PAUL YANG OF PREMIER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION VOTED WINNER OF CO-OP THINK PRIZE 2012
Favored by Judges, Online Voters, THINK 12 Attendees

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (May 2, 2011) – Paul Yang of Premier Community Credit Union, Stockton, Calif., is the winner of the CO-OP THINK Prize 2012, and recipient of $10,000, for his idea for a “P2P Payment Card for CO-OP Network Cardholders.”

The three finalists in the competition presented their business plans to attendees of THINK 12 in Boca Raton, Fla., the afternoon of April 30. Yang, CEO of Premier Community Credit Union, was announced the winner at the conference’s Gala & Dinner the evening of May 1.

The two other finalists were:

· Maricela Jauregui, Branch Manager, Mid Cities Credit Union, Compton, Calif.: “QR Code Verification.”

· Jay Schwartz, V.P., Sales and Service Delivery, Marriott Employees’ FCU, Bethesda, Md.: “Social Networking for Credit Union Members.”

The $10,000 award to Yang was presented by CO-OP Financial Services and CO-OP THINK Prize sponsor MasterCard.

As Yang explained it to the judges in his initial proposal, “My idea is a form of payment services – person-to-person. Anyone with a CO-OP Network card can send money to anyone else having a CO-OP Network card. By having this exclusive person-to-person payment system, members can easily pay one or another member, at any CO-OP ATM.”

“CO-OP congratulates Paul on his winning business plan,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “Our goal with the CO-OP THINK Prize is to promote and inspire creative thinking on industry issues, and Paul’s plan is a wonderful display of that.”

The business plans of CO-OP THINK Prize entrants can take any form – such as an innovative application of technology, a new process for back office efficiency or a fresh approach to industry advertising and marketing. Though the ideas can vary widely, the judging criteria for entries are based on four main standards – impact, creativity, aggregation (the application of the idea across the industry) and implementation (the ability to be adopted quickly). The three CO-OP THINK Prize finalists were selected by judges from CO-OP Financial Services and the Filene Research Institute

The final decision on the winner was based on the voting of the judges, online voting at the THINK 12 website March 26-April 13 and that of registered THINK 12 attendees.

Entries for the CO-OP THINK Prize for 2013 open June 1 at www.co-opthink.org.

For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org,

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,500 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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NEARLY $90,000 RAISED FOR CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS AT THINK 12 CONFERENCE
Conference Event Participants, TNS and CO-OP Financial Services All Contribute

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (May 2, 2012) – Nearly $90,000 was raised in donations to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at the THINK 12 Conference held April 29-May 2 in Boca Raton, Fla., including $75,000 from Transaction Network Services, Inc.

“The amount donated to CMNH during THINK 12 is a testimony to the people-helping-people ethic of the credit union movement,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “It’s not just a slogan, people in this industry really are committed to the well being of others.”

“TNS is focused on supporting organizations that help provide a brighter future for children,” said Mike Keegan, President/COO of TNS (www.tnsi.com), Reston, Va. “We initially became involved with the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals after seeing the passion of CO-OP and its credit union members for this important cause. We look forward to continuing our support of CMNH.”

A tradition of the THINK conferences, the 2012 meeting included three scheduled three charitable events during the morning of April 30. Activities included a golf tournament, a 5K Run/Walk and an “Interactive Cooking Challenge.” In the latter event, attendees donated $150 each to learn the art of using herbs and spices from one of the executive chefs of the Boca Raton Resort and Club, site of the conference. The amount contributed by participants to these three events totaled $4,716.

At the conference’s Gala & Dinner on May 1, host CO-OP Financial Services of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. (www.co-opfs.org) donated a further $10,000. This is in addition to the $1 million CO-OP Financial Services donates on behalf of its member institutions to Credit Unions for Kids fundraisers annually. TNS’ Keegan then stepped forward at the gala to present the check from TNS for $75,000 to CMNH.

The May 1 donations by the two companies combined with the April 30 events to bring the total to $89,716 for the THINK 12 conference.

For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org,

About Transaction Network Services, Inc.
Transaction Network Services (TNS) is a leading global provider of data communications and interoperability solutions.

TNS offers a broad range of networks and innovative value-added services which enable transactions and the exchange of information in diverse industries such as retail, banking, payment processing, telecommunications and the financial markets.

Founded in 1990 in the United States, TNS has grown steadily and now provides services in over 60 countries across the Americas, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, with our reach extending to many more. TNS has designed and implemented multiple data networks which support a variety of widely accepted communications protocols and are designed to be scalable and accessible by multiple methods.

To learn more, please visit www.tnsi.com.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,500 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES AND DIEBOLD, INCORPORATED, PARTNER ON TEST OF TWO-WAY VIDEO SUPPORT FOR ATMs
Companies Announce Next Step in Member Convenience

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (May 1, 2012) –

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (May 1, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is partnering with Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD), to provide greater personalized service and convenience to credit union members by testing two-way video member service on CO-OP Network at Diebold automated teller machines (ATMs).

“As ATMs continue to provide more capabilities to the user, two-way video support is the next step in ensuring the member can conduct their business quickly and easily,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services. “This initiative is an extension of the partnership formed between CO-OP Financial Services and Diebold to deliver enhanced self-service capabilities for the member and complete ATM management services for the credit union.”

CO-OP Financial Services and Diebold, Incorporated, are jointly developing a path toward delivery channel optimization, where sales, additional teller functions and customer service can be migrated to self-service endpoints. The goal of the partnership is to enable credit unions to reduce costs and expand their channels while maintaining a high level of personal service.

The new capability is designed to provide financial institutions the opportunity to expand the member relationship. The service will also facilitate additional call center services such as transfers and account opening. The member can connect to a call center customer service representative for real-time, “face-to face” interaction via two-way video. The service integrates with either a credit union call center or, for 24/7 member service, the CO-OP Member Center. CO-OP Financial Services will provide the terminal driving capability and network access, and Diebold will provide member identification and video services to support the two-way video capabilities.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,500 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICE INTRODUCES CO-OP BILL PAY
Online Bill Pay Line Stems from CO-OP’s Acquisition of eCom

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (April 26, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is introducing CO-OP Bill Pay, the company’s first online bill pay product line for credit unions, featuring competitive pricing, superior service and product option flexibility.

“CO-OP Bill Pay is the result of our acquisition in January of Corporate Network eCom, LLC, enabling us to offer our clients a robust line of bill pay products right now,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “The new line is a perfect extension of our e-commerce solutions, and will help our clients compete even more effectively against banks in terms of access and convenience services they can offer their members.”

The line is backed by CO-OP’s eCom service organization, with 13 years of experience and providing support to more than 750,000 credit union members. In addition, with CO-OP Financial Services’ aggregation of client volume and processing the company can offer clients bill pay solutions at a far better price than that they could secure on their own.

CO-OP Bill Pay enables members to receive, view, manage and pay all of their bills when they log-on to their credit unions online banking site. The new product line is available in three versions to maximize the range of options credit unions can offer their members.

Features of the premium, fully-hosted version of CO-OP Bill Pay include:

· e-Bills. Credit unions can present electronic versions of members’ bill, allowing them to view and pay bills immediately.
· Expedited payments. This feature enables members to make same-day electronic payments.
· Person-to-Person (P2P) payments. Members can transfer money to anyone having a deposit account in the United States or send money instantly via PayPal.
· Alerts. Credit unions can send members email alerts regarding payments and other matters.
· Member access by mobile device.

CO-OP Bill Pay is available immediately. For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org or call 1-888-656-4050 to speak with a CO-OP Bill Pay representative.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,500 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP ANNOUNCES PATRONAGE OF $15.9 MILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011
Additional $14.1 Million Paid to FSCC, Inc., Shareholders

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (April 2, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is announcing a patronage distribution to shareholders of $15.9 million for fiscal year 2011, bringing CO-OP’s total patronage amount to $229.2 million since becoming a credit union cooperative in 1996.

“CO-OP Financial Services had a remarkable 2011 for our clients and shareholders,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP. “We achieved a number of key company milestones that benefit the credit union movement. At the same time, we maintained another outstanding patronage year, allowing us to provide a cash dividend to shareholders and continue to invest in products and services that will benefit all clients and their members.”

