Practice management

When financial advisers are working with clients to figure out their retirement strategy, they need to factor in inflation into the mix. But the question is, how does one decide what inflation is likely to be years into the future when there are so many different ways to measure it even in the present?

SEATTLE – Members of Watermark CU on Wednesday approved a merger with Sound CU in Tacoma, which will form the fifth-largest credit union in Washington state with almost $1.2 billion in assets.

LEWISTON, Idaho-Bigger has proven better for Potlatch No. 1 FCU here, which has averaged 11.69% average annual growth over the past five years.

AUGUSTA, Maine – Maine credit unions have launched an extensive summer radio campaign promoting the CU24 SURF ATM Network.

FORT WORTH, Texas – American Airlines FCU said it is cutting its overdraft fees in certain instances all the way to one cent, as part of its new Bounce ProtectionPlus.

The tech team at Fidelity Institutional Wealth Services this week has come up with a new way to help prevent independent financial advisers from enjoying their vacations: a new smart phone app that allows them to open client accounts and do electronic trading for clients from anywhere.

Wealth management firms are risking losing clients to competitors, losing a chance to gain new business through client referrals and are missing opportunities to deepen relationships with existing high-net-worth investors, according to a new study by Aite Group, an independent Boston-based research and advisory firm focused on the financial services industry.

WICHITA, Kan. – Credit Union Of America said it plans to acquire First Choice CU to create a credit union with $450 million in assets and 45,000 members.

CASPER, Wyo.-There may not be a way to illustrate how a positive member experience impacts growth and the bottom line, but one CEO claims that is precisely what has helped to drive her CU's growth over the past half decade.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Area Teachers CU, a $500 million credit union widely known as MATCU, is hanging out new signs to reflect its name change to Orion FCU.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – NuVision FCU is rolling out a new promotion aimed at attracting more young people with the message, “It’s not your father’s credit union.”

FAIRLAWN, Ohio – Towpath Community CU said it has agreed to merge with Towpath CU in nearby Akron to create a $119 million credit union serving 21,000 members.

MOON TOWNSHIP, Penn. – Clearview FCU said yesterday it completed the merger of A-K Valley FCU, a $60 million credit union in nearby Lower Burrell.

YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima Valley CU and Catholic CU said yesterday regulators have approved the combination of the two credit unions to create a regional credit union with more than $470 million in assets and 50,000 members.

PLEASANTON, Calif.-Summer vacation may have just begun, but 1st United Services Credit Union here is already thinking about back to school-or, more specifically, its "Back to Schools Challenge," which gives local institutions the chance to win as much as $10,000.

MARIETTA, Ga.-Less versus more could mean a whole lot more business for LGE Community CU here, thanks to a new commercial being aired in the region.

TOLEDO, Ohio – Four credit unions and seven banks are working together in this hard-hit Rustbelt city’s Bank on Toledo program, aimed at getting the unbanked into mainstream financial services.

VIRGINIA BEACH – Bayport CU has signed with CU Student Choice to offer the CUSO’s private student loan products.

MANSFIELD, Ohio-The $7.8-million GROhio Community CU expects to generate 75 basis points ROA this year after assessments, and it is crediting much of that to collaboration.

SAN ANSELMO, Calif.-Credit unions are spending approximately $150 per new-account acquisition, according to one new study, which found CUs increased their membership base as well as their deposits volume during the 12 months ending March 2011.