Community First CU shares first place in NCUF Video Contest
Community First Credit Union and Spectrum Credit Union of California tied for first place in the National Credit Union Foundation’s Video Testimonial Contest, each receiving exactly 699 votes. A member of the Gregory family who appeared in the Community First Credit Union video and the member of Spectrum Credit Union, as well as a representative from each credit union and each League will travel to Washington, D.C., to take part in the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards Dinner in February. FULL STORY

Mark your calendars! Important dates upcoming for RP3 participants
RP3 participants have several important dates to remember over the coming weeks. The first being Dec. 31, which is the deadline for fall session participants to complete course work. FULL STORY

National and state-level award winning CUs to be recognized this spring
The League will recognize the winners of the 2009 Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring and Desjardins awards during upcoming chapter meetings.
FULL STORY

From Red to Black: Does your credit union have a Succession Plan?
In the latest From Red to Black column, Bill Rockeman, left, The League's Senior Consultant, and Jeremy Yardley, The League's Consultant, talk about the importance of succession planning. FULL STORY

Foundation scholarships help CU staff better serve members
The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation has dedicated itself to the professional development and continued education of credit union staff and volunteers through its Professional Development Scholarship. FULL STORY

The League’s 2009 Year in Review: Part 3 of 4
In 2009, The League’s in-person, telephone and Internet programs helped to better equip front line staff, board members and management to fulfill their roles. FULL STORY

Compliance changes lead credit unions into 2010
The compliance changes keep coming. Here’s a look at a few recent developments and upcoming compliance deadlines for 2010. FULL STORY

Save money on the State GAC with some great deals from The League
The recession has affected everyone, which makes it especially important to attend The League’s 2010 State GAC, Jan. 19-20 in Madison so that you can share with lawmakers how your credit union is helping members through these hard times. The State GAC is credit unions’ exclusive opportunity to educate lawmakers about the credit union difference, and by taking part you help protect the movement from harmful legislation. FULL STORY

Tell your members how to get a fast and free tax refund via direct deposit
Every one of Wisconsin's 2.2 million credit union members can save money during the 2010 tax season by using his or her savings account for direct deposit of a tax refund. Place a link to www.freetaxrefund.org on your member website to share this message easily. The site explains how filers can use an existing account (or open one) to use direct deposit whether they file online, using software on their home computer or by visiting any one of the free tax preparation assistance sites around the state where credit union volunteers help to facilitate direct deposit.

Let your marketing campaign shine in the 2010 Diamond Awards!
Get recognized for your innovative marketing efforts with the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council’s 2010 Diamond Awards. Entries for this year’s awards are due to the Council by 5 p.m. on Jan. 15. Award winners will be honored at the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council Conference, March 21-24.

Help youth “get in the savings game” - Plan early for 2010 Youth Week
Now is the perfect time to start planning for the 2010 National Credit Union Youth Week, April 18-24. The 2010 theme will be “Get in the Savings Game at a Credit Union.” Also, don’t forget to include the National Credit Union Savings Challenge, which runs throughout April, in your credit union’s plans. Last year, more than 6,500 youth deposited $383,503 in credit union accounts as part of the challenge. That’s close to $60 saved per participant! Participating Wisconsin credit unions also opened more than 430 new youth accounts.

Late-breaking headlines

• Wisconsin Profile for third quarter now available
• Youth marketing is focus of CUNA Council white paper