We never forget defining moments in history and where we were when they were defined. That certainly is true of the financial crisis that rocked our country's financial system, businesses and our overall economy in 2008. Like other industries, credit unions strongly felt the impact of the lack of demand for credit, mortgage foreclosures, and hits to fee income as a result of heavy regulatory burden.

Credit unions still want to remain true to their mission of providing their members with outstanding service, a full range of products and services, better rates and lower fees. All quite challenging considering the environment in which they've been doing business.

It became clear that credit unions needed innovative programs to help with loan volume, noninterest income and transaction volume for debit and credit cards. As the financial crisis wreaked havoc on other businesses, such as the U.S. automakers, it became the perfect storm that led CU Solutions Group to develop Invest in America.