MIRAMAR, Fla. - CUNA's "Little Guy" is taking his show on the road.

Already this year the credit union industry has seen tangible illustrations of compelling change. In response, every credit union must engage in no-fear, taboo-free strategic thinking in 2007. Anachronistic concepts like "movement unity" and "cooperative values" are impractical strategic launching pads. Despite movement purists' pleadings, consumers see no value there. The financial services marketplace has no mercy and boards that deny marketplace realities will fail dismally.

Meetings

PHILADELPHIA - The signature loan, the long-time credit union mainstay that has faded to a niche offering for most, may make something of a comeback.

Data Breach Legislation Moves Forward In Calif.

SALEM, Va. - Credit unions have donated more than $111,000 to the Freedom First FCU Virginia Tech Memorial fund, established by the eponymous credit union. "I wish to thank all those across the credit union movement for their support in the healing and recovery process at Virginia Tech," Freedom First FCU CEO Paul Phillips said. "Once again, we see the deep reserves of compassion and generosity among our credit union community."

RALEIGH, N.C. - Homeowners across the country are at risk of losing their homes as adjustable rates are ticking up, which is why one credit union is trying to do something about it.

WASHINGTON - The American Bankers Association and America's Community Bankers, the lobby group for the S&Ls, are seeking to finalize their decade-long courtship and announced last week they have tentatively agreed to merge, again.

Data Breach Legislation Moves Forward In Calif.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Credit union executives overwhelmingly oppose NCUA's recent efforts to increase transparency for members, putting the federal regulator at odds with the industry.

DATCU Credit Union, Denton, Texas, promoted Jon Madsen to SVP of operation, Melanie Vest to VP-controller, Pat Sherman to director of marketing and Kay Schroeder to director of HR.

TDECU Loans Surpass $1B Mark

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.

MADISON, Wis. - The Filene Institute is seeking CUs to participate in a pilot program aimed at helping members get out of debt and build wealth. "Savings Revolution" monitors the progress of competing members working to achieve their savings and debt reduction over one year.

WASHINGTON - The IRS has released a new set of Technical Advice Memoranda (TAMs) ruling that credit union interchange fees are not subject to unrelated business income tax (UBIT).

ALBANY, N.Y. - When Clear Channel first approached Capital Communications Federal Credit Union earlier this year with a unique marketing concept, the credit union's decision was made easily.

Editor's Note: The following comments were shared by Joshua Kurtz of Millstream Area CU following his graduation from the Credit Union Development Education (DE) program in Madison, Wis. For info: www.ncuf.coop.

The Credit Union Journal is announcing its Call for Entries for its Best Practices awards. It's easy to enter!

ALBANY, N.Y. - When Clear Channel first approached Capital Communications Federal Credit Union earlier this year with a unique marketing concept, the credit union's decision was made easily.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - There are more opportunities for CUs to significantly lower their benefit costs and provide tax-advantaged retirement solutions to executives and staff alike.