Thought Leadership: Northwest States Leads the Nation in Reduction of Credit Card Debt
What has changed from 2008 through recently? Lou Grilli of Strategic Link partner CSCU shares his insights.
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Calling Oregon Credit Unions: Take Survey by Monday to Help State Increase Access to Financial Education
Oregon credit unions have an opportunity to be part of a Financial Literacy Working Group the State Treasurer is establishing in March. Fill out a quick survey by February 29 to earn a seat at this important table.
How to Manage Credit Card Products in Light of the Fed Rate Increase
The Federal Reserve’s quarter point interest rate increase late last year was a small step at the time, but is expected to produce a ripple effect. Your Strategic Link partner CSCU provides insight to help credit unions manage their products in a rising interest market.
Use CDA to Increase Giving and Boost Bottom Line
Your Strategic Link partner, CUNA Mutual Group, helps you learn more this week about how a CDA can help your credit union increase charitable donations and make those donations in the name of a board member.
Rethink Your Credit Union’s Retirement Plan Goals
CUNA Mutual Group highlights the importance of following through to make sure your employees are actually on track for retirement. Their new website helps you do just that.
Senator Wyden Introduces Bill to Increase Credit Union Lending to Small Businesses
The bill fixes a disparity in how certain real estate loans are classified, allowing credit unions to provide more capital to the small businesses that create jobs and fuel growth in our communities.
NCUA Approves Budget Increase for 2015, Up to $280 Million
The credit union regulator approved its 2015 budget by a 2-to-1 vote, increasing 4.2 percent over 2014.
NCUA Plans to Eliminate Fixed-Asset Cap
The NCUA approved a proposed rule giving regulatory relief and greater flexibility to managing fixed assets to federal credit unions. Another headline: No Stabilization Fund assessment this year.
It Was a Happy Mother’s Day for Restaurants, Bookstores and Craft Shops
Credit union members spent more money taking Mom out to eat and giving her books and crafts this year than in 2013, according to an analysis of debit card transactions by CO-OP Financial Services and Saylent.
Catalyst Strategic Solutions Offers Six Economic Signposts for the Road Ahead
Brian Turner, chief strategist for Catalyst Strategic Solutions, looks ahead to 2014 and offers six economic road signs he sees in credit unions’ future.
Increase your Branch Network to 5,000 Overnight
While credit union membership continues to grow, consumers still may not be aware of the greatest convenience that separates credit unions from banks: shared branching. Our Strategic Link business partner, CO-OP, wrote the book on shared branching. Read this short article to find out what your credit union and your members may be missing.
Increase in Energy Production Will Likely Impact Consumers and Financial Services
Energy production from shale may present opportunities for credit unions through job openings that improve deposits and loan demand, according to an energy expert scheduled to speak this fall at Catalyst’s Economic forum. Catalyst Corporate Credit Union shares details in our Strategic Link Business Partner article this week.
A Quick Look at Q1 2013: Looking Good for Northwest Credit Unions
Northwest credit unions are trending well according to an analysis of data by the NWCUA. Asset growth, ROA and net worth are increasing while charge-offs and delinquency ratios continue to decline.
CO-OP Financial Services Dividend Pool Sees 73 Percent Year-Over-Year Growth
Strategic Link business partner CO-OP Financial Services attributes its significantly larger shareholder dividend pool for fiscal year 2012 to a flurry of acquisition and partnership activity late in 2011.
Credit Union Bills Make Headway in Oregon, Washington State Legislatures
A bill that would make several NWCUA-approved changes to the Oregon Credit Union Act was referred to a state Senate committee on consumer and small-business protection, while a bill in Washington that would allow for paid credit union board members is in line for a vote after being called to the Senate floor.
Increase Member Loyalty with Mobile Payments
According to Member Access Pacific (MAP), mobile payments can be more than just an added feature for on-the-go credit union members. Credit unions can also use mobile technology to strategically build and maintain member loyalty through just a few important steps.
Strategic Link Question of the Week
Do you have any ways to help us increase our auto loan volume?
Northwest Credit Unions Outpace Banks in Year-Over-Year Deposit Increases
The most recent available data shows that Northwest credit unions’ deposit market share has remained steady in recent years, showing slight growth since 2010, while year-over-year deposit increases since 2011 show signs of economic recovery and credit union membership growth.