Key events for CO-OP in 2011 include:

• Merger with FSCC, Inc., to unify credit union shared branching services. The combined operation enables greater efficiencies in branding, technology and administrative costs.

• CO-OP Financial Services and The Members Group (TMG) of Des Moines, Iowa, formed a strategic partnership to cross-sell selected products and services.

• Acquisition of online and mobile bill pay services of Corporate Network eCom, LLC, based in the Kansas City area (completed at the end of January 2012).

• Launch of a general media campaign urging consumers to switch from banks to credit unions. The humorous ads use the tag line “Banks Don’t Like You. Credit Unions Do.”

• Donation of $1 million to support credit union fundraising efforts for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through its CO-OP Miracle Match program.

• A record-high client satisfaction rating set in the first half of 2011, then surpassed in the second half.

FSCC, Inc., Distribution
The completion of the shared branching merger enabled FSCC, Inc., to pay $14.1 million to its shareholders, a figure that includes all revolving fund balances, 2011 patronage and common stock (based on FSCC book value). The company is now known as FSCC, LLC, and is part of CO-OP Shared Branching, one of five CO-OP business lines.

CO-OP Financial Services is the nation’s largest credit union service organization, specializing in providing products that help credit unions compete successfully against banks by maximizing their own operational efficiency as well as easy access for members. The company services more than 3,000 participating credit unions, nearly 1,200 of which are member-shareholder institutions.

For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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ANDROID DEVICE SUPPORT ADDED TO CO-OP MY DEPOSIT MOBILE
Competitive Advantage for Credit Unions, Greater Convenience for Members

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 27, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is adding Android support for CO-OP My Deposit Mobile, enabling credit union members with these popular devices to deposit checks to their accounts from their phones.

“CO-OP My Deposit Mobile with Android support helps credit unions gain a competitive advantage because many financial institutions that have mobile products have not yet deployed a remote deposit function,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services. “In addition, the new functionally for CO-OP My Deposit Mobile adds to a credit union’s ability to offer convenient access to accounts for members, which is what all CO-OP products are designed to do.”

Android is the fastest-growing mobile device platform in the market today. For credit unions, the new CO-OP product means they can better appeal to the key market demographic of younger, tech-savvy members. For members, CO-OP My Deposit Mobile eliminates geographic restrictions and allows them to access their accounts anytime, anywhere.

CO-OP My Deposit Mobile is an add-on service to CO-OP Mobile, allowing credit unions to capture, proof and clear digital check images submitted by members using their smart phones. The product has been available to iPhone users for more than one year. The Android deposit function, which requires deployment of a new Android application, is available to credit unions immediately.

The Android deposit function works similar to the iPhone function. Members take pictures of the check front and back, enter amount, select deposit account and upload the images. The interface design and navigation is similar to the Android’s browser mode for CO-OP Mobile.

For more information on CO-OP My Deposit Mobile, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CHRIS BERMAN OF ESPN JOINS SPEAKER LINE-UP AT THINK 12 CONFERENCE
Online Registration is Available at http://co-opthink.org

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 21, 2012) – Chris Berman, who joined fledging ESPN in 1979, and remains there still as one of the best known sportscasters in America, has joined the roster of featured speakers for the THINK 12 Conference.

THINK 12 will take place Sunday, April 29-Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, in Florida. Produced annually by CO-OP Financial Services, this is the first THINK Conference to be held on the east coast.

The featured speakers at THINK 12 will be focusing on the topics of cult brand, reinvention and creativity as means of addressing credit union industry issues. Berman will be tackling cult brand, drawing on the corporate success of the ESPN cable television network. He is something of a cult brand himself, known for catch phrases like “He could…go…all…the…way!” and “Back-back-back-back”, and punning nick-names for players such as “Bert ‘Be Home’ Blyleven.”

Other featured speakers scheduled for the THINK 12 Conference include: Billy Beane, Oakland A’s General Manager and subject of the book and movie “Moneyball;” Jeff Baxter, guitarist for groups such as Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and now a national security consultant; Dr. Jeff Norris of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Alexis Maybank of Gilt Group; Brett King, financial industry author and advisor; and Valerie Morris, financial journalist.

Registration for the THINK 12 Conference can be easily completed online at http://co-opthink.org. Conference registration is $499.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,500 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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Available at www.CreditUnionsDo.org

CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES OFFERS CONSUMER AD CAMPAIGN TO CREDIT UNIONS
Free, Customizable Campaign Materials Promote Credit Union Membership

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 14, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services is announcing the launch of a consumer advertising campaign themed “Credit Unions Do” and designed to promote credit union membership. Campaign materials are free to all credit unions – regardless of their affiliation with CO-OP Financial Services – and can be customized by individual institutions.

The campaign is the next phase of the “Banks Don’t Like You” consumer advertising CO-OP Financial Services initiated in November 2011 (see www.facebook.com/BanksDontLikeU). Moving from “Banks Don’t Like You,” this effort stresses “Credit Unions Do” wonderful work on behalf of their members.

“While credit unions have a huge opportunity right now to gain new members, many don’t have the necessary resources to create the kind of high-end marketing materials that will get them noticed,” said Caroline Lane, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Marketing for CO-OP Financial Services. “This integrated campaign will allow credit unions of all asset sizes to share in a unified brand message that highlights the benefits of switching to a credit union.”

CO-OP Financial Services will display the campaign March 18-20 in booth 401 at CUNA’s Government Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C.

The campaign is humorously based on the trials and tribulations of earning a living, and features the tag line, “Making Money is Hard. But Putting It in the Right Place Doesn’t Have to Be.”

The ads can be customized to include an individual credit union’s logo and web address. Initially, materials will be offered in the form of print ads and web banners.

“These ads are designed to educate a whole new generation of potential members about what ‘Credit Unions Do’ – from offering better rates and friendly member service to the convenience of a network of shared branches and surcharge-free ATMs,” said Lane.

The materials can be downloaded immediately at www.CreditUnionsDo.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP Financial Services connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union clients, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than 2.2 billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES SELECTS CATALYST CORPORATE FCU FOR PAYMENT SETTLEMENT SERVICES
Agreement Expands Existing Partnership between the Two Companies

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (March 6, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services has selected Catalyst Corporate FCU to continue providing payment settlements for CO-OP-client credit unions, a service previously provided by Western Bridge Corporate FCU.

The Plano, Texas-based Catalyst Corporate won the right to acquire the assets of Western Bridge in December in a successful bid to the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), which held the assets in receivership. Catalyst settlement services include check clearing, and ACH, EFT and ATM transactions.

The agreement expands the business partnership between CO-OP Financial Services and Catalyst, which also markets network access and other services from CO-OP.

“From the standpoint of technical power, and as an existing business partner, Catalyst will conduct high-quality payment settlement services without disruption of any kind for our clients,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP Financial Services. “CO-OP continues to be a solid supporter of corporate credit unions and this partnership demonstrates that corporates have a key role in the future of our movement.”

CO-OP Financial Services is the largest credit union service organization in the country in terms of number of associated credit unions, assets and members, according to a 2011 survey by Callahan & Associates. The company is best known to consumers for CO-OP Network, comprising 28,000 ATMs available surcharge-free to members of participating credit unions. Catalyst was formed in 2011 from a merger of Southwest Bridge Corporate FCU and Georgia Corporate FCU and currently serves more than 1,000 credit unions throughout the United States.

For more information on CO-OP Financial Services, go to www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP Financial Services connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union clients, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than 2.2 billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES AND DIEBOLD, INCORPORATED PARTNER TO OFFER CO-OP ATM MANAGED SERVICES
Diebold ATMs Now Available with Fleet Management Suite for Credit Unions

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (February 29, 2012) – CO-OP Financial Services announced it is partnering with Diebold, Incorporated to offer CO-OP ATM Managed Services, a complete ATM fleet implementation and management suite for credit unions.

