Santa is paying an early visit to Connecticut credit union leagues this week: He brings not only a Christmas card and cheers but the 2010 dues bill.

For the second year in a row, staffers from the Credit Union League of Connecticut are making personal visits to all 123 member CUs "to thank them for their membership loyalty and participation throughout 2009″ but also offering holiday greetings and hand delivering the dues notices.

League officials said the meetings with CU managements will continue into next week and are meant "not to be patronizing" but to demonstrate genuine gratitude for CU program support and to show "providing uncommon, superior member service during a tough economy often means good business, setting an organization apart from its competition."