ATLANTA - Approximately $1.3 trillion in cash transactions are made every year for purchases of less than $5.

3-Way Merger Is Proposed

SAN FRANCISCO - Credit unions that have turned to e-media for marketing may be being overcharged for "clicks," according to a new survey.

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed legislation making Minnesota the first state to pass laws that shift the costs associated with credit card data breaches from financial institutions and to the retailers that disclosed consumer data. The Plastic Card Security Act, which had support from this state's credit unions, was introduced in early March and kept in the news by several data breaches since then, including a major loss of data by TJX Corp. subsidiary Marshall's at a store in Minneapolis.

SALT LAKE CITY - With one credit union in its state mulling a conversion to a bank charter, the Utah League of Credit Unions has created a website aimed at educating members of credit unions about what would happen when such a conversion occurs.

WASHINGTON - The House last week once again approved a bill to create a new regulatory scheme for secondary mortgage market giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as the 12 Federal Home Loan Banks, but the measure has dubious prospects because of disapproval in the Senate.

Metavante Offers Rewards Program

JUNE

HAMILTON, Ontario - Seven workers who have been on strike at First Ontario Credit Union have been fired. In a letter to the employees announcing the firings, the credit union cited harassment and intimidation of other employees and members, and the forcible confinement of First Ontario CU personnel.

WASHINGTON - CUNA reported that its political action committee raised $140,000 last month and spent $64,000, helping it to build its available cash to $235,000. An unusually busy period one month prior had depleted the credit unions' largest campaign PAC to just $160,000 at the end of March. CUNA had built up almost $600,000 in cash at the height of last year's mid-term congressional elections.

HOUSTON - Debit card transactions grew 18% during 2006 among U.S.-based debit card-issuing institutions and is expected to see similar growth in 2007, according to a study commissioned by the PULSE EFT Association.

America First Credit Union, named Janny Herron manager of its Sandy branch, and Jason Henrie manager of its Hope Avenue branch.

BROOKINGS, S.D. - One bank holding company here is preparing to "aggressively" roll out a prepaid debit MasterCard that will also offer additional functionality in June and says it is seeking credit unions with which to partner.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Alabama's credit unions have launched the latest in a $400,000 media campaign aimed at both creating a more positive political climate in the state for credit unions and at driving greater membership growth.

SALT LAKE CITY - With one credit union in its state mulling a conversion to a bank charter, the Utah League of Credit Unions has created a website aimed at educating members of credit unions about what would happen when such a conversion occurs.

Throughout 2007, the Credit Union Journal, in conjunction with ENCORE Card Services, are 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. For info: visit www.encore-ecs.coop.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - NCUA proposed new regulations last week that would return the federal credit union regulator to the business of enforcing bylaw disputes.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - NCUA's effort to open up the internal workings of credit unions to members appears to be running into some opposition, with several prominent credit union managers expressing their disapproval.

ONTARIO, Calif. - With Americans making big plans to travel this summer, there will be plenty of competition to capture their little payments.

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Discover Network has introduced four card products that seek to reward loyal members, expand its own brand in the credit card market and offer credit unions a turnkey program with minimal startup hassles.