Ann Brinkerhoff raises some very thoughtful issues. Not all credit unions are in a position to become their members' primary financial institution, nor would they want to be. Some small credit unions may be better off as a kind of corner grocery store - not a financial supermarket - specializing...

Just got through reading Mike Welch's May 23rd publisher's column on corporates. Thanks for the good words. And thanks to Credit Union Times for the excellent special report taking note of corporate credit unions as a player in the industry. Sometimes I think that the corporate network is taken for...

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alabama CU League and its Financial Marketing Group division have formed an exclusive distribution agreement with Marketing Solutions, Inc., that calls for FMG to be the exclusive distributor of MSI's CONNECTIONS financial management and marketing software. According to the League, CONNECTIONS, will assist CUs in targeting...

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -From the interior design layout to color and textures selected, more credit unions are encouraging members to make themselves at home. This "open house" approach comes equipped to please with large screen televisions tuned to CNN or local/national news; comfortable sofas; Internet access; several interactive centers;...

CALABASAS, Calif. -The nearly $3 billion American Airlines Federal Credit Union, Dallas, has signed with Internet solutions firm Digital Insight to offer a number of DI products to its 190,000 members. American Airlines FCU will deploy DI's AXIS platform, which includes Internet banking, bill payment, and access to online statements...

WASHINGTON-According to credit union analysts, the trend toward a more consolidated credit union community will continue well into the future. Smaller credit unions, as well as federally chartered credit unions, are particularly affected by this environment. "This trend is going to continue on for some time," said NAFCU Director of...

FARMERS BRANCH, Texas - As firsts go, last month's 12-League-sponsored live interactive Webcast on "Understanding Federal Account Insurance" lacked as much in hassle, drama and distraction as it offered in information. Consensus is that it left an inordinate amount of time for training, and provided very little of the traditional...

Credit unions are looking for ways to increase their membership while retaining current members. They are carefully reviewing all delivery channels available to them, whether it is the Internet, ATMs, Voice Response Units, existing branch facilities or the possibility of opening new locations. In order to accomplish these objectives, credit...