NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- Credit unions should focus on a few mortgage products, do them well and become go-to experts on the housing market in their local media.

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- NCUA Vice Chairman Rodney Hood said today he is optimistic about the future of the credit union system, but urged people in the movement to make themselves stronger by focusing on offering great products and financial education.

NCUA Chairwoman Designate Debbie Matz promised lawmakers today she would ensure the agency issues rules that provide "appropriate safeguards and sufficient opportunities for credit unions to thrive."

Reminding current and prospective member credit unions about the association's value, NAFCU is using a new tagline to describe itself in public relations and advertising vehicles.

It won't have the drama or high profile of a Supreme Court confirmation, but the Senate Banking Committee was scheduled to hold a hearing July 22 on the nomination of Deborah Matz as NCUA Board chairman.

CUNA and NAFCU have been tightening their respective belts in response to the recession. They've also ramped up programs to help credit unions do the same.

Nearly half of small businesses still rely on traditional methods to promote their companies even though many of them are establishing a presence on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and MySpace, according to a survey.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The NCUA was busy rearranging buckets in its budget, but overall it did not increase credit unions' expenses during last week's board meeting.