Western Healthcare FCU CEO Diana Michaels (left) with staff  and board and supervisory committee members at the Mt. Diablo Chapter meeting.

The Mt. Diablo Chapter Sept. 11 meeting not only featured chapter elections but also served as a warm celebration of Western Healthcare FCU CEO Diana Michaels' career. Michaels is retiring at the end of November. During the meeting, the board chair and staff from Western Healthcare FCU expressed their appreciation of Michaels as did CEOs David Green of 1st Nothern California CU; John Pamer of Diablo Valley FCU; Ana Tellez of Antioch Community FCU; and Rob Greaff of Delta Schools FCU. 

Thomas Murphy, U.S. Air Force Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Operations, Julie Skuturna and John Evalle from Travis CU.

Travis CU has won the "Air Force Distinguished Credit Union Award,” presented annually by the U.S. Department of the Air Force to the on-base credit union that has gone above and beyond its duty to provide financial service and financial education to Air Force members.

CU of Southern California President and CEO Dave Gunderson cuts the ceremonial ribbon for the credit union’s newest branch in West Los Angeles.

CU of Southern California recently opened a full-service branch in Los Angeles, CA. The branch was relocated from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to its new location for more convenience and community access.

Greater Nevada CU has hired Danny DeLaRosa as its new chief development officer. In this role, DeLaRosa will oversee marketing, strategic development, as well as manage two newly created departments, people development and business development.

Michele O'Brien, Compass CU Branch Manager. 

Compass Community CU has hired Michele O’Brien as the new branch manager for the Arcata branch. The Arcata branch recently opened in April and is serving members in Northern Humboldt. She will be responsible for day-to-day operations, managing staff, handling member lending needs, and cultivating local relationships.

Redwood CU employee volunteers at one of the free Shred-a-Thons. 

Redwood CU held another Shred-a-Thon over the summer. More than 3,600 residents in Marin, Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties took action to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft by shredding old financial records and other paperwork. Trucks from Shred-IT were on-site at the events to help the communities safely dispose of and recycle 150,550 pounds of documents.

Winner of $10,000 Natalie R. and branch team at La Habra, CA office.

American First CU awarded their second quarterly $10,000 prize to winner Natalie R. of Rowland Heights, CA. The prize is part of the innovative new Big Prize Savings account initiative, which rewards accountholders for maintaining and increasing their savings balance.

Grand opening ceremony of Mabuhay CU. 

Mabuhay CU, a new division of Nikkei CU, officially celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 146 W. Carson Street, Carson, CA 90745.

Redwood CU hosts a Shred-a-Thon event.

Redwood CU hosted a free Shred-a-Thon, held at its administrative offices in Santa Rosa. Sixty-two credit union volunteers and several trucks from Shred-IT were on-site at the event to help the community safely dispose of and recycle approximately 71,800 lbs. of documents. Twenty-three people attended a free seminar at the event on ways to prevent fraud and identity theft.

1st United CU wrapped up its annual school supply and backpack drive in support of Alternative Family Services and the Alameda County Family Justice Center with enough supplies for 471 students, surpassing their goal of 300.

Redwood CU announced the opening of its new, full-service branch in American Canyon at 406 Napa Junction Road, Suite 126 in the Napa Junction Shopping Center. The new branch offers the community competitive personal and business loans, free checking, high-yield deposit options, home and auto loans, and concierge auto-buying services. Comfortable technology areas for members to bank online and quickly access information is also offered, with staff readily available to assist. There’s also a children’s activity area

North Bay CU has outgrown its long-time headquarters and it is relocating to a larger and more convenient space. To celebrate the new office, it is hosting a ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, September 12.  As part of its grand opening and to honor its commitment to the community, the credit union will donate $25 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin for each new member who joins between Sept. 12 and Oct. 31, 2019.

Brent Cordell, Greater Nevada Insurance insurance agent. 

Greater Nevada CU’s wholly owned subsidiary, Greater Nevada Insurance (GNI), has hired Insurance Agent Brent Cordell. As GNI’s local insurance agent, Cordell will help answer insurance questions, review current policies, and provide advice on the best coverage available.

