to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. The organization offers interest-free loans to military families. (c) 2008 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cujournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com

WASHINGTON - Look for a push to apply the Community Reinvestment Act to credit unions if the Democrats retain control of the House later this year, as expected.