Ins and Outs of Cooperative Glossary

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Cooperative types:

Cooperative: A cooperative is an enterprise that is jointly owned and controlled by its members. Cooperatives operate on the principles of one person, one vote and proportional benefits (profit sharing, price reductions, etc.) based on the amount of work a member does for the cooperative. Most cooperatives are incorporated under specific state laws that give limited liability protection to their members.

Bargaining cooperative: A bargaining cooperative does not handle any products, but rather, its function is to bargain for optimal sales terms.

Marketing cooperative: Marketing cooperatives handle the storage, processing, and packaging of products or commodities.

New generation cooperative: This is a cooperative that has differences in operation from a traditional cooperative that have been tailored to meet the needs of farmers in the last decade. The purpose is to give their products or commodities added value through offering only restricted membership, requiring that members provide equity capital upon acceptance (which gives both the right and the responsibility of selling a specified amount of the product to the co-op), and ensuring that equity shares are transferrable at value when a membership is terminated for whatever reason. These are also called value-added cooperatives or new wave cooperatives.

Service cooperative: The function of this type of cooperative is to provide services in sectors such as finance, insurance, housing, electricity, telephones, breeding, or other services.

Supply and purchasing cooperative: These two kinds of cooperative provide outlets through which a cooperative’s members can purchase the goods or services required for the operation of their own businesses. Examples would be: rural medical facilities purchasing supplies, municipalities paying for civil protection in the form of fire and police services, and farm supply cooperatives that buy supplies such as seed and fertilizer for its farmers.

Worker-owned cooperative: This kind of cooperative is owned and operated by its employees. Most cooperatives of this kind are focused on service or processing.

Cooperative structure:

Acquisition: This is the purchasing of any other business enterprise by a cooperative.

Centralized: This is when a cooperative is owned and operated by the members themselves. Although this situation may occur in larger co-ops where there may be a centralized office with a number of branches, it is usually the case that a centralized cooperative is a local entity contained within a single branch.

Consolidation: A merging of cooperatives and the subsequent creation of a new co-op to replace the originals.

Federated: This refers to a cooperative that is comprised of independent cooperatives.

Horizontal integration: This takes place when multiple marketing or production units are placed under centralized control and management.

International cooperative: This is a cooperative that exists, operates and provides for its members across international boundaries.

Interregional and national cooperatives: These are extensive cooperatives that provide for large portions of the US.

Local cooperative: A local cooperative operates and provides services to its members in a limited geographic range. At this time, local cooperatives are tantamount in size to the regional cooperatives of the 1950s, however, despite increases in service and operation ranges, most local co-ops still have only one facility.

Marketing-agency-in-common: Similar to a bargaining cooperative, this is the federated result of multiple cooperatives that working together in order to negotiate favorable trade terms for its members. This cooperative leaves members to be responsible for their own marketing.

Merger: This is when multiple cooperatives are integrated into a single entity. The cooperative(s) that has been taken over is liquidated while the cooperative that has done the acquiring continues its operations.

Regional cooperatives: These cooperatives provide services to geographic regions usually at least one state in size.

Vertical integration: When multiple units are combined in the marketing structure. For example, a cooperative that produces a certain product makes an expansion that allows it to include retailing and wholesaling in its operations.

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): What It Is

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Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is a sister Treaty of the Paris Convention administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The PCT facilitates filing of patent applications under a single umbrella and provides for simplified procedure for the search and examination of such applications. There are now over 125 signatory countries to PCT. The PCT system is a very popular method of filing patent applications throughout the world.

Filing a PCT Application

The PCT applications may be filed either in an approved Receiving Office or directly at the International Bureau at the WIPO in Geneva. The PCT applications usually claim priority from an ordinary patent application, but they may also be filed direct.

On filing a PCT application, applicants must designate the countries in which they wish to retain the option to file a patent application. There is a fee per country designated up to the first 5 and after that any number of further countries may be designated without fee. It is also possible to designate multi-country regional offices such as the ARIPO or EP (European Patent Organisation).

International Phase and National Phase

PCT has two phases, an international phase when they are international applications in the International Bureau, and a national phase when they are converted to national patent applications in the designated countries of interest.

During the international phase, the designated International Searching Authority (a Patent Office authorised by WIPO) conducts a patent search and an International Search Report is provided within around six months of filing to assist the applicant in deciding whether or not to proceed with patent protection. The International Bureau also publishes the patent specification.