Diebold will market and sell CO-OP ATM Managed Services and will also offer its Diebold Integrated Services® as part of the product suite, which includes anti-skimming, currency management, enterprise security and software deployment services.

Diebold will also be offering CO-OP Payment Processing services for signature and personal identification number (PIN) debit and ATM transactions.

CO-OP ATM Managed Services is a vendor-neutral managed services solution designed to address the individual needs of clients. The agreement enables CO-OP Financial Services to provide credit unions with the two primary ATM hardware options.

“Diebold brings significant marketing power and a high-quality brand to the partnership,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services. “Like our own organization, Diebold has strong relationships with credit unions and understands the need to minimize expenses, simplify management and maximize member experience at the ATM.”

CO-OP ATM Managed Services enables credit unions to turn over all of their ATM-related issues to a single source, allowing them to focus on their core financial services to members. The CO-OP ATM Managed Services solution includes:

Fleet consultation and financing, including technology recommendations and financing/leasing analysis and options. Fleet maximization and innovation, including deployment and implementation of new or upgraded devices, and compliance updates. Fleet management and coordination, including device support, management of vendor services, and a single source for support and billing. ATM processing, including CO-OP Connect infrastructure, terminal driving, reporting, advanced fraud detection and prevention, and adjustment processing.
For more information on CO-OP ATM Managed Services, go to www.co-opfs.org/ATMs.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP Financial Services connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union clients, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than 2.2 billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES INAUGURATES LIVE TESTING OF CO-OP NEXTGEN ATM
New Application Software Enables Nearly All Shared Branching Transactions at an ATM

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (February 23, 2012) – Live testing of CO-OP NextGen ATMSM is underway in the headquarters lobby of CO-OP Financial Services in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., with general availability anticipated by the end of second quarter 2012.

The CO-OP project leaders inaugurating the process are, from left, Terry Pierce, Senior Product Manager; Eric Porter, Executive Vice President, Business Development and Marketing; and Dr. Kathy Herziger-Snider, Vice President, Product Development. CO-OP Financial Services and Diebold, Incorporated, are partnering on the development of the new application software, intended to allow members of participating shared branching credit unions to conduct nearly all branch transactions at a Diebold automated teller machine (ATM).

CO-OP Financial Services is the first payment processor to offer this solution to credit unions using existing terminals and infrastructure, therefore, allowing an institution to better leverage their initial ATM investment. CO-OP NextGen ATM will enable members to conveniently conduct most transactions on their own, freeing in-branch staff to concentrate on more complex revenue activities. CO-OP NextGen ATM is anticipated to complete internal beta testing in early April.

CO-OP NextGen ATM will work with all shared branching platforms within the CO-OP Shared Branching family, with no conversions necessary. For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ECOM ASSETS 
Includes All eCom Online and Mobile Bill Pay Services, and Employees

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., February 6, 2012 – CO-OP Financial Services announced that it has completed the acquisition of the assets of Corporate Network eCom, LLC, including its online and mobile bill pay services, and all employees.

On December 15, 2011, CO-OP Financial Services announced that it had received approval by the National Credit Union Administration to purchase the assets of eCom, a subsidiary of U.S. Central corporate credit union. At the time, the company expected the purchase to close within 90 days. CO-OP Financial Services was selected by NCUA in a compete bid, required as U.S. Central was placed into conservatorship in March 2009.

“The bill pay services of eCom are a perfect extension of the e-commerce business line of CO-OP Financial Services,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP. “The transition of eCom services to CO-OP is so complementary that eCom clients will not need to change payment processing platforms. This acquisition will help our clients compete even more effectively in the future against banks in terms of access and convenience services they can offer their members.”

All eCom employees will become employees of CO-OP Financial Services and continue to service eCom online and mobile bill pay clients. The organization, located in Lenexa, Kansas, was founded in 1999 and today more than 750,000 credit union members use its electronic bill payment solutions.

The flagship MemberPayPlus enables members to receive, view, manage and pay all of their bills when they log-on to their credit union’s online banking site. MemberPayPlus is a premium, fully-hosted solution for credit unions looking for a comprehensive member bill pay service, but it is also highly price competitive, a characteristic of all eCom products.

For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. With 30 years of credit union service, CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services is the nation’s largest credit union service organization, offering the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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Contact: Bill Prichard
Public Relations Manager
CO-OP Financial Services
800.782.9042, ext. 3450
Bill.Prichard@co-opfs.org

EMPLOYEES OF THREE CREDIT UNIONS NAMED FINALISTS OF $10,000 CO-OP THINK PRIZE
Winner to be Named May 1 at THINK 2012 Conference in Boca Raton, Florida

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (January 30, 2012) – With a $10,000 grand prize presented by MasterCard at stake, three finalists have been named for the second annual CO-OP THINK Prize, created in 2010 to inspire innovative solutions to the issues confronting the credit union industry.

The three finalists and their business plans include:

• • Maricela Jauregui

, Branch Manager, Mid Cities Credit Union, Compton, Calif.: “QC Code for Account Access.”

• • Jay Schwartz

, V.P., Sales and Service Delivery, Marriott Employees’ FCU, Bethesda, Md.: “Social Networking for Credit Union Members.”

• • Paul Yang

, CEO, Premier Community Credit Union, Stockton, Calif.: “P2P Payment Card for CO-OP Network Cardholders.”

“We congratulate the three finalists, who have worked hard to develop their business plans since we received their initial idea at the end of August,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, Financial Services. “The intent of the CO-OP THINK Prize is to promote creative thinking on challenges facing our movement, and in 2012 we have three very thoughtful approaches for our judges to consider.”

The three finalists were selected from among 25 semi-finalists by judges with CO-OP Financial Services and Filene Research Institute. The winner of the CO-OP THINK Prize for 2012 will be announced on May 1 at the THINK 12 Conference, being held in Boca Raton, Fla., April 29-May 2.

The winner will be based on scoring by the CO-OP Financial Services and Filene Research Institute judges; online voting at the dedicated voting website (http://THINKPrizeVote.org) open March 26-April 13, and on-site voting by registered THINK 12 Conference attendees.

CO-OP Financial Services will be working with the finalists to produce a video that helps the entrants to explain their idea. This video will be made available on the THINK website and shown at the THINK 12 Conference on the morning of May 1. The three finalists themselves and a guest of each are invited to the THINK 12 Conference, with CO-OP Financial Services covering their travel and lodging costs.

The business plans of CO-OP THINK Prize entrants can take any form – such as an innovative application of technology, a new process for back office efficiency or a fresh approach to industry advertising and marketing. Though the ideas can vary widely, the judging criteria for entries are based on four main standards – impact, creativity, aggregation (the application of the idea across the industry) and implementation (the ability to be adopted quickly).

For more information on the CO-OP THINK Prize and the 2012 THINK Conference, visit http://co-opthink.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP Financial Services connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union clients, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than 2.2 billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bill Prichard
Public Relations Manager
CO-OP Financial Services
800.782.9042, ext. 3450
Bill.Prichard@co-opfs.org

CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES AND FSCC CLOSE AGREEMENT TO COMBINE
Credit Union Shared Branching Operations Now Unified

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (January 24, 2012) – The agreement of CO-OP Financial Services and FSCC to combine operations, announced in September, is now complete and the two organizations are one company as of the New Year.

Signing the final paperwork to conclude the agreement are, Sarah Canepa Bang, now President and COO of FSCC, and Chief Strategy Officer of CO-OP Shared Branching; and Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services. Bang joins the CO-OP Shared Branching leadership team, which also includes Craig Beach, President and COO of Credit Union Service Corporation, a subsidiary of CO-OP Financial Services.

“It is very gratifying to note that with the conclusion of our agreement, all the major pieces of the credit union movement’s decades-old shared branching initiative have been brought together,” said Hollen. “Now under the CO-OP Shared Branching business line are FSCC and the operations of Service Centers Corporation and Credit Union Service Corporation.

