WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – When it comes to annual reports there is no set format. In fact NAFCU, the association hosting the conference here in Vancouver doesn't technically produce a "typical" annual report but rather focuses exclusively on the financials. The report is available online and copies are printed and provided to members before the annual conference. "Our financial report is not meant to be an exhaustive look at the association," said NAFCU Vice President of Communications Jay Morris. "And if there is a theme this year, we tried to feature some quotes from members about our accomplishments this past year in terms of service and regulatory issues. They're nice testimonials." According to Morris, members are kept up to date on NAFCU program highlights throughout the year via e-mail updates, the annual member directory and a number of publications they currently receive. Here is a look at other interpretations of the annual report: NCUA As NCUA is directed in the Federal Credit Union Act to communicate each calendar year to Congress, the annual report is used primarily to fulfill that communications requirement. The report is distributed to the President of the United States, Speaker of the House, the Senate, ranking committee members, and a few others on Capitol Hill. Since the basic layout remains the same for the most part, a team of four is faced with the creative challenge over the course of six months of brainstorming, fact checking and revising to ensure the report design makes an impact. With a constant emphasis on building NCUA's public profile, this year's cover features the NCUA logo and colors while the back page showcases the NCUA labels that are found on teller windows of federally insured credit unions. Another subtle change from last year is that NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson is seated in the chair this year rather than then-chairman Dennis Dollar-it was a guess that proved to foreshadow future board structure. Alternatives Federal Credit Union To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, Alternatives FCU decided to breathe new life into its annual report by playing up the idea of helping members travel the path to financial self-sufficiency. Formatted to resemble the popular AAA Triptik Guides the annual report is wirebound and each step along the "credit path" is represented by stories from various departments in some 30 pages. Rather than talk about the year and the credit union's progress Alternatives FCU shared each of its services offered. The last page of the report features a portrait of every staffer including contact information. Some 5,500 copies were printed and the reports are used primarily as an educational tool. Southeast Corporate FCU An in-house public relations and advertising team found a way to visually tie a reflections theme to Southeast Corporate FCU's goals, accomplishments and core values in this annual report. Using images snapped around its own backyard, the team transformed the local Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park into a report that echoes the corporate's past, present and future through nature. For example, technology is expressed in nature by incorporating a computer's circuitry with vines entwined in the bark of a tree. The report, which is used for recruiting throughout the year, is mailed to all members and other corporates. A version is also available online. Portland Teachers Credit Union Citing that "a chart is worth a thousand words", Portland Teachers CU's slim six -page report speaks volumes. Wanting to provide members a picture that immediately communicates a comparison of facts and illustrates trends the streamlined report manages to cover all pertinent data without looking too busy. About 2,500 copies were printed and the report is used as both an educational and marketing piece. Georgia Federal Credit Union Since recently moving into a brand new headquarters, Georgia FCU opted to play up a construction theme that would serve a dual purpose of reinforcing the credit union's expansion efforts and the idea that GFCU is there to help members "build a strong financial future". To that end several images from a brick to represent the credit union's strength, to board directors in hard hats and the various stages of the headquarter development is interspersed with vital facts and figures throughout the compact report which is primarily used for marketing. United Heritage Credit Union Who says everything has to be bigger to be better in Texas? Wanting a report that would be easy to mail out United Heritage CU went in a smaller and more horizontal direction for its annual report. About the size of a statement stuffer, the report simply highlights how the credit union has grown over the past year and the 2,500 copies have proven to be an effective tool in converting potential members into UHCU members.