Chapters I and II of the PCT

The PCT is divided into two Chapters, Chapter I and Chapter II. Chapter I requires that within either 20 or 30 months of the earliest priority date, (depending on whether or not the country concerned has adopted the most recent amendments to the PCT Treaty), the applicant must enter the national phase, that is, file patent applications in any one or more of the countries initially designated .

Chapter II allows 30 months from the earliest priority date for entering the national phase and also requires a designated International Preliminary Examining Authority (authorised by WIPO to conduct international examinations) to conduct a non-binding substantive examination of the patent specification to determine whether it meets the requirements for patentability. Please note that, certain designated Offices have fixed time limits expiring even later than 30 months, or 20 months, as the case may be. For regular updates on these applicable time limits, refer to the PCT Gazette; a cumulative table is also available at WIPO’s Internet site (www.wipo.int ).

Entry into the National Phase

The national phase is the second of the two main phases of the PCT procedure. The national phase starts only if the applicant files applications in each country of choice (the “designated Office”) just as a usual application would be filed, either before the expiration of the time limit or together with an express request that it start earlier. The applicant has sole responsibility for performing the act in due time. The consequences of failure to do so are fatal to the application in most designated States. In each such designated State the international application has the effect of a national (or regional in the case of regional offices) application as from the international filing date, and the decision to grant

Advantages of the PCT System

The PCT system allows applicants to file a single patent application in one country and for up to 30/31 months retain the option of filing a corresponding application in a large number of other countries of interest. The PCT system can therefore be thought of as an extension of time for filing patent applications world wide at substantially reduced prosecution costs. Furthermore, one can usually tell from the International Search Report and Written Opinion, what the chances are of obtaining patent protection in the other countries. If there appears to be no prospect of obtaining a patent, the international application can be abandoned whereby the applicants lose only the cost of filing a PCT application instead of a much greater cost of filing applications in every other countries of interest. Also, the applicants get 18 months more to test the market to determine whether to proceed with patent applications and indeed to raise capital to fund the filing of regional/national phase applications.

PCT National Phase Entry in India

On September 7, 1998 India (country code: IN) deposited its instruments of accession to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property and to the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Since December 7, 1998, it has been possible to designate India in PCT applications and to elect India in the demand for preliminary examination.

If India is a designated country in the PCT application and is also elected in the demand for preliminary examination filed within 19 months of the priority date, then the deadline for entry into the National Phase in India is 31 months from the Priority Date. If the applicant does not so elect India in the demand for preliminary examination, then the deadline for entry into the National Phase in India is 21 months from the Priority Date. Therefore, all applicants who have designated India in their PCT application filed on or after December 7, 1998, will be able to file PCT National Phase applications in India.

P.M.George Kutty, Advocate & Registered Patent Attorney,

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Foreign Exchange Currency Values

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Foreign Exchange Currency Values are determined by the Foreign exchange or FX market. It is a worldwide, decentralized market which determines the relative values of different currencies. The currency value, popularly known as exchange rate, determines how much one currency is worth in terms of another. For example; an exchange rate of 2 United States Dollars (USD) to the British pound (GBP) means that 1 BP is equivalent to 2 USD. Exchange rates can be fixed or floating. In the floating system, the rate is determined by many market conditions and constantly varies. In the fixed system the exchange rate is set at a pre determined value with a provision for devaluation of a currency. These days nearly all currencies follow the floating-rate system. Get free daily Forex videos.

Floating exchange rate is determined by demand and supply. For a given currency if the demand rises or supply falls, the exchange rate appreciates. Similarly if demand falls or supply rises, the rate depreciates. Demand and supply is determined by the changes in trade system. For example; the supply of dollars is determined by US demand of imports and demand for dollars is determined by the demand for US exports. If the demand for US exports decreases, so will the demand of US dollars and consequently the exchange rate will come down. Equilibrium between demand and supply determines the final exchange rate. Another factor that determines the exchange rate is currency trading and speculation. People trade currencies, like stocks and shares. If a buyer speculates that the demand for dollars will go down, he will sell his USD and this in turn will lead to a depreciation of the dollar.

