For all the success and media hype generated last February over that highly-rated and bargain Super Bowl ad, the Washington Credit Union League, as it turned out, also took a few lumps experiencing some practical, hard-earned lessons about CU branding and the need for a positive "nurturing" theme.

The nation's 9/11 commemoration on Sept. 11 brought out the best among credit unions.

Seeking to cushion against lost income from mergers, the Washington Credit Union League is pursuing an 18% boost in its dues for next year. The move comes as many state leagues absorb a squeeze on their budgets grappling with both a shrinking membership base hit by consolidations in addition to...

The Wyoming Credit Union League has joined its managing partner, the Credit Union Association of Colorado, in adopting the "association" name, also approving a bylaw change allowing out-of-state CUs to join as associate members.

Underscoring hard feelings left over from Gov. Rod Blagojevich's attempt two years ago to seize examiner funds, the Illinois Credit Union League said last week its political action committee is throwing its support to Blagojevich's Republican opponent this November.

A new education-based trade group, designed for New England credit unions, has been organized and will hold its second workshop meeting Sept. 29 in Manchester, N.H. backers of the fledgling New England Financial Executive Council announced last week.

Despite falling under NCUA conservatorship last April, the $296 million New Horizons Credit Union of Denver remains viable with no plans for a merger, at least through the end of October, according to Colorado Banking Commissioner Chris Myklebust.

The Michigan trend toward credit union mergers picked up steam last week with an announcement by two Detroit area credit unions, Research Federal Credit Union and Community Choice, of plans to combine effective in 2007 forming a $425 million credit union.