LAS VEGAS - There's money to be made in check cashing, and credit unions considering a plunge into the field can expect profit margins ranging from 12-30% with a breakeven level coming within six weeks. That is the assessment of a former check/payday loan executive who spoke on check cashing...

LAS VEGAS - Two things are certain about business lending in credit unions: it provides diversification for eroding consumer loans, and merger-driven commercial banks have opened huge windows for growth. And something else: new deposit relationships are springing up. Those were some conclusions drawn from CU executives discussing their heightened...

FORT WORTH, Texas - As its sponsor undergoes a serious shakedown teetering on bankruptcy, American Airlines Federal Credit Union has unveiled a broad-reaching counseling program utilizing loan staff to assist members in coping with "financial stress." The CU itself remains financially sound, but management has been working hard over recent...

SALT LAKE CITY - Though not unexpected following the narrow defeat of the state's credit union tax bill in March, the dual chartering system in Utah started unraveling at a quickened pace following NCUA approval of three federal charter applications including the state's largest, the $2.6 billion America First CU...

DUBUQUE, Iowa - It's a rare, probably unique breed among credit union entities - a national bank for CU trust services - but its organizers contend the venture, now in its third year, is succeeding surpassing $160 million in fiduciary assets under management. "This is a company that has gone...

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - When it comes to making real estate loans or joining participations, "stay local or at least within your own state." That's the advice of Charles F. Emmer, president and CEO of Ent Federal Credit Union here, who spoke on a business loan panel at the annual...

WICHITA, Kan. - In a community reliant on the economic fortunes of the aircraft industry, Boeing Wichita Credit Union knows full well the difficulties of coping with bankruptcies and delinquencies. Late though it has made its "Financial Guidance" program a centerpiece of a program dealing with mounting layoffs. "We're pretty...

SPOKANE, Wash. - Two Spokane credit unions have hit upon what is being described as a "unique and creative" fundraising promotion: collect old cell phones and use the proceeds from recycling them to support needy youngsters. Taking part in the project linked to the Children's Miracle Network charity are Spokane...