LATHAM, N.Y. - Two states are considering duplicating a New York program that rewards banks for opening branches in neighborhoods with little or no banking services, but there are no plans to similarly reward credit unions.

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HARRISBURG, Penn. - Last month, Rick Myxter, the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association's EVP of credit union development, took his sixth trip to Kenya as part of a World Council of Credit Unions contingent assigned to help the country's growing Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO) system better serve its members. In addition to covering education and regulatory issues, Myxter's trip included a taste of SACCOs' social mission, part of the system's nationwide effort to improve the lives Kenya's 34.7 million people.

Kinecta Financial Realigns Groups

Are only the big dog credit unions destined to survive or can small and medium-size CUs have the bite to be successful, as well? In the July 16 issue the Credit Union Journal profiled just this issue. Now take a minute or two, log onto www.cujournal.com and click Letters to the Editor and start barking.

MADISON, Wis. - If the World Council of Credit Union's recent initiatives in China prove successful, the worldwide credit union movement has the opportunity to more than double in size, according to WOCCU CEO Pete Crear.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - Local police, a SWAT team and the FBI responded to a robbery call and quickly surrounded Tennessee Valley Authority Credit Union, blocking off escape routes and keeping onlookers at bay.

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MADISON, Wis. - In an unusual turnabout, Mexican credit unions, known as cajas, will be helping their counterparts in the U.S. better understand and serve their growing numbers of Hispanic members. The lessons will come courtesy of the new Hispanic Marketing Immersion Program launched by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. - First Michigan Credit Union has uncovered a cost-effective strategy to cultivate greater member wallet-share that also doubles as an expense-free way to satisfy member complaints. And the credit union says its members love the new service.

HONOLULU - NCUA Board Members Rodney Hood and Gigi Hyland responded to these questions during NAFCU's annual meeting last week. The questions were presented by NAFCU Chairman John Milazzo.

PHOENIX, Ariz. - The World Council of Credit Unions' mission to China next month may be the first step toward a profound change in the credit union movement, a change that could eventually more than double the number of credit union members worldwide. Despite the effort's potential enormity in terms of numbers, WOCCU is up to the task, says Gary Plank, the WOCCU chair under which the initiative was launched with a visit to China in October 2006.

WASHINGTON - In its latest round of advertising, America' Credit Unions-a joint project by CUNA and NAFCU-features a General Accountability Office (GAO) report noting that taxpayers are subsidizing the banking industry by $1.3 billion to $1.9 billion each year, despite the fact that banks are the U.S.'s most profitable industry since 2000.

HONOLULU - NCUA General Counsel Robert Fenner shared his insight on major issues facing NCUA, including:

HONOLULU - The Department of Defense is looking to work with regulators and credit unions to strengthen rules related to abusive credit practices, according to a spokesperson.

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AUGUST

NEW YORK - Veterans of service to underserved communities are now making their expertise available to the numerous credit unions expanding into such fields of membership.

I saw him standing alone, intensely thumbing his Blackberry while simultaneously speaking to no one, as if he was hearing voices. Then I noticed the Bluetooth earpiece lodged in his right ear as he barked one-word commands loudly enough that eavesdropping was redundant.

HONOLULU - Despite widespread opposition by credit unions, NCUA is expected to pass initiatives aimed at increasing transparency in credit union operations, two NCUA board members indicated during NAFCU's recent annual convention (see further detailed coverage, page 15).