"The success of FMS depends upon the quality of its volunteer leadership," said FMS CEO Dick Yingst. "We are confident that Cady's election will enhance the success of the association and further our ability to serve the industry."

FMS is the only association devoted exclusively to serving financial professionals from community banks, thrifts and credit unions.

Atlanta Black Chamber Taps 1st Choice CU

ATLANTA — 1st Choice Credit Union has been chosen by the Atlanta Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce as the financial services provider for the member companies it represents.

"It is a natural fit to provide financial services to this organization's membership," said Sheilah Montgomery, president/CEO of the $17 million 1st Choice. "Mr. [Michael] Hill's vision for the organization is in line with the credit union movement's motto of people helping people." Hill is president/CEO of the chamber.

The alliance announcement took place at a July 24 breakfast ceremony at historic Paschal's Restaurant in Atlanta. Opened in 1959 by brothers James and Robert Paschal, the restaurant became a key gathering place for civil rights leaders such as Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ralph David Abernathy and student activists from neighboring colleges in the 1960s.

Michigan First CU Holds
Enterprise Car Sale Event

LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. — Michigan First Credit Union partnered with Enterprise Car Sales to hold a "Dreams Come True" car sale event.

The event took place Aug. 1-2 and provided members the opportunity to look into purchasing a previously owned vehicle.

"The members who take advantage of these sales seem to overwhelmingly enjoy their purchasing experience. You won't find pushy salesmen trying to get you into a car you can't afford," said Michael Poulos, president/CEO of Michigan First. "We help you determine what price range is best for you and help you through your purchase from beginning to end."

Aug. 1 was the VIP first choice sale and preapproved members received $300 in free gas, a 60 days no payment option and two fee Detroit Tigers tickets. Non-preapproved members received $100 in free gas, a 60 days no payment option and two free Detroit Tigers tickets. On the second day of the sale, all members purchasing a vehicle received $100 in free gas, the no payment option and two free tickets.

"The preapproval process made it very easy to buy a car at the sale because I knew exactly how much money I had to work with," said Lisa Canty, a Michigan First member who previously took advantage of one of its care sale events. "I wanted a good, affordable car and that's what I got."

Michigan First typically holds at least three car sales each year. In May 2008, 66 vehicles were sold.

Corporate White Paper
Explores Remote Deposit

PLANO, Texas — To assist credit unions in understanding what it takes to implement and maintain a successful remote deposit program for business members, Southwest Corporate Federal Credit Union has published a new white paper entitled, "Remote Deposit for Small Business: Greater Convenience Should Not Mean Less Service."

The paper examines characteristics of businesses that might be most receptive to remote deposit and how remote deposit fits into a complete business services portfolio. It also explores the future of remote deposit technology and identifies factors to consider when evaluating service providers.

One concern occasionally expressed by credit unions about remote deposit is the loss of personal contact with members, according to Southwest Corporate. Credit unions have always prided themselves on providing better-than-bank customer service. The paper looks at maintaining that personal touch, and cross-sell additional services, when business members handle their financial services remotely.

The white paper also includes recommendations for building a new business model for member service, interviews with operational and marketing experts, and comments from a credit union that believes it is creating greater member loyalty with remote deposit.

To receive a free copy of the white paper, contact Chris Bruce at 972-703-7843 or [email protected].

Mortgagebot Deployed
At Family First FCU

OREM, Utah — Family First Federal Credit Union has begun using the Internet-based lending application solution from Mortgagebot LLC.

The solution allows the $173 million credit union to take and complete applications online, by phone, from a loan officer's laptop or at a branch–including preapproval and disclosure documents–in about 20 minutes, the company and credit union said.

The Mortgagebot software also helps members decide between various loan options.

"Credit unions typically have first crack at the loan with their members and being able to provide access to the lending department 24/7 will ensure us the opportunity to best assist our members in determining what mortgage option best meets their needs during this volatile time in the industry," said Dick Chappell, president and CEO of 25,000-member Family First FCU (www.family1stcu.com).

Mequon, Wis.-based Mortgagebot (www.mortgagebot.com) provides Internet lending services to more than 750 financial institutions and that originate more than $4 billion in mortgage applications each month, the company said.

NAFCU Caucus Draws
Lawmakers, Officials

WASHINGTON — Fannie Mae Chairman/CEO Daniel Mudd and Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.), a leading credit union supporter on Capitol Hill, are among the confirmed speakers at NAFCU's Congressional Caucus in September.

The caucus, scheduled to take place Sept. 14-17 in Washington, will include speeches and the chance for attendees to lobby members of the congressional delegation from their state. The keynote speech will be given by NBC White House Correspondent David Gregory.

So far, 11 lawmakers have accepted invitations to speak: Reps. Michele Bachmann,(R-Minn.)., Judy Biggert (R-Ill.), William Lacy Clay (D-Mo)., Lincoln Davis (D-Tenn.), Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), Walter Jones (R-N.C.), Kanjorski, Patrick McHenry(R-N.C.), Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.), Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) and Melvin Watt(D-N.C.).

Early registration for the caucus, which includes discounts on registration, runs through Aug. 4. For additional information or to register go to: www.nafcu.org.

Mass. CU Tops Off Tanks

WORCESTER, Mass. — What better way to give back to the community than rolling back gas prices?

On July 22, the price of gas at a local Gulf gas station was just $1.99, courtesy of Digital Federal Credit Union.

The move is the credit union's way of thanking the community and has not only generated lots of smiles from grateful drivers but also positive media coverage.

To date, this story has been broadcast on every Boston news station, two television stations in Springfield, Mass., and New England Cable News. The story was also featured nationally on the "CBS Evening News with Katie Couric."

DCU has also been featured prominently in The Boston Globe and Worcester Magazine. In addition, credit unions across the country have contacted DCU to learn how the promotion was conducted and determine how they can implement similar promotions in their communities.

"For less than the cost of a direct mail campaign, the one-day promotion where we pumped 7,429 gallons of gas at $1.99, has translated into hundreds of thousands of dollars of free publicity for DCU locally, regionally, and nationally allowing us to reach members and potential members with all the innovative services that DCU has to offer," said John LaHair, DCU public relations manager.