Credit union CEOs are upbeat about economic conditions for their members, but are more downcast about the operating environment for their own institutions, according to the results of Catalyst Corporate FCU's First Quarter 2013 CEO Confidence Survey.

Auto loan loyalty stems from more "high touch" factors, such as good member service, ease of contacting the lender and lender responsiveness, than from quantifiable factors, such as interest rates and down payment requirements, according to a new report from the Filene Research Institute.

The Cornerstone Credit Union League has appointed a transitional board of directors. Member credit unions of the Arkansas Credit Union League, the Credit Union Association of Oklahoma and the Texas Credit Union League had voted to consolidate into the Cornerstone league, as of July 1.

Ohio's state budget bill is still being debated in the state's General Assembly, and so far it remains absent any major reforms that would impact credit unions' tax status, said the Ohio Credit Union League. However, "this could change at a moment's notice."

Staff of North Texas credit unions in the area of two tornadoes Wednesday in Granbury and Cleburne are reporting damage to their homes. The Texas Credit Union Foundation said it is ready to assist credit unions and their employees impacted.

The Idaho Credit Union League elected a new board chair and a presented awards for outstanding professional of the year and outstanding volunteer of the year at the league's 77th annual meeting in Couer d'Alene.

Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, has applied for membership at London Mutual CU in Peckham, England.

DALLAS, Texas (5 17 13) Theresa Portillo, 44, former CEO of the defunct Women's Southwest FCU has been sentenced for the embezzlement of more than $3.4 million from the Dallas based credit union.  Portillo was sentenced to  six and a