WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The economy is slowing, housing prices are declining in many markets, and the squeeze on credit union margins will likely only grow tighter.

EUGENE, Ore. — Several credit unions have rejected the multi-million dollar settlement with TJX Cos., because the payment won't cover the expenses causes by the retail giant's massive data security breach.

NCUA Publishes Letter To CUs

SALT LAKE CITY - Among the decisions credit unions will be watching in 2008 is how the Office of Thrift Supervision (OTS) rules on Beehive Credit Union’s application to move to a bank charter.

WINNIPEG, Canada - A robbery at a branch of Assinboine Credit Union received extra coverage after the Winnipeg Sun’s longtime and now retired crime reporter, Bob Holliday, found himself standing just a few feet from the robber. Holliday said he noticed the would-be member was wearing a hat, sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt, and holding something in his or her pocket, so he exited the CU and dialed 911. Police missed the suspect by about 20 seconds. “I could have tackled the person or whatever, but I’m too old for that crap,” he told the newspaper.

JANUARY 2008

CHICAGO - This year should see several more concrete steps toward the chartering of one of the best-capitalized credit union start-ups in years.

In our January 2008 issue of cent$, our American Airlines Federal Credit Union magazine, I took the opportunity to remind our members of some “hows” and “whys” we are different than other providers of financial services. For all business entities strategic “differentiations” are critical to long-term success and that is even more so the case for smaller niche players such as credit unions. In fact, Michael Porter, in the Harvard Business Review article referred to, sort of defines strategy as tightly linked-differences.

Welcome to 2008. Let me be the first to also say, “Happy 100th Birthday, U.S. Credit Union Community!” Let me also be the first to say, “Happy 99th Birthday, U.S. Credit Union Community,” as I like to cover my bases.

FRESNO, Calif. – A former member service representative at Tucoemas FCU was charged with stealing $48,000 from the accounts of elderly members.

READING, Pa. – Berks Community FCU Vice Chairman George "Tommy" Arnold, retired from the credit union at year-end, marking 40 years as a volunteer with the credit union.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Readers of the Credit Union Journal are encouraged to

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – NCUA said its rules and regulations preempt the provisions of a California law requiring a notice of intent to dispose of a repossessed vehicle that is being challenged in state court.

McLEAN, Va. – Home loan rates dipped in the new year to four-week lows, according to Freddie Mac.

SUITLAND, Md. – Michael Hale, the long-time president and CEO of Andrews FCU has abruptly resigned as head of the state’s fourth largest credit union. No reason was given for the resignation.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – HealthNet FCU said it will pay its members a 15% bonus for 2007.

KANSAS CITY – Mazuma CU paid its members a year-end dividend of $720,000 to reward them for their patronage.

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Fort Campbell FCU told its members "Thanks $2 You, we really mean it," and backed it up with a $2 million patronage dividend.

HOUSTON – Members of Houston Police FCU started the year with a few surprises–an additional $2.9 million in their savings accounts.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A man who allegedly carjacked and kidnapped a woman at gunpoint Wednesday morning was arrested after he sent the victim into her credit union yesterday morning to withdraw cash and employees called the police.