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FEMA Announced Grant Opportunities for Firefighting


“The life of a firefighter requires a steadfast commitment to service and demands many sacrifices, especially of time, to family and friends. Local towns deserve a shot at fair competition with large cities for the talented pool of individuals,   **** Read More; Grant Opportunities Announced for Firefighting:


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NCUA Board briefed on four topics

The NCUA Board heard briefings on four topics during its meeting Thursday, including the status of the deregulation initiative, a clarification regarding existing rules applicable to brokered and reciprocal deposit arrangements, and the agency’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and 2026 Annual Performance Plan.   Acting Director of the Office of Examination and Insurance Amanda Parkhill provided an overview of Phase 1 of the agency’s Deregulation Project, which focuses on targeted, technical changes to remove outdated or unnecessary requirements and improve clarity. The agency made it clear that the effort will likely continue into late 2026 or early 2027, evolving over time based on policy priorities and stakeholder input.   NCUA General Counsel Frank Kressman briefed the board on brokered and reciprocal deposit arrangements and the NCUA’s FAQs on this topic. The briefing demonstrated how a brokered deposit network operates with respect to low-income designated (LID) FICUs ...
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How Your Bank/Credit Union Can Fight ‘Soft Switching’ — and Even Steal a Few Accounts of Your Own

Your Members Aren't Leaving in a Huff, They're Just Fading Away. Here's How to Stop It. “Soft switching” is picking up as Americans’ financial activity continues to fragment among multiple players, according to new research from JD Power. This trend has implications both for banks and credit unions that want to retain and grow existing relationships, as well as those that would also like to expand by snapping up accounts from other institutions. Key risk:  Once someone establishes a relationship with another provider, their one-time primary financial institution risks slipping into second place — or even losing the relationship entirely. Need to Know: The average checking account customer now has three deposit accounts at different institutions, the study found. One out of five consumers moved money away from their primary financial institution in the past three months, according to the study, an increase over the 17% rate seen in the previous edition. Departures aren’t sud...
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Sunday Reading - Landmine Rat Honored

  Landmine Rat Honored   Cambodia unveiled the world’s first statue honoring a landmine-detecting rat (w/photo) Friday. Magawa the rat lived to 8 years old and identified more than 100 landmines and other explosives from 2016 to 2021.  There are more than 100 African pouched rats deployed in landmine detection operations across the world. To identify mines, the rats are trained to sniff out explosive compounds like trinitrotoluene, or TNT. (The rats are not heavy enough to trigger detonation.) In Cambodia, up to 6 million landmines remain undiscovered, most planted during three decades of conflict, from the Vietnam War era through Cambodia's civil war . Since 1979, roughly 20,000 people have been killed in Cambodia, and roughly 40,000 wounded as a result of the mines. Magawa cleared more than ...
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The Case for Sharing a CEO Between Credit Unions

  Embracing Collaboration: The Case for Sharing a CEO Between Credit Unions In recent years, credit unions have faced numerous challenges, from regulatory pressures to evolving member expectations. As many seasoned leaders retire, smaller credit unions often find themselves at a turning point. In this landscape, one innovative solution is gaining traction: sharing a CEO between two credit unions. This approach not only addresses financial constraints but also fosters collaboration and enhances service delivery. The Rationale Behind Sharing a CEO 1. Financial Sustainability One of the most pressing concerns for small credit unions is maintaining financial health amid rising operational costs. A shared CEO model alleviates the financial burden of hiring and compensating a full-time executive. By splitting salary and benefits, both credit unions can allocate resources more effectively, allowing for investment in member services, technology, and community initiatives. ...
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Open Banking Pushes Leading Credit Unions Ahead In Race For Member Loyalty

  https://youtu.be/pUIV8hwSDCE NEW YORK—Credit unions that embrace open banking aren’t just keeping pace with competitors—they’re pulling ahead, new data show. A new report finds that innovation in digital tools and personalized experiences is emerging as the decisive factor separating credit unions that win lasting member loyalty from those at risk of losing ground. “ The 2025 Credit Union Innovation Readiness Index: Closing Gaps, Winning Members ,” a June report produced in collaboration between  Velera  and PYMNTS Intelligence, underscores innovation as a defining factor for credit union success. iStock-Korakrich Suntornnites “Facing shifting expectations from both consumers and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) toward digital convenience and tailored experiences, credit unions must modernize not just to compete with traditional banks, but to remain relevant to their members. The report, based surveys of 500 credit union executives, 15,000 U.S. consumers, and nea...
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With Inflation High and Rates Rising, LAFCU Introduces New Adjustable Rate Mortgage

 LANSING, Mich. — As inflation remains high and the Fed continues to push up rates, Lansing Area FCU (LAFCU) has introduced a 10/6 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). In announcing the new offering, the $970-million credit union noted ARMs were a hallmark of the 1980s inflationary period and the mid-2000s mortgage crisis, and the product is now making a “comeback.” The loan has a fixed rate of interest for the first 10 years of the loan, after which it adjusts once every six months over the remaining 20 years. The terms apply to both new and refinanced mortgages. The Stanton familiy in their new home. “LAFCU’s 10/6 ARM loan is a low-cost ...
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Meet Spokane Firefighter Credit Union (SFCU) New President/CEO - Troy Clute

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The impact of recent bank failures could impact credit unions.

The failures of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and Signature Bank, combined with the FDIC’s decision to cover all depositors could have an impact on credit unions. With over 93% of their deposits uninsured, SVB appears to be the poster child for poor strategic planning. The bank got caught short when the Fed raised rates. For credit unions, the real story is the decision to cover ALL accounts regardless of the amount in the account. Where is the threat to credit unions? Credit unions had no role in the failures of SVB and Signature Bank. The threat lies in the Treasury and FDIC’s decision to guarantee the funds in every account…no matter how much was in that account. While the Treasury Secretary and FDIC Chairman Gruenberg may have felt the need to do so to restore confidence, this action just kicks the can down the road. And the road will have no end if NCUA feels the pressure to do the same thing if a similar situation hits the credit union movement. Should there be a conservatorship or...
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Dennis Dollar on Field of Membership

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