LAS VEGAS — With the manner in which credit unions and their members interact changing with every technological development, CUs need to master the art of outreach.

Credit unions are increasingly investing in newer software and technologies. In fact, research shows that more than a third of credit unions in the range of $50 million to $100 million now have mobile apps.

Last week, a D.C. District Court Judge struck down a lawsuit brought by shareholders in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who had been seeking to stop the government from taking the profits from the two agencies.

Earlier this year, Credit Union Journal invited credit unions of all sizes from across the nation to participate — at no cost — in a study conducted for us by the Best Companies Group, which yielded the ranking we feature in this issue's Special Report.

LOS ANGELES — It's taken six long years, but credit unions in the Golden and Silver States finally have something to celebrate when they gather here this week for their annual meeting: momentum.

WASHINGTON — From her first job at a small credit union to her current job in Congress, Barbara Lee has been working to help credit unions in one form or another.

The Best Credit Unions to Work for offer creative incentive plans, engage their employees in decision-making, provide perks designed to improve health and wellness, and create regular outlets for fun and games. Here's at look at those who do it best.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court could have a say in how regulators issue guidance on interpretive rules that are not subject to notice and comment, which could have ramifications for NCUA and the credit union community.

Hawaii First Federal Credit Union received the Annual Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Convening's Circle of Honor Award.

SAN DIEGO — Volunteer directors have many duties at their credit unions, but according to NCUA Vice Chairman Rick Metsger one of the most important is being a watchdog for the CU.

The Opportunity Finance Network will award the 2014 Ned Gramlich Award for lifetime achievement to Bill Bynum, CEO of Hope Enterprise Corporation/Hope Credit Union. Bynum will receive the award Thursday at OFN's annual conference.

Credit unions and banks are having pressure complying with regulatory requirements when it comes to managing risk, according to a study from Wolters Kluwer Financial Services.

RALEIGH, N.C. — State Employees' Credit Union on Tuesday got a jump on the capital plans and stress tests scheduled to be required of larger credit unions starting early next year by announcing it has "proactively adopted a new capital plan commensurate with recently published NCUA guidelines."

WYOMISSING, Pa. — Patricia Zyma has been named president and CEO of Utilities Employees CU here, succeeding recently retired CEO Glen Yeager.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Weldon "Butch" Leonardson, a former credit union VP, has been selected to lead Cornerstone Advisors' new IT leadership development efforts.

EDINBURG, Texas—County and Municipal Employees CU here was liquidated on Friday by the Texas CU Department, with NCUA named as liquidating agent.

A quick look at who's climbing the credit union ladder.

Oak Ridge, Tennessee — Tennessee Members 1st Federal Credit Union has selected Rick Mikels to be its new president and CEO.

The cost to originate is at an all-time high, forcing many credit unions to re-think their lending operations.

When I shared with friends of mine at credit unions that I'd soon be joining CUNA as the new president and CEO, they told me I'd be diving into a financial services pool that is swirling with both opportunity and challenge.