FOREST GROVE, Ore. - Sixty-six credit union mergers were completed during the third quarter, representing $868-million in total assets, according to analysis by Merger Solutions Group. In addition, 57 credit unions received preliminary approval of their mergers in the third quarter of 2007 with an average size of more than $21 million per merging CU.

CANTON, Ohio - As new generations begin to use ATMs they are also showing a willingness to accept expanded functionality, according to a new report from Diebold, which manufactures the machines.

WASHINGTON - With a million foreclosures expected over the next 12 months, the House passed a bill to crack down on subprime lenders, but will create new standards for credit unions and other bystanders in the current mortgage meltdown.

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Credit unions should see the adoption of "Red Flag" and Address Discrepancy rules of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) by NCUA and other federal regulators as more than just additional compliance burden-it could also mean substantial new income.

WASHINGTON - Another Republican announced his retirement from the House last week, make it increasingly unlikely that the GOP will regain control of the lower chamber in next year's elections.

WASHINGTON - With the legislative calendar rapidly expiring, credit union lobbyists are talking with lawmakers about getting one or more of the provisions in the CU Regulatory Improvements Act into legislation that is moving through Congress.

Throughout 2007, the Credit Union Journal is profiling the credit unions of each U.S. state and D.C. Rather than appear in alphabetical order, the states are being featured in the order they became states.

Freddie Mac Reports $2- Billion Third Quarter Loss

ORLANDO - As CU Journal reported Nov. 12, credit unions in central Florida are buying $60,000 worth of radio time to promote credit unions as financial institutions. Organized by the Central Florida Chapter of Credit Unions, the ads appeared across 12 stations in the Orlando MSA.

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COLUMBUS, Ind. - Arvin G&F CU will merge with Centra CU effective Dec. 1 following the approval of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions earlier this month. The $1.5-million Arvin G&F CU's 500 members will now be members of the $720-million Central CU. (c) 2007 The Credit Union Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.cujournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - NCUA said it made six loans from its community development loan fund last month, making a total of 40 for the year, a new high.

PCUF Board OKs 2008 Budget

ATLANTA - In partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), CDC Federal Credit Union (CDC FCU) announced that up to $1 million has been allocated for the CDC FCU Homebuyer Grant Program. The first-time homebuyer program is intended to help consumers who cannot pay all costs associated with closing on mortgages.

WATERTOWN, Conn. -

BRANDON, Vt. -

LAS VEGAS - Credit unions are making a lot more decisions about core processing changes than banks, according to one company that serves both types of charter.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -

ATLANTA -

PORTLAND, Ore. - While credit unions continue to sell card portfolios, there has been a significant decrease in the volume of sales over just a year ago, and one analyst is even suggesting credit union cards are "gaining strength in the market."