NAFCU DNC Event Poster, University NAFCU Brochure Honored

ARLINGTON, Va.-NAFCU won two silver awards and one bronze for materials the association put out for an event NAFCU co-hosted at the Democratic National Convention and another announcing University NAFCU in the 2004 Association TRENDS All-Media Contest. NAFCU won a silver award for a promotional item, calendar or poster for its poster advertising the “Rock and Roll Late Night in honor of Senator Tom Carper” (D-Del.) at the DNC. The event, a concert by Little Feat, took place July 26 and was attended by over 900 people. The poster also won a bronze in the post sub-category. NAFCU’s other silver award winner was a brochure announcing University NAFCU-the association’s online school-launched in January. Print items were judged on appearance, layout, style, content, appropriateness and effectiveness. Bonus points could also be awarded for other things that were unique or particularly interesting, according to Association TRENDS magazine, which sponsored the program. Contest awards will be presented February 10 at the Capital Hilton in Washington, D.C. Nevada Bankers Express Frustration Over CU Biz Loan Success LAS VEGAS – Some Nevada community bankers recently expressed their frustration with the growing number of credit unions that are offering business loans. According to a Dec. 25 article from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, owners of a local Dairy Queen took their business to $167 million Community One FCU when it offered to match the bank rate on a loan secured by their business’s equipment and furniture. When Eric Gray questioned the bank’s request for personal financial information despite having a history on current payments, officials agreed they didn’t need the additional information. Still, the bank kept sending letters of request for the personal information, Gray complained. “I just got tired of their nonsense,” Gray told the publication. Community One officials “haven’t hassled us at all.” Alan Hughes, president/CEO of Community One told the publication “credit unions have always been able to make business loans.” Hughes is referring to the cap which limits CU business loans to 12.25% of their assets. Before 1998, CUs could make such loans without any caps. “They will not be happy until they have full banking powers while retaining the exemption from paying taxes,” said Bill Martin, chief executive officer of Nevada State Bank told the publication. “They don’t pay jack,” Tod Little, chief executive officer of Silver State Bank in Henderson said in the article. “It’s not right, and it’s not fair. I don’t think anybody in the banking business is against the credit unions if they would follow their original mission, which is to serve people of small means.” The publication also cites Nevada FCU and Clark County CU among those offering business loans. Bill Ferrence, manager of Boulder Dam CU, says business loans have been a success because of “rates, terms, (and) service” while Nevada FCU President/CEO Brad Beal believes CUs aren’t “cornering the market,” – adding that total loans are “miniscule” adding to “a tiny fraction of 1 percent.” [email protected]