More than 1,700 credit unions nationwide participate in shared branching, making more than 4,400 physical branch locations available to their members, plus 2,200 Vcom® kiosk locations at 7-Eleven® stores. For more information, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

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Contact: Georgann Smith
Director, Marketing at The Members Group (TMG)
515.457.5234
pr@themembersgroup.com

Contact: Bill Prichard
Public Relations Manager at CO-OP Financial Services
800.782.9042, ext. 3450
Bill.Prichard@co-opfs.org

TMG AND CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES FORM STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Agreement Enables Companies to Deliver Largest Array of Payment Solutions for Credit Unions

DES MOINES, Iowa, and RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., (January 5, 2012) – The Members Group (TMG) and CO-OP Financial Services announced they have formed a strategic partnership to combine strengths and deliver the largest array of cutting-edge payment solutions for credit unions.

Under the agreement, CO-OP Financial Services has made a strategic investment in TMG. TMG and CO-OP Financial Services will continue to offer products under their own brands, operate independently and work within their existing management structures. At the same time, both companies will cross-sell all of their respective products and services.

“This is a pivotal time for credit unions as they look for trusted partners to capitalize on their opportunities,” said Shazia Manus, CEO of TMG. “With the combined forces of TMG and CO-OP Financial Services, we are able to provide credit unions with a single point of entry to the most innovative, tailored, cost-effective products and services as they prepare for next-generation banking.”

“The investment of CO-OP Financial Services in TMG allows both companies to offer the best processing platform for each client’s unique needs,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO of CO-OP. “CO-OP gains a full service credit card system customizable to credit unions, and TMG gains additional products and delivery channels. Combined, the scale of processing is second to none.”

The alliance of TMG and CO-OP Financial Services means the two companies serve more than 40 percent of all U.S. credit unions and provide payment services to nearly 33 million cardholders.

TMG and CO-OP Financial Services have more than 50 years of combined expertise in providing global solutions for core payment products, including full service credit, debit, ATM, prepaid products and P2P payment solutions. Both companies are credit union-owned.

TMG also brings to the alliance a suite of proprietary card data solutions, including Springboard and ClearTrend; Dwolla, a P2P payment solution; and other value-added services. Through collaborative relationships with its sister companies, TMG can also offer Hispanic market expertise and regulatory compliance products and solutions. CO-OP Financial Services brings additional services, such as CO-OP Network, CO-OP Shared Branching and CO-OP Member Center for lending and member service call center support.

“This partnership has a very strong foundation to provide even greater support to the industry as both companies are credit union-owned, conduct business in a manner philosophically consistent with the credit union movement and share similar perspectives on how they service and create long-term relationships with clients,” said Patrick Jury, President/CEO of Affiliates Management Company (AMC), parent company to TMG, and of the Iowa Credit Union League.

For more information, visit www.themembersgroup.com and www.co-opfs.org.

About TMG
The Members Group (TMG) is dedicated to creating customized, technology-driven card processing and payment solutions for credit unions and community-based financial institutions across North America. Innovations in fraud management, loyalty programs, alternative payment systems and analytic reporting, and the competitive advantages they create, have helped TMG forge a new standard in offering cutting-edge credit, debit, ATM, prepaid card products and a P2P payment solution. For more information, visit www.themembersgroup.com.

About CO-OP Financial Services 
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. and founded in 1981, CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. CO-OP Financial Services connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,400 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services offers the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About Affiliates Management Company 
Affiliates Management Company (AMC) is a wholly-owned holding company of the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) that was formed to better integrate and align ICUL’s operating companies, including TMG, TMG Financial Services, Community Business Lenders, PolicyWorks, Coopera and PayFusion. AMC aims to create efficiencies among the portfolio of companies to provide value-added products and quality services to their members and clients. For more, visit AffiliatesMgt.com.

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Contact: Nathan Rogers Contact: Bill Prichard
Vice President, Marketing Public Relations Manager
FSCC  CO-OP Financial Services
888.372.2669, ext. 1232 800.782.9042, ext. 3450
nrogers@fscc.com Bill.Prichard@co-opfs.org

FSCC SHAREHOLDERS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVE COMBINING OPERATIONS WITH CO-OP FINANCIAL SERVICES

Transaction Announced in September is Expected to Close by Early 2012

ONTARIO, Calif. (December 9, 2011) –Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc. (FSCC) announced that in a vote held December 8, 2011, its shareholders have unanimously approved the combining of the company’s operations with CO-OP Financial Services. The transaction, announced in September, is expected to close in early 2012, unifying credit union shared branch services.

“We are very happy our shareholders so clearly see the benefits of combining with CO-OP Financial Services, which not only advances shareholder value but the vision of FSCC to have every branch of every credit union an outlet,” said Sarah Canepa Bang, FSCC President/CEO.

“This is a milestone day in our work to blend the strengths of both companies, creating a more tightly integrated shared branching network,” said Stan Hollen, CO-OP President/CEO. “The combination of services will result in efficiencies and economy of scale in branding, technology and administrative costs that will benefit all shared branching participants.”

Between the two companies, more than 1,700 credit unions nationwide participate in shared branching, making more than 4,300 physical branch locations available to their members, plus 2,200 Vcom® kiosk locations at 7-Eleven stores. The network allows members to conduct financial transactions as if they were visiting a branch of their own credit union.

For more information on FSCC, please visit www.fscc.com, and for CO-OP Financial Services, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. With 30 years of credit union service, CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,300 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services is the nation’s largest credit union service organization, offering the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)
FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,700 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $149.4 billion in total assets and 12.3 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

Contact: Micah J. Parker
Communications Manager, FSCC
(888) 372-2669 ext.1239
mparker@ fscc.com

Convenience Not an Issue for Many Credit Unions As Bank Transfer Day Approaches

ONTARIO, CA – November 2, 2011 — FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.), the nation's largest and most convenient shared branching network with over 6,700 locations is reassuring consumers that convenience is not an issue for those seeking to support Bank Transfer Day by transferring their accounts to credit unions.

There are over 1,600 credit unions that participate in the CU Service Centers Network, a cooperative organization that facilitates shared branching among credit unions. Shared branching allows members of one participating credit union to use the branches of another or use designated service centers or self-service kiosks.

The CU Service Centers Network gives members of participating credit unions access to over 4,500 credit union branches and over 2,200 kiosks in all 50 states and two U.S. territories. This cooperation among credit unions allows them to operate locally while offering the same level of national service offered by the top five U.S. banks. Only credit unions, with their focus on member-owners, can achieve this level of cooperation and convenience.

In recent days, consumer attention has focused on credit unions as Bank Transfer Day, November 5th, approaches and Wall Street’s Occupy Movement moves into its second month. Upset with rising banking fees and debit card charges, including the $5 debit card fee Bank of America had previously announced and since renounced, consumers are being encouraged by Bank Transfer Day organizers to switch their accounts to credit unions or community banks. Bank of America and other major banks have backed off adding fees for the present.

While many consumers may wish to move to credit unions, they fear the loss of convenience of thousands of branches and ATMs offered by banks. That fear is unfounded as evidenced by the convenience of the CU Service Centers Network. With 4,500 credit union branches and more than 2,200 financial services kiosks, with locations in every state, Puerto Rico, Guam and three foreign-based U.S. military bases, convenience is assured.

“We, at FSCC, have been preaching the advantages of credit unions for decades. And we’re confident that when consumers experience the high-level of convenience, service, and assistance our member credit unions deliver, they’ll wonder why they waited so long to switch,” said Sarah Bang, President/CEO, FSCC.

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)

FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,700 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC’s can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $149.4 billion in total assets and 12.3 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bill Prichard
Public Relations Manager
CO-OP Financial Services
800.782.9042, ext. 3450
Bill.Prichard@co-opfs.org

Contact: Nathan Rogers
Vice President, Marketing
Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc. (FSCC)
888.372.2669, ext. 1232
nrogers@fscc.com

Unified Operations Provides Shared Branching to 1,700 Credit Unions With More Than 4,300 Branch Locations and 2,200 Vcom® Kiosk Locations at 7-Eleven Stores

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (September 20, 2011) – CO-OP Financial Services and Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc. (FSCC) announce that the Board of Directors of the two companies have approved a letter of intent to combine operations, unifying credit union shared branch services.