Ventura County CU and LA Financial CU announced plans to merge, which should be finalized in early 2020. Once it’s complete, the combined credit union will become a $1.3 billion financial institution serving approximately 120,000 members and will be branded as LA Financial CU, a division of Ventura County CU. Havasu Community CU will also be branded as a division of Ventura County CU.

First Financial CU staff members Cynthia Manns, Therese El Khoury, and Lakisha Johnson prepared school supplies for the backpacks.

First Financial CU recently held a Build-A-Backpack drive to purchase backpacks and supplies for a local elementary school. More than $2,300 was raised and more than 100 backpacks were donated this year.

Julie Parsons, Redwood CU Training and Development Manager.

Redwood CU has promoted Julie Parsons to training and development manager. In her new role, she will evaluate and improve individual and organizational performance, develop and deliver training solutions, and ensure training is aligned with the strategic goals of the credit union.

1st United CU provided $11,326,062 in direct financial benefits to its members during the twelve months ending March 2019. This equates to an average of $186 per member or $391 per member household. Additional data provided by Datatrac, an independent research firm, cited an example of a home equity loan providing an average savings of $4,404 in interest expense over a 15-year term, compared to what a consumer would pay at a banking institution in the state.

CU of Southern California donated $200,000 to 16 local organizations at the July 17 Wake Up Whittier event, Whittier Chamber of Commerce’s largest monthly networking event. The credit union hosts this event at its Whittier Greenleaf branch every year. Its annual theme of "Christmas in July" is typically reflected by festive red and green decorations, including Christmas trees, Santa, and snowmen.   

Compass Community CU has achieved a Superior 5-star Rating from BauerFinancial, the Nation’s Premier Bank and Credit Union Rating Firm. The credit union has maintained capital levels well in excess of what regulators require, and has been helping its members with prudent lending and innovative solution.

Lori Burleson, Employee Engagement Manager at Redwood CU.

Redwood CU has hired Lori Burleson as its employee engagement manager. In her new role, Burleson is responsible for developing and facilitating events and communication plans that support employee engagement. By staying attuned to employee sentiment and goals, she’ll work to influence programs that empower employees, instill a sense of appreciation, and remove barriers so they can perform meaningful and interesting work.

San Diego County CU has partnered with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) and iHeartMedia radio stations in support of Live Well San Diego to collect school supplies for students experiencing homelessness. More than 22,000 school-age children were identified as homeless during the last school year.

Technology CU has provided a $4.675 million USDA business loan to Oceanic Enterprises, a private property management firm based in San Diego, CA. The loan helped Oceanic Enterprises purchase The Ascot Suites, a 32-room boutique hotel located at 260 Morro Bay Boulevard in Morro Bay, CA.

Bay FCU raises more than $21,000 for local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

Bay FCU employees raised $11,055.33 during the month of May in their annual Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fundraiser. Thanks to a philanthropic match of $10,000 from CO-OP Financial Services, Bay FCU sent more than $21,000 to Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation.

LBS Financial CU has awarded scholarships to 38 students in Long Beach, Lakewood, Cerritos, and surrounding communities at the close of the 2018-2019 school year. The credit union awarded scholarships up to $500 to 36 schools. A total of 34 high school, two college, and two adult school students were awarded scholarships.

Members 1st CU is providing complimentary access to FICO Scores for all their members. The scores, updated quarterly, are available through the credit union's online banking and mobile app.

SafeAmerica CU’s new relationship rewards program will launch Aug. 5, 2019. The new program targets members with checking accounts and offers bonus rewards based on their total deposit balance with the credit union.  Members’ balances will determine the tier level and the amount of rewards they receive. Some bonuses include cash back on auto loan balances, bonus rewards points on Visa credit card purchases, fee waivers and reimbursements, and much more.  

Silver State Schools CU’s financial results for the quarter ending June 30, 2019, reflect sustained growth and progress in lending, deposits, and profitability, as the credit union reported its 29th consecutive quarter of positive earnings.

North Bay CU presents its 2019 scholarship recipients to six students, awarding each $1,000.

Greater Commercial Lending Vice President of Commercial Production Todd Hubbell (middle) with Dr. Carrie Castille, state director for USDA Rural Development in Louisiana; and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson.

Greater Nevada CU was recognized in May by Louisiana Economic Development as the state’s United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Lender of the Year. Vice President of Commercial Production Todd Hubbell accepted the award on behalf of the credit union. 

