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Australian CUs have experienced strong growth in retail deposits at the expense of their regional banking rivals. http://ow.ly/goIE 2 days ago

Yakima Valley CUs have benefited from larger banks troubles as membership, deposit growth, and overall presence expand. http://ow.ly/goHD 2 days ago

Florida Central CU names CUNA board member Laida Garcia as president, CEO. Garcia succeeds the late Ed Gallagly. See http://ow.ly/gnw7 2 days ago

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Wash. State CUs have seen a 313% mortgage loan increase over the last 10 years, with lower car loan, savings deposit increases. See Mon. NN. 2 days ago

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Alabama kicks off state cooperative ad campaign

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (5/24/07)--CU-Vote, an Alabama credit union consumer advocacy council, has embarked on a $400,000 cooperative advertising campaign to create a good impression of credit unions with members and the general public.

The campaign will help create a more positive political climate for credit unions, and serve as a catalyst for membership growth, according to CU-Vote.

The campaign's slogan is: "Better Rates. Better Service. Better Value. Think Credit Union."

In February 2007, the campaign began with radio spots in six major markets throughout Alabama. It also will include billboards, lobby display materials and statement stuffers throughout the remainder of the year.

"Implementing this campaign to raise awareness of credit unions sends a strong message to members and non-members alike that credit unions truly are different," said Wes Emmons, vice president of CU-Vote. "We want to highlight the benefits of credit union membership, with a special emphasis on the savings that credit union members will realize as compared to their using other financial institutions."

Recent polling indicates that 50% of non-credit union members have considered credit union membership before, but have not acted on it.

CU-Vote's goal is to provide education and familiarity with credit unions to facilitate turning non-members into members.