The two companies expect the combination of shared branching services to not only provide a significant expansion of outlets for credit union members, but also greater efficiencies in branding, technology and administrative costs that can be redirected to more competitive pricing and enhanced patron dividends for network participants.

Between the two companies, more than 1,700 credit unions nationwide participate in shared branching, making more than 4,300 physical branch locations available to their members, plus 2,200 Vcom® kiosk locations at 7-Eleven stores. The network allows members to conduct financial transactions as if they were visiting a branch of their own credit union.

Under the terms of the agreement, FSCC President/CEO Sarah Canepa Bang will join CO-OP as President and COO of FSCC, and as Chief Strategy Officer of CO-OP Shared Branching. CO-OP and FSCC expect the transaction to close within 120 days.

“I am excited for the credit union movement as this combination will advance the vision of FSCC to have every branch of every credit union an outlet,” said Bang. “There’s no denying that FSCC and CO-OP have been terrific competitors – imagine what we can do together. CO-OP and Stan Hollen personally played an historic role in the creation of FSCC, and now with the combining of the two companies, it is very much a case of our business coming to a logical full circle.”

“The combination of CO-OP and FSCC will blend the strengths and value of both companies, creating a more tightly integrated and efficient shared branching network for our movement,” said Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services. “With more than 4,300 branch locations, credit unions have at their disposal the fourth largest network in the country, behind the three largest national banks. This truly enables credit unions to compete and win against banks in terms of the access and convenience they can offer their members.”

“We are looking forward to Sarah Canepa Bang and her team joining CO-OP and to the critical role she will play in working with all shared branching leadership to develop and move a unified strategy into the future,” said Hollen.

FSCC was created in 1990 and originally operated under a management agreement with CO-OP Financial Services (then known as CO-OP Network). In 1999, as Chairman of the Board of FSCC, Hollen hired Bang as President/CEO.

CO-OP Financial Services entered the shared branching arena in June 2002 with the acquisition of Service Centers Corporation (SCC). In July 2007, CO-OP and Credit Union Service Corp. (CUSC) agreed to combine operations, now offered under the CO-OP Shared Branching brand.

For more information on FSCC, please visit www.fscc.com, and for CO-OP Financial Services, visit www.co-opfs.org.

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)
FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,700 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $149.4 billion in total assets and 12.3 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

About CO-OP Financial Services
Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., CO-OP Financial Services is the industry leader in access and convenience products for credit unions. With 30 years of credit union service, CO-OP connects credit union members to their accounts through network, payment processing, e-commerce, shared branching and call center services. With more than 3,000 credit union members, 30 million cardholders, 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs, 4,300 shared branch locations and more than two billion annual transactions, CO-OP Financial Services is the nation’s largest credit union service organization, offering the tools, counsel and leadership to help credit unions prosper. To learn more, visit www.co-opfs.org.

Contact: Micah J. Parker
Communications Manager, FSCC
(888) 372-2669 ext.1239
mparker@ fscc.com

MyCUAnywhere is Now Sprig

ONTARIO, CA – July 22, 2011 — FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.), the nation's largest and most convenient shared branching network with over 6,700 in-network locations, along with CU Wireless, a credit union service organization based in Salem, OR, is excited to announce today that MyCUAnywhere will now be known as Sprig. Soon Sprig will deliver enhanced features, including a first in the industry: fund transfer capability from one institution to another (providing both institutions are shared branching members). Using secure, SMS/text banking technology members can easily and conveniently access account information including balances, transaction history, loan status as well as authorize fund transfers.

Bringing banking to the palm of one’s hand, Sprig text banking delivers a robust answer to consumer demand for convenience and instant access. FSCC participating credit unions can now offer their members the latest in mobile text-based account access—immediately. A cost effective solution, Sprig is available without set up or monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum monthly usage is required. Credit unions only pay per member transaction.

Sprig will eventually encompass all FSCC shared branching connections that offer shared services directly to members. For example, Sprig mobile apps for iPhone and Android will be available soon and will include all features of the text banking option plus enhanced features such as mobile deposit capture. When launched, the new features will also be provided on a per transaction basis with no additional monthly maintenance or set up fees. This will allow FSCC participating credit unions of all sizes to rapidly implement this fast growing member service outlet.

“FSCC and CU Wireless share the same belief and mission—helping credit unions better serve their members. With the release of Sprig, we’re excited to partner with a company that is a leader in setting industry standards. Although CU Wireless has a history of saving credit union members on their wireless phone bills, it just makes sense to continue to find innovative ways to help credit unions help their members. FSCC allows us to do that and Sprig is the latest result of our collaboration,” said Chris Giles, General Manager, CU Wireless.

“The creation and development of Sprig is a result of combined commitment and dedication. FSCC and CU Wireless are focused on helping credit unions deliver the very best in services and products to their members. Once again, our partnership has resulted in success. We will continue to seek and develop innovative solutions for our members. We’re proud to announce Sprig as a new member of the FSCC family,” said Sarah Canepa Bang, President/CEO, FSCC.

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)

FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,700 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $149.4 billion in total assets and 12.3 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

About CU Wireless

CU Wireless is a leader in low-cost wireless phone plans for credit union members. It launched Mobile Banking by CU Wireless to help credit unions of all asset sizes provide mobile banking services to all members. CU Wireless is a CUSO of Maps Credit Union, which is based in Salem, Ore.. For more information, please visit https://www.cuwireless.com.

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Contact: Micah J. Parker
Communications Manager, FSCC
(888) 372-2669 ext.1239
mparker@ fscc.com

Named One of Seven People Making a Difference, Sarah Canepa Bang, FSCC’s President/CEO, Receives International Honor

ONTARIO, CA – June 14, 2011 — FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.), the nation's largest and most convenient shared branching network with over 6,600 locations available to its participating credit unions, announced today Sarah Canepa Bang, FSCC’s CEO and President was named One of Seven People Making a Difference by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU).

WOCCU, the global trade association and development agency for credit unions, promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. WOCCU advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach. Worldwide, 49,000 credit unions in 97 countries serve 184 million people. In 2009, WOCCU's technical assistance programs reached 5.9 million people in 16 countries. For more information about WOCCU's impact around the world, visit www.woccu.org.

“This is such an honor for me.  Democracy embodies the mission of WOCCU and I wholeheartedly support those ideals. In some countries people will only experience democratic principles through the credit union movement and WOCCU is making that possible. The credit union movement is making a big difference in people’s lives through cooperation and collaboration and it’s exciting to be involved,” said Sarah Canepa Bang, President/CEO FSCC.

President and CEO of FSCC since 1999, Ms. Bang has seen the number of credit unions, branches, and states involved in shared branching quadruple since then. Under her leadership, FSCC has expanded traditional shared branching to all 50 states, 2 US territories and 3 foreign countries.

Keen to employ technology as it benefits members, full-service kiosks, mobile, call centers, disaster recovery and remote deposit capture are now in FSCC’s portfolio of services. In June 2006, Ms. Bang successfully completed negotiations to bring FSCC shared branching to more than 2,200 7-Eleven® stores nationwide.

Ms. Bang’s efforts with WOCCU have led to her involvement with the Global Women’s Leadership Movement, a WOCCU program that supports the professional development and networking needs of women in credit unions worldwide. The Global Women's Leadership Network, co-founded by WOCCU and the Canadian Co-operative Association (CCA), is designed to provide women the opportunity and resources to make a measureable difference in each other's lives, as well as in their credit unions and communities. The international network engages members with professional and personal development through social media and educational forums and provides the tools for women to connect and seek confidential advice from their peers.

In 2007, Ms. Bang joined a delegation of credit union leaders from the U.S. and Canada to support the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) initiative in China. Ms. Bang’s role was to describe U.S. shared branching; in less than one year, shared branching became part of the Chinese cooperative landscape.

A passionate supporter of the Credit Unions for Kids program, in June 2006, Ms. Bang was named to the board of the Credit Union Miracle Day foundation in Washington, DC which raises funds for the Children’s Miracle Network. In December 2006, she was appointed to the Credit Unions for Kids Advisory Board for the Children’s Miracle Network in Salt Lake City.

