Act now to urge protection for credit unions concerning interchange
Urgent action by credit unions is needed to shape a proposed new rule on interchange fees from the Federal Reserve Board that, in its current form, would not only strain credit unions’ balance sheets, but also increase costs for credit union members. FULL STORY

Reminder: CUNA seeks comments on NCUA Corporate CU rule changes
CUNA has asked credit unions to comment on the National Credit Union Administration’s final corporate credit union proposal that would, among other things, prohibit natural person credit unions from maintaining membership in more than one corporate at any time. Comments must be submitted by Jan. 14. FULL STORY

The League readies for launch of new Compliance Specialist Program
Because of the current regulatory burden plaguing credit unions of all sizes, The League has set out to provide relief by readying its new fee-based Compliance Specialist Program, which is ready to launch in January 2011. FULL STORY

The REAL Focus: Credit unions show their dedication for financial education
In the latest REAL Focus column, Jill Weber, The League's Director of Member Solutions, shares the latest on the National Institute of Financial & Economic Literacy, student run branches and the brass|STUDENT program. FULL STORY

League Board nominations for Regions 1, 3 & 5 due Feb. 15
Those interested in running for The League Board in Region 1, Region 3 or Region 5 must have their nomination forms into The League by Feb. 15. To be eligible, the person must be a Director, President, Senior Vice President or Executive Vice President of a League member credit union within the class or region that person is to represent. Nomination forms can be obtained by contacting Karen Raether at (800) 242-0833, Ext. 6021 and must be submitted between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15. All candidates must be nominated by the president or chair of their credit union and obtain seconding signatures by two other credit unions within the region.

League’s Compliance services helped CUs deal with regulatory updates
The League’s Compliance services were one of the most in-demand services in 2010. Our assistance in this area helped reduce credit unions’ exposure to legal liability, better prepare credit unions for visits by regulators and encourage proactive steps to protect the credit union and its members from legal issues that have the potential to affect income, member service, reputation and more. FULL STORY

League’s consulting services helped CUs address complex issues in 2010
The League’s consultants were busy in 2010 offering support, ideas, knowledge, referrals and more to address a diverse array of complex issues affecting credit unions’ operations, service and financial performance. FULL STORY

The League's new YP blog touts importance of attending GAC
Young Professionals curious about why they should attend the State GAC, Jan. 25-26 in Madison, should check out The League's new blog at wi.crash.coop. The blog post outlines why advocacy on all levels and by all levels of credit union staff and volunteers is important to the strength of the movement. The blog also gives young professionals and first time attendees a glimpse into what to expect while attending the conference.

Reminder: State GAC hotel room block release dates nearing
Don't miss your chance to save money on your hotel room for the State GAC, Jan. 25-26 in Madison. FULL STORY

Ca$h Calendar raises almost $12,000 for The Foundation
The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation’s December Ca$h Calendar fundraiser was a huge success, raising close to $12,000 in support of Foundation programs like the brass|STUDENT Program, as well as grants and scholarships for credit union development. With over 1,600 calendars sold, the raffle fundraiser made the holidays a little more festive for its winners. Thanks to everyone who participated!

The League makes it easier to get training with Webinars On Demand
The League is making it easier for credit union staff and volunteers to get important training in 2011 through its Webinars On Demand. FULL STORY

Madison Credit Union also celebrates 75th anniversary in 2011
Many Wisconsin credit unions will be celebrating important milestones in 2011, including Madison Credit Union, which will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. The credit union was erroneously omitted from our Anniversary list published in the Dec. 16 League News. Congratulations on reaching this impressive milestone!

Help members avoid costly tax refund loans by promoting freetaxrefund.org
Remind members that they don’t need to use expensive tax refund loans to get their refund quickly. Instead they can get their refund fast and for free via direct deposit to their credit union account. FULL STORY

League’s VP of CU Development re-elected to Cooperative Network Board
Jim Drogue, The League’s Vice President of Credit Union Development, was re-elected to the Cooperative Network 2010-'11 Board of Directors as Treasurer. FULL STORY

Wesenberg re-elected to CUNA Board
Pat Wesenberg, Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union, has been re-elected to the CUNA Board of Directors representing District 4, Class A, which includes credit unions from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin with less than 21,000 natural person members. FULL STORY

Get local schools involved in the National Financial Capability Challenge
Proper financial education for youth is not only critical to their futures, but the future financial stability of our country as well. That is why it is important for credit unions to urge local teachers to participate in the National Financial Capability Challenge, offered by the U.S. Treasury Department and the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy. The challenge is designed to increase the financial knowledge and capability of high-school aged youth across the United States by helping youth take control of their financial future by learning more about personal finance. It also challenges teachers and schools to incorporate financial education into their curricula. This year’s challenge will be held March 7 - April 8, but teachers can begin registering now.

Plan early for the 2011 National Credit Union Youth Week
While April is still many months away, now is the perfect time to start planning your events for the 2011 Youth Week and Saving Challenge. This year’s theme will be "music," with the slogan Moneyrocks@mycreditunion. And to reflect the Youth Savings Challenge held throughout April, the 2011 Youth Week will have less emphasis of the actual week in April and more on a month-long celebration. FULL STORY

Late-breaking headlines

• Applications now being accepted for 2011 Crash the CUNA GAC - deadline Jan. 14
• Third Quarter 2010 Wisconsin Profile now available
• CUNA accepting entries for 2011 HR/TD Excellence Awards - deadline Jan. 14
• CUNA report finds that increased member loyalty leads to increased loan volume