In the face of widespread power outages and supply shortages, credit unions are doing everything from offering low-interest emergency loans to providing bottled water and hot meals.

The Edwardsville, Illinois, credit union has agreed to merge with South Division Credit Union in Illinois. The deal comes shortly after Scott agreed to buy Tempo Bank.

The creators hope CU Offers, which lists discounts at local and national businesses, will attract new members and strengthen ties with existing ones. But observers are skeptical that it will drive real growth or inspire frequent use.

Massages, a "bring your dog to work" policy, telemedicine and Zoom happy hours help these credit unions strike the right balance between work and personal needs.

These credit unions range offer perks such as higher starting wages, on-site training and annual bonuses. They also foster a sense of community with game nights, holiday parties and birthday celebrations.

Employees of these credit unions, the largest of this year's Best Credit Unions to Work For, get perks such as one-on-one meetings with the CEO, time off to volunteer, and better loan rates.

Hoping to slow the pace of deals, the Independent Community Bankers of America is urging lawmakers to impose a tax on credit unions that acquire small banks. One credit union CEO called the proposal a "gimmick."

As more banks and fintechs offer installment loans at the point of sale, CO-OP Financial Services and PSCU are designing products to allow credit unions to compete in this market as well.

Regulators are calling for creative alternatives to the arduous de novo process. Pairing groups that want to open credit unions with lagging institutions would be quicker and could help preserve the sector, one credit union service organization says.

Increased access to telehealth visits. Cash incentives to get vaccinated. Bring your dog to work — every day. These credit unions, though still providing traditional team-building fun and games, have taken extra steps this year to cater to the needs of employees.

After the state’s mask mandate was lifted, Michigan First Credit Union said it would no longer allow masks in its stand-alone branches, citing security concerns. Following an outcry from some members, the credit union updated its rule to allow clear face coverings.

Many credit unions with less than $100 million of assets struggle with marketing and technology. Larger ones are willing to lend support, and the Credit Union National Association is working to dispel fears that prospective mentors are simply looking for takeover targets.

Board diversity is one of the reasons that credit unions outperform banks in hiring women for the role of chief executive. “It starts at the top," says Jan Page, president and CEO of Community South Credit Union in Florida.

Local financial institutions have fewer branches than big banks, and closing even one location makes it harder for them to serve their communities.

Alabama Credit Union's agreement to buy Security Federal Savings Bank, a small commercial lender, renews lingering questions about whether small banks are prey for tax-advantaged credit unions.

Two upstate New York credit unions are combining to create an $8 billion-asset institution, continuing a trend of bigger deals driven by a need to match the scale and technological capability of rival banks.

The industry wants the National Credit Union Administration to shelve its risk-based capital regime. Instead the agency is proposing to let institutions opt out if they meet a net-worth requirement.

The gap is widening between the $144 billion-asset Navy Federal Credit Union and the rest of the industry. That’s putting pressure on smaller credit unions to bulk up through acquisitions in hopes of remaining relevant.

The organizations that received charters this year emphasize digital access and remote work, and aim to address the economic disparities highlighted by the pandemic and the nationwide wave of racial justice protests.

The Treasury Department is awarding $1.25 billion to 863 community development financial institutions through the Rapid Response Program, which allows banks and credit unions to earmark funds for mortgages and business loans in underserved markets.