In addition to being honored by WOCCU, Ms. Bang has received awards from the National Society of Fundraising Executives Philanthropy award for CUs for Kids, the Credit Union Women’s Association’s Anna Read award, the American Society of Association Executive’s Golden Circle award, the Credit Union National Association’s Blockbuster award for community relations and awards from the Public Relations Society of America for public relations and crisis communication.

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)
FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,600 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC’s can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $149.4 billion in total assets and 12.3 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

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Contact: Micah J. Parker
Communications Manager, FSCC
(888) 372-2669 ext.1239
mparker@ fscc.com

Seven Credit Unions Are Honored For Their Contributions To Shared Branching In 2010 At The FSCC Globe Awards

ONTARIO, CA – June 13, 2011 –  FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.), the nation's largest credit union shared branching network with over 6,500 network locations, conducted the FSCC Globe Awards at their Annual Shareholders’ Meeting held on June 10, 2011. During the presentation, FSCC recognized seven credit unions for their individual contributions to shared branching in 2010.

These awards are presented in two categories, “Exceptional Performance” and “Outstanding Service.” The first set of awards is presented for exceptional performance based on the core system of the FSCC Credit Union procession on the FSCC switch. To be considered for these awards, a credit union must be processing over 200,000 transactions annually. There were three different credit unions awarded recognition in this category during 2010, they are as follows:

EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE –

Altura Credit Union - Acquirer Award
The online availability requirement to the FSCC Switch is 98.5 percent. Altura Credit Union averaged 100 percent over 2010, processing 314,274 transactions for guest members at 13 locations.

SAFE Credit Union – Issuer Award
The online approval requirement of issuer transactions processed by its members on shared branching is 90 percent. SAFE Credit Union averaged 100 percent, processing 213,512 transactions performed by its members on shared branching in 2010.

Affinity Federal Credit Union – Issuer Award
The online availability requirement to the FSCC Switch is 98.5 percent. Affinity Federal Credit Union averaged 99.9 percent, processing 416,092 transactions performed by its members on shared branching in 2010.

SAFE Credit Union – Issuer Award
The requirement for percent of denials due to downtime at the FSCC Switch is less than 5 percent denials.  SAFE Credit Union averaged less than .10 percent, processing 213,512 transactions performed by its members on shared branching in 2010.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE –

The Outstanding Service Award is presented to an FSCC credit union that contributed to the success of shared branching in 2010 in an outstanding manner. There were four winners in this category during 2010, they are as follows:

Highest Transaction Volume Outlet Acquirer on the Network for 2010
This award was presented to Patelco Credit Union with 41 branches processed over 1.6 million guest members’ transactions in 2010.

Largest Deployer on USA Military Bases Overseas in 2010
This award was presented to Service Credit Union with 16 locations including two kiosks serving guest members in 2010.

Highest Transaction Volume Issuer on the Network for 2010
This award was presented to Digital Credit Union with 848,036 transactions processed by its members on shared branching in 2010.

Single Highest Transaction Volume Outlet on the Network in 2010
This award was presented to Arrowhead Credit Union’s Chino, California branch, which processed 184,763 guest members’ transactions in 2010.

PARTNER RECOGNITION AWARDS –

FSCC also recognized the contributions made by two of its partners providing services to credit union members using shared branching and custom services to credit unions participating on shared branching.

PSCU “Total Member Care” was awarded the Partner Recognition Award for their Call Center.  The Call Center processed over 3.45 million transactions in 2010.

CU Wireless also received the Partner Recognition Award for the most innovative partner in 2010. Two examples of their innovative contributions were custom mobile text banking and MyCUAnywhere mobile text banking.

Sarah Canepa Bang, CEO/President of FSCC, who was present at the Awards ceremony, summed it up nicely in saying, “We congratulate all the winners of the 2010 Globe Awards. FSCC is more than just the sum of its parts due to credit unions and partners just like these. They make us shine, and we want to make sure that they receive the individual recognition they truly deserve.”

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)

FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,500 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $149.4 billion in total assets and 12.3 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

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Contact: Micah J. Parker
Communications Manager, FSCC
(888) 372-2669 ext.1239
mparker@ fscc.com

FSCC Shared Branching Network Pays Out Over $1 million in Patronage Dividends

ONTARIO, CA – June 10, 2011 –  FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.), the nation's largest credit union shared branching network with over 6,500 network locations, announced the return of patronage dividends to participating credit unions for shared branching transactions performed in 2010.  The total dividend for 2010 was $1,003,752. On June 8, 2011, $200,750 or twenty percent of the total dividend was paid out in cash. These dividends are paid out to shareholders for acquired transactions performed in their branches and shared branching kiosks owned by participating credit unions. The remaining eighty percent is distributed in a written notice of allocation.

During the past decade, FSCC has returned over $14.5 million in patronage dividends, rebates, and return of capital to its participating credit unions. The 2010 dividend of $1,003,752 brings that total to more than $15.5 million.  This marks the 11th consecutive year that FSCC has paid dividends to its shareholders, averaging more than a million each year for more than a decade.

“What an accomplishment to give back to our patrons for 11 consecutive years, especially during such trying economic times” said Steven M. Stapp, Chairman of FSCC’s Board of Directors and CEO of San Francisco Federal Credit Union. “This is a true testimony to the collaborative partnership we share with our participating credit unions. They demonstrate their faith in shared branching by opening their doors wide to other credit union members, and in return they are rewarded with customer loyalty, as well as patronage dividends. What an honor to be a part of this!”

FSCC President/CEO Sarah Canepa Bang said, “It has been said ‘If you want to be incrementally better: Be competitive. If you want to be exponentially better: Be cooperative.’ I don’t think anything proves the truth of this statement more than the cooperation attained in shared branching and the results seen above. We’re excited to work with all of credit union partners in being exponentially better!”

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)

FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,500 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $149.4 billion in total assets and 12.3 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

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Contact: Micah J. Parker
Communications Manager, FSCC
(888) 372-2669 ext.1239
mparker@ fscc.com

Success of First Shared Mobile Banking Platform for Credit Unions Results in Significant Price Reduction

ONTARIO, CA – April 27, 2011 — FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.), the nation's largest and most convenient shared branching network with over 6,600 locations available to its participating credit unions, announced today MyCUAnywhere text banking transaction pricing is being significantly reduced beginning May 1, 2011. Due to overwhelming acceptance and transaction growth in its first month, MyCUAnywhere transactions will be reduced to $0.35 per transaction.  FSCC credit unions pay no set-up fees, no monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum monthly usage fees.

“The rapid acceptance of the product is what is making this price reduction possible so soon after the product launch,” says Bonnie Kramer, FSCC EVP.  “We launched just over a month ago and member acceptance has been well beyond our projections.”

With MyCUAnywhere, credit unions only pay per member transaction.  FSCC officials are quick to point out that because there is no FSCC branding on the service, a credit union can easily adopt the service as its own.   That means a credit union does not have to spend precious resources building or buying its own text banking service.  FSCC officials believe that no other product on the market today can match the cost effectiveness of MyCUAnywhere.  A customized program from CU Wireless, the CUSO partner behind the FSCC product, is available should support for larger transaction volume make it necessary.

The latest in the family line of MyCU services from FSCC, MyCUAnywhere offers mobile text banking capability to members. MyCUAnywhere uses secure, SMS/text banking technology to access account information including balances, transaction history, loan status and funds transfer. MyCUAnywhere represents another value-added component to the services and products credit unions can offer their members through FSCC Shared Branching. MyCUAnywhere answers the demand of consumers for convenience and instant access while allowing credit unions of all sizes to participate in the mobile revolution.

The demand for mobile banking grows exponentially every year since according to CTIA (Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association)®, there are over 292 million cell phones in use in the United States, of which 98 percent have texting capability. Last year alone, 1.81 trillion texts were sent.

“We were confident text banking would be a welcome addition to our portfolio of MyCU services. Using transaction numbers as our metric, we are thrilled by the overwhelming positive response that we’re seeing. Although it’s only been a little over a month since we released this product to our members, the results are clear. We are pleased to pass on continued savings to our members with this significant reduction in transaction pricing,” said Sarah Canepa Bang, President/CEO, FSCC.

