Practice management

COLUMBIA, S.C. — VARO No. 319 FCU is set to merge with Carolina Collegiate FCU, following a vote by VARO's members, the two credit unions announced Tuesday.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Credit unions won't get much help from a slowly recovering economy during the second half of the year, say analysts who foresee minimal GDP growth and CUs still having to slug it out to find ways to drive ROA.

LAS VEGAS — To thrive in the second half of 2014, credit unions need to do some much-needed — if slightly belated — spring cleaning.

TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Central Credit Union plans to purchase a branch of First Federal Bank of Florida.

DOTHAN, Ala. — The National Credit Union Administration Wednesday approved the sale of Flint River National Bank to $260 million Five Star CU here, and the deal is scheduled to close in early June.

Waterford, Mich. — Oakland County Credit Union and BestSource Credit Union said they will merge effective Sept. 1 to create a credit union with almost $300 million in assets, 31,000 members and six branches.

MADISON, Wis. — Millennials are struggling with debt, monthly payments and understanding financial offerings, according to a new study from the Filene Research Institute.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — NCUA wants to help credit unions navigate the M&A waters.

NEW ORLEANS — CO-OP Financial Services plans to back a multi-faceted marketing program aimed at promoting credit unions to Americans born after 1980, otherwise known as "Generation Y" or "Millennials."

NEW ORLEANS — Millennials are open to switching financial institutions, which is great news for credit unions — but only if they are prepared to act quickly.

HOUSTON — Two small credit unions in this fast-growing city have been absorbed into larger entities as the result of mergers.

Business diversity, fee income and greater operational efficiency are the three main bottom-line drivers at corporate credit unions these days.

There are two basic ways to boost the bottom line: increase profit, decrease expenses.

MIAMI — Many credit unions looking for more ways to boost the bottom line in this low-interest-rate environment are running out of options.

BREA, Calif. — South Western FCU and Credit Union of Southern California have announced their intent to merge, pending approval from state and federal regulators and SWFCU members.

WATERLOO, Iowa — Ashworth Credit Union and Veridian Credit Union plan to merge.

DOTHAN, Ala. — The proposed sale of Flint River National Bank to the $260 million Five Star CU here is a step away from completion after the Alabama CU Administration last week approved the deal.

SOMERVILLE, Mass. — CPCU Credit Union here plans to rebrand itself as Naveo CU, effective sometime this fall.

CHICAGO — A customizable website to help credit unions promote financial education made the final three at this year's CO-OP THINK Prize.

AUSTIN, Texas — Consumers, in growing numbers, are turning to mobile exclusively for their remote banking needs, and CUs are doing a better job than banks at signing up mobile users.