Redwood CU and Humane Society volunteers at the Mendocino County Shred-a-Thon.

Redwood CU hosted a free document shredding event at its Ukiah branch. Approximately 350 local residents brought old financial documents and other confidential paperwork—15,000 pounds in total—to be safely shredded on site by Shred-IT. Approximately 1,410 pounds of electronic waste (e-waste) was also safely disposed of by Conservation Corps North Bay.

America’s Christian CU’s Evamarie Pisani speaks against predatory lending at Macedonia Baptist Church of LA.

America’s Christian CU joins a coalition of faith leaders, consumer advocates, and concerned citizens seeking to end predatory lending practices in California in support of California Assembly Bill 539, “The Fair Access to Credit Act.” AB 539 seeks to end cycles of toxic debt by setting new interest rate caps, imposing new rules governing loan duration, and prohibiting prepayment penalties.

Allison Spitzer, Redwood CU Vice President of Retail Lending. 

Redwood CU has hired Allison Spitzer as vice president of retail lending. In her new role, she will oversee mortgage, consumer, and construction lending.

Courtnay Lynch, Valley First CU VP of Human Resources and Training. 

Valley First CU has selected Courtnay Lynch as the new vice president of human resources and training. Lynch will oversee human resources strategic planning, including recruitment, leadership development, employee training and engagement, employee relations, compensation and benefits, as well as compliance in federal, state and local human resources law.

Compass Community CU announced that Shannon Maciel has been promoted to Vice President of Member Experience and will be responsible for the retail and back office operations, as well as nurturing the service culture. Additionally, Rene Campbell has been hired as Henderson Center Branch Manager. She will be responsible for day-to-day operations, lending needs, staff management and the cultivation of local relationships, along with business development.

SF Police CU has changed its name to The Police CU of California, using the trade name, The Police CU, for all marketing purposes. The new name was chosen to represent the credit union’s ability to welcome new law enforcement departments, related agencies and their families throughout the state of California.

L-R: Ernesto Norona, Senior Vice President/Chief Lending Officer; Marci Francisco, Senior Vice President of Member Experience; and Janaki Rao, Senior Vice President/Chief Technology Officer.

Premier America CU has selected three new senior team leaders to help drive strategic growth: Ernesto Norona, senior vice president/chief lending officer; Marci Francisco, senior vice president of member experience; and Janaki Rao, senior vice president/chief technology officer.

Bay FCU new Aptos branch. 

Bay FCU’s Aptos branch to Rancho Del Mar Center is complete. Bay FCU has moved into 48 Rancho Del Mar, and officially opened for business in its new location on Monday, July 15. The branch has also undergone an extensive new redesign to create a modern banking experience, and an airy, environmentally friendly atmosphere.

Redwood CU’s free annual Shred-a-Thon attracted approximately 400 Napa residents. Shred-IT trucks were on site to help the community safely dispose of and recycle approximately 30,000 pounds of paper.

Clark County CU was ranked as the best credit union in Nevada in Forbes’ second annual Best-In-State awards. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to independently survey 25,000 people on their banking relationships. They voted on their overall recommendations and satisfaction levels with more than 5,000 credit unions across the country.

Bay FCU has merged with Coast-Tel FCU as of July 1, 2019. Coast-Tel FCU became a division of Bay FCU on Feb. 1, 2019, the conversion of accounts to Bay FCU was completed, and the former Coast-Tel FCU location in Downtown Salinas opened for business as a branch of Bay FCU on Monday, July 1.

UNCLE CU has earned a 5-Star Superior rating from Bauer Financial Inc. for financial strength and security. A rating that the credit union has held for thirty consecutive quarters, it is based on the independent research firm’s analysis of financial data obtained directly from federal regulators. Separately, UNCLE CU has been named “Best in East Bay” for credit unions by the East Bay Times Readers’ Choice Awards for a second sequential year in 2019.

Travis CU hosted the Sacramento Sister Society of the Global Women’s Leadership Network. Rebecca Ramirez, Woodland Fire Chief, discussed her personal history and the interesting story of how she ended up a leader within a traditionally male dominated career. Attendees donated items to New Beginnings Outreach (NBO) as they work to establish a safe house in Solano County for survivors of human trafficking.