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)

FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,600 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC’s can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $149.4 billion in total assets and 12.3 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

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Due to the popularity of the MyCUAnwhere Text Banking Outlet, we are happy to announce the reduction of transaction fees for your members using MyCUAnywhere. Effective May 1, 2011, the new fee will be just $0.35 per transaction, a cost savings of nearly 55% over the standard shared branching transaction fees. The service will remain available to all FSCC clients with no implementation fees or additional monthly fixed costs.

Not only are fees now lower using MyCuAnywhere but think of the cost of your member calling your call center or coming into your branch or Outlet for simple transactions. Can you do it for $0.35 a transaction? Remember this is available to all of your members right now, so take advantage of this great opportunity.

To learn more visit http://www.fscc.com/my-cu-anywhere where you'll find basic information and links to marketing materials you can use in your branch or on your website. Want to try the member experience? You can sign up and give it a try yourself by visiting https://textbanking.cuswirl.com. 

FSCC is the only CU Service Centers Shared Branching provider offering a simple cost effective shared platform for mobile banking and we're proud to keep innovating for you. Be on the look out for more really cool enhancements to MyCUAnywhere coming soon!

NORTHWEST CUs FOR KIDS WINE AUCTION RAISES $135,000
The Event’s Success Has Sponsors Toasting the Credit Union Movement’s Generosity Again

Vancouver, WA. (April 21, 2011)  – The sponsors of the 2011 Northwest Credit Unions for Kids Wine Auction benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals announced today they had raised over $135,000 last Friday evening, April 15.   “This was our ninth anniversary auction and it just gets better and better,” says Roger Michaelis, CEO of iQ Credit Union and the event’s diamond sponsor and coordinator.  “As usual we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Credit Union Movement.”

Event sponsors are quick to point out that when they say “Credit Union Movement,” they mean credit unions, vendor partners and individuals.  “We are especially grateful to our platinum sponsors, FSCC and CO-OP Financial Services,” added Mr. Michaelis. “We know we can count on them each year to help us make this event a success.”

Other leading sponsors of the event included Allied Solutions, CUNA Mutual Group and the Northwest Credit Union Association.   OnPoint Credit Union, BECU and Columbia Credit Union as well as Boyce Financial Group and CU Direct Corporation rounded out the sponsor list.

“As a credit union person, it’s impressive to see our vendor partners and association step up in such a meaningful way,” said, Pat Smith, CEO of Unitus Community Credit Union in Portland. “Their generosity does not go unnoticed by the Credit Union community and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.”   Ms. Smith also serves on the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and is an ardent supporter of Credit Unions for Kids.

The event was held at the Governor Hotel in downtown Portland.  Because it was a formal affair with room for fewer than 200 guests, sponsors were stunned at the $135,000 total.  “Attendees could see we had some extraordinary wines,”   said Lisa Stokman, wine auction coordinator at iQ Credit Union.   Although there were many valuable wines to bid on, one of the most exciting was a Chateau Lafitte Rothschild, donated by Mark Loebner and Jan Hartler from Auto Solution.  “We were floored when that donation came in,” said Ms. Stokman.  “That one bottle was valued at over $900 dollars. I know the fact that we were doing this to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals made that high-end wine purchase easier to justify,” she added.

“It also doesn’t hurt that Roger and his team put together one of the finest events ever,” said Mandy Jones, CEO of Oregon Community Credit Union in Eugene.  “We don’t know how Roger manages to get Grammy award winning entertainment for this party, but he does it every year.”  Ms. Jones was referring to legendary blues singer, Marcia Ball, whose band kept attendees on the dance floor until late in the evening.

“It’s our goal to raise money for Credit Unions for Kids while making sure our attendees have an outstanding evening and our sponsors feel appreciated,’ said Mr. Michaelis.  “The definition of good wine is one that starts and ends with a smile.  We want to make sure the auction does too!”

Planning for next year’s auction is already underway.  For information on that event, please contact Lisa Stokman, at iQ Credit Union at lisas@iqcu.com.

ABOUT CREDIT UNIONS FOR KIDS AND CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS

Credit unions hold fast to their motto of “People Helping People” and this philosophy blossoms with credit union’s support of non-profit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  Credit unions have sponsored CMN Hospitals since 1996, when the Credit Union for Kids program was developed.  Today, credit unions across the United States collaborate with credit union chapters, leagues and business partners to raise much-needed funds to benefit 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  Fund raising campaigns range from golf tournaments and loan promotions to special credit and debit cards that offer a donation of a percentage of purchases to local children’s hospitals.  Since 1996, the Credit Unions for Kids program has generated over $90 million for CMN Hospitals.  The funds raised help support new facilities, equipment, research programs, patient services, special patient needs and health education programs benefiting 17 million children annually.

For more information on Credit Unions for Kids and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, please contact Joe Dearborn, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, at (480) 614-9673 or jdearborn@CMNHospitals.org.

For more information:  
Sarah Turner
Credit Union Miracle Day, Inc.
(CUMD)443-325-0778
info@cucherryblossomrun.org

2011 Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run® a Success!
Ten Year Sponsorship by Credit Unions Brings Spectacular Results for CUs, Runners, and Children’s Hospitals

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 3, 2011 -- The 39th running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run® took place today, Sunday April  3‚with over 15‚000 runners competing in the world-class sporting event around the monuments of DC. Credit unions have sponsored the Run for ten years to benefit Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) affiliated hospitals.

Credit union race officials were beaming even before the race began.   This year’s donation of $578,000‚ helped bring the ten year total of funds donated to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals to over $5 million.

“Thanks to the tremendous support of our lead partner‚ PSCU Financial Services‚ once again‚ we are able to donate 100 percent of the funds raised to Children’s Miracle Network affiliated hospitals across the country‚” said Juri Valdov‚ Chairman of the title sponsor group‚ Credit Union Miracle Day‚ Inc. “Thanks to partners such as PSCU Financial Services, the run has been a success on every level.”

Mr. Valdov reported that  in addition to bringing the ten year donation total  to over $5 million, 91 Members of Congress from 34 states were Honorary Race Chairs –more than twice the number as last year.  Nearly 700 Hill runners participated in the run as well.

The kick-off press conference and sponsor appreciation luncheon on Friday‚ April 1st at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington‚ DC‚ was well attended by credit union leaders including CUNA President, Bill Cheney, and NAFCU President, Fred Becker.  Marathon  legend Bill Rodgers was on hand to congratulate and  thank credit unions for their support.

During the press conference, Mr. Valdov announced that credit unions had signed on to sponsor the race through 2016.

Credit union runners from as far away as New York and California participated in the run.  VIP athletes in the Run included Andrews FCU President/CEO Chris McDonald. California Credit Union League president, Diana Dykstra, participated in the 5K run. It is estimated that over 7‚000 of the runners are credit union members.

Once again, there was live video streaming of the run action on two websites: www.cucherryblossomrun.org and www.cherryblossom.org.  For the third year in a row there was a simultaneous “satellite” race with US troops overseas.  More than 1,000 runners at Camp Arijan in Kuwait, participated in the race.

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals is an alliance of premier children’s hospitals across North America which treats 17 million critically ill children annually‚ regardless of their ability to pay. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run®‚ known as the Runner’s Rite of Spring®‚ also serves as the RRCA National 10-Mile Championship.

Credit Union Miracle Day‚ Inc.‚ (CUMD) is the title sponsor group of the Run. CUMD is a partnership of credit unions, CUSOs and partner organizations nationwide that have joined together under the umbrella of Credit Unions for Kids to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals by sponsoring the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run®. PSCU Financial Services is the Lead Partner‚ and CUNA Mutual Group is a National Business Partner.   For more information‚ visit www.cucherryblossomrun.org.

Based in St. Petersburg‚ Florida‚ PSCU Financial Services is the nation’s largest credit union service organization (CUSO) and serves more than 1‚500 financial institutions nationwide. As a non-profit cooperative‚ the company is owned by more than 640 member credit unions representing over 16 million credit, debit, prepaid and online payment accounts. Its Contact Centers handle more than 18 million inquiries a year. For more information‚ visit www.pscufs.com.

