Community Service

Credit unions obtained their tax exemption from Congress on June 15, 1937, in an amendment to the Federal Credit Union Act of 1934—with little difficulty or fanfare. It was enacted that December. The Bridge, forerunner of Credit Union Magazine, briefly recounts: “In its original form the Federal Act permitted the... READ MORE

Judy Dahl Award-winning community CUs serve all members, not just some. The key to community credit union success is “staying focused on why we’re here—to serve members. We have to be a sustaining resource to [members],” says Rick Hein, CEO of $540 million asset OSU Federal Credit Union, Corvallis, Ore.... READ MORE

Mary Mink   Texas CU League helps rebuild after Hurricane Ike.   HURRICANE IKE— the third most destructive hurricane in U.S. history, killing 82 people and causing $27 billion in damage—compromised 256 Texas credit union locations and their employees’ homes in September.   Credit union damage totaled $10.2 million, with 90%... READ MORE

' When you get entrenched in the CU ... there’s no other place for you. ' Carla Hedrick is surprised to hear herself described as a “fierce credit union advocate.”   But the president/CEO of $212 million asset Denver Community Federal Credit Union likes it. “I guess it’s because I’m passionate when... READ MORE

America's CUs: For the People for 100 Years November 1, 2008 By Lucy Harr In the coming months, America's credit unions will celebrate the 100th anniversary of their U.S. origins. Just as the ancient Romans built stone pillars—milestones—to mark their progress on the Appian Way, historical milestones allow us to... READ MORE

Kenyan CUs Succeed Despite Unrest October 1, 2008 Editor's note: Watch WOCCU's Erick Sile explain Kenyan CU development and detail the post-election unrest that affected much of the country.   By Rick Roseneck   In the aftermath of deadly riots that broke out in Kenya at the end of 2007,... READ MORE

Saul Gonzalez stops his motorcycle and slips on white rubber boots and black waders. A swollen stream covers the road ahead, and the Caja Popular Mexicana (CPM) field officer must find the best crossing point. He's en route to the remote... READ MORE

October 1, 2008 By Bill Merrick U.S. credit union executives seeking insights into Mexican culture and marketing strategies—or who simply want to brush up on their Spanish—have a training option that combines Spanish classes, visits to Mexican credit unions, and a home stay with a Mexican family. The World Council... READ MORE

Lessons Learned From Microfinance August 1, 2008 By Beth Stetenfeld Did you know: Forty percent to 60% of the world's population is unbanked; Twenty eight million people in the U.S. have no financial account relationship; and About 45 million people—19% of U.S. households—have account relationships but continue to use various... READ MORE

Want Growth? Do Right By Members August 1, 2008 By Michelle Cunningham What's the key to member growth? It's doing the right thing by members, according to Rudy Hanley, president/CEO of SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union (formerly Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union), Santa Ana, Calif. Hanley presented his ideas on... READ MORE