For more information, please contact Sarah Turner, CUMD Director, at 443-325-0778 or info@cucherryblossomrun.org.

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California Credit Unions Leaders Visit Washington DC to Run for Charity and Hike-the-Hill

April 21, 2011

California credit union leaders joined California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues President and CEO Diana Dykstra in Washington D.C. the weekend of April 1-3 to support Children's Miracle Network hospitals by participating in the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run and meet with Congressional lawmakers

This was the second year League staff worked with John Pamer, CEO of Diablo Valley Federal Credit Union in Concord, CA, to recruit business partners to provide grants for credit unions to participate in the event that starts with a Hill visit. Special thanks go to CUDL, CO-OP Financial Services, and Financial Service Centers Cooperative Inc. for their sponsorships.

This year's participants were Alex Casillas, CEO of My Credit Union in Redwood City, CA, Dennis Huber, CEO of SCE FCU in Irwindale, CA; Erick Orellana, CEO of Nikkei Credit Union in Gardena, CA; Chuck Papenfus, CEO of Inland Valley FCU in Fontana, CA; and Chief Strategy Officer Randy Dotemoto of Manhattan Beach, CA-based Kinecta Federal Credit Union, along with FSCC President and CEO Sarah Canepa Bang; and FSCC Controller Veronica Desrosiers.

The group advocated for credit unions at hike-the-hill visits with legislators, prior to the event. Credit union reps primarily focused on delaying the Federal Reserve's debit card interchange fee and raising the member business lending cap.

“Our voice was heard,” Pamer said, as he described visits with lawmakers and legislative staff aids. “Whether or not they agree or disagree could be another story, but our voice was definitely heard.”

The annual Cherry Blossom run is a “great ice-breaker” for conversation with legislators, providing a relaxed atmosphere, Pamer said. “It's a nice conversation piece to get things loosened up. A lot of the legislators' staff members are actually running in the event. It's a great opening line to say, We're here in town for the run.”

The group visited the offices of Reps. Ken Calvert (R-CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Joe Baca (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), and Jerry McNerne (D-CA). They also met with the office of Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA). Garamendi was an honorary chair of the race, joining 90 other legislators in the volunteer role.

“I appreciated having the opportunity to have discussions with our representatives on the impact of interchange price controls if nothing is done,” said Papenfus. “I felt the small-group interaction was helpful in that our elected officials could better understand our position and we had the opportunity to answer questions that we probably did not realize were important to them - and whose answers can help gain their support. I feel we made a difference as roughly half of our visits yielded positive results. Massive efforts like GAC are great, but these smaller efforts are likely just as important when we have an issue as vital as interchange.”

“It was great participating with 15,000 runners in the Runner's Rite of Spring on a chilly spring day to benefit Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and to celebrate the 10th year of title sponsorship by credit unions,” said Dotemoto, who for the second consecutive year was the individual top fundraiser with $6,585 raised for CMN.

Casillas called the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run a very rewarding experience. “The biggest accomplishment, besides finishing the run, is being a part of an event that helped raise more than $5 million for Credit Union for Kids Children's Miracle Network Hospitals,” he added.

Huber said that for an avid runner and credit union member, there is nothing more special than “to run 10 miles with 15,000 other folks through our nation's Capital, under the Washington Monument and along the Potomac River with the cherry blossoms in full bloom for the purpose of raising funds for children's hospitals. It was an awesome event.”

The run raised $578,000 this year from credit unions across the nation. Of this year's 15,000-plus participants, 7,000 of them were credit union members.

Contact: Micah J. Parker
Communications Manager, FSCC
(888) 372-2669 ext.1239
mparker@ fscc.com

Shared Branching Campaign to Help Members in the California High Desert Results in Significant Transaction Growth

ONTARIO, CA – March 15, 2011 — FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.), the nation's largest and most convenient shared branching network with over 6,500 network locations, announced today transactions by shared branching members in the California High Desert region increased 44.3 percent during the fourth quarter of 2010. This impressive increase amplifies the value of a cooperative and the power of shared branching.

The California High Desert region, specifically Victorville, Barstow, Hesperia, Big Bear Lake and Apple Valley, experienced a succession of business transactions that resulted in multiple shared branching outlets closing to network transactions for several months beginning in July 2010. At the time of the branch closures, monthly transactions numbered 16,523. However through collaboration, the area now boasts more outlet locations than ever before and transactions have subsequently increased to 23,841 per month during the fourth quarter of 2010.

Quick action by Vons Credit Union, FSCC, Cardtronics, and a group of dedicated California credit unions ensured shared branching remained available for members of the affected branches. Soon after, Alaska USA FCU was able to reopen their branches in the region. With more than 35,000 members in the California High Desert from over 200 credit unions, shared branching continues to help attract and retain members.

“Alaska USA is pleased to serve the High Desert and Big Bear communities with shared branching services through Alaska USA’s eight branch locations. The community has responded positively as each location has seen a steady increase in volume since opening our doors in November.”

“We’re proud to have been part of a collaborative effort to provide seamless service to our members in the high desert region. Transaction results are sending a clear message that members are happy and satisfied. We’ll continue to strive for excellence in providing service and products for our members,” said Sarah Canepa Bang, President/CEO, FSCC.

About FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.)

FSCC is the nation’s largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branching Network providing over 6,500 full service deposit-taking locations in all 50 states. FSCC can be summed up in three words: Connectivity, Continuity, and Convenience. Dedication to all three of these values inspired FSCC to create the Collaborative Innovation Model, or CIMple, bringing to the table a full suite of electronic and personal member service tools. FSCC is also the innovator behind 24/7 shared branching at more than 2,200 7-Eleven® Vcom® units. FSCC credit unions represent $144.8 billion in total assets and 12.2 million members. Since 1999, FSCC has returned over $15.5 million to its members through patronage dividends, rebates and return of capital. For more information, please visit http://www.fscc.com or call 888-372-2669 ext. 1236.

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Contact:

Micah Parker, Communications Manager, FSCC
mparker@fscc.com or 909/753-1239

Bill Prichard, Public Relations Manager, CO-OP Financial Services
bill.prichard@co-opfs.org or 800/782-9042, ext. 3450

CREDIT UNION SERVICE CENTERS NETWORK, INC., (CUSCNI) ELECTS BOB McCLOSKY TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DULUTH, Ga. – (March 9, 2011) – The Credit Union Service Centers Network, Inc. (CUSCNI) announced today that Bob McClosky, President/CEO of Market USA FCU in Laurel, Md., has been elected to its Board of Directors.

CUSCNI’s Board of Directors met during CUNA’s GAC on March 2, 2011, for their 18th annual meeting to elect officers and establish direction for 2011. CUSCNI represents the two national shared branching networks, FSCC (Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc.) and CO-OP Shared Branching. The organizations work cooperatively through CUSCNI to maintain shared branching standards, rules and member experiences.

All other CUSCNI directors are incumbents, including:

• • Bill Raker, (CUSCNI Chairman), President/CEO, US Federal Credit Union, Burnsville, Minn.
• • Steven Stapp, (CUSCNI Vice Chairman), President, San Francisco Federal Credit Union, San Francisco, Calif.
• • David Osborn, (CUSCNI Secretary/Treasurer), President/CEO, Anheuser-Busch ECU, St. Louis, Mo.
• • Doug Allman, President/CEO, NASA FCU, Upper Marlboro, Md.
• • Stan Hollen, President/CEO, CO-OP Financial Services, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. 

“By working together, we can continue to focus on meeting member transaction needs through convenient account access,” said Raker. “Credit unions are to be commended for participating in such a unique model, which has resulted in thousands of worldwide locations at which members can do their banking.”

Today there are over 4,200 full-service, physical branches nationally and worldwide at which members can conduct transactions, in addition to approximately 2,300 kiosk access points. In total, the credit unions involved in shared branching in the United States represent 43 million members and more than $442 billion in assets.

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