Foreign exchange currency values change very frequently based on the global economy. Some of the strongest currency pairs as per market trend charts are: US dollars and Euro, US dollars and Japan Yen, US Dollars and Great Britain Pound. The FX market has been around for over hundred years. Over these years forex trends have been formed and these tend to repeat periodically. Currency trends can be analyzed in three different ways: Long term, Intermediary and daily. Long term trends are determined by the state of the economy and may last for few months to few years. Intermediary trends are caused by a sudden trade change and it lasts for few weeks. Daily trends are determined by the day to day buying and selling activities.

Now that you know some of the more important parts of Forex currency trading you should also visit foreign exchange currency for even more. As with all types of expertise, the more you know and the more resources you have at your disposal the more successful you will be. Forex trading is an exciting and difficult field to practice in but with the right tools and programs to help you along it can be a lot of fun.

Forex Currency Trading.

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Advertising in Europe

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Datamonitor’s Advertising in Europe industry profile is an essential resource for top-level data and analysis covering the Advertising industry. It includes data on market size and segmentation, plus textual and graphical analysis of the key trends and competitive landscape, leading companies and demographic information.

Scope

Contains an executive summary and data on value, volume and/or segmentation
Provides textual analysis of Advertising in Europe’s recent performance and future prospects
Incorporates in-depth five forces competitive environment analysis and scorecards
Includes a five-year forecast of Advertising in Europe
The leading companies are profiled with supporting key financial metrics
Supported by the key macroeconomic and demographic data affecting the market

Highlights

Detailed information is included on market size, measured by value and/or volume
Five forces scorecards provide an accessible yet in depth view of the market’s competitive landscape

Why you should buy this report

Spot future trends and developments
Inform your business decisions
Add weight to presentations and marketing materials
Save time carrying out entry-level research

Market Definition

The advertising industry consists of agencies providing advertising services, including display advertising services.

The market value reflects net fee and commission revenue of the agencies for provision of such services to their clients, and does not equate to the total advertising expenditure within the country or region.

Similarly, revenue data provided in the Leading Companies chapter refers the total revenues retained by each company, after subtraction of any payments they may make on behalf of their clients to media channel suppliers, such as television broadcasters, newspaper and magazine publishers, etc. It also includes any revenue obtained from any non-advertising operations. Revenues therefore do not equate to the gross billings made by advertising agencies to their clients.

Any currency conversions used in the creation of this report have been calculated using constant 2009 annual average exchange rates.

For the purposes of this report, Europe consists of Western Europe and Eastern Europe.

Western Europe comprises Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Eastern Europe comprises the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Russia, and Ukraine.

Market Research

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Advertising in Belgiu.

Royal Cruise Matrix: How An Automated System Will Explode Your Business

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Royal Cruise Matrix is a very simple program to master and succeed in. The main issue for many people is getting a consistent stream of prospects to share their business with. We’ve designed and constructed a fully automated marketing system for Royal Cruise Matrix. This system will enable you to generate interested prospects, share with them the opportunity while building yourself a list of known MLM buyers. We will share with you the key reasons that you should integrate an automated system into your RCM business.

1. You will be able to find targeted prospects – The key to success in any online business today is having targeted prospects to speak with. Better qualified prospects means a higher conversion rate. Targeted prospect that are looking for a business and are interested in hearing about your business are crucial to your business. If you’re looking to purchase your leads or prospects, you need to understand that they are almost never targeted and almost always incentivized to sign up. This results in a very low response and sign up rate. You want to “make” leads of your own. Trust me on this point. It will mean a big difference in your success.

2. You’ll have the ability to share your business automatically – With the frenzied pace of many people’s lives today, to be able to show off your business 24/7 is a necessity. If you are sending people directly to a company website with no pre-selling or follow-up, you’re wasting at least 90 percent of your advertising dollars. People want to be able to check out a program when it is convenient for them. When you are able to automate this process, your effectiveness is increased dramatically.

3. You’ll be able to do ongoing follow-up – Most people will not even think about buying a product or service on their first visit to your site. If that’s the only time they’re going to be invited to see your site, your conversion rate is going to be very poor. You need to get your prospects into a system that allows you to “touch them” many times.

4. You’ll have access to marketing resources that work – Let’s face it, there is a lot of crap for sale online. The only quality advertising sources online are the ones that work. The only way to know what works is to test it. We provide a list of marketing resources that are tested and work. There’s nothing worse than spending your hard earned money for advertising and getting nothing out of it.

5. You will build your own list of buyers – This is very important. No program lasts forever. You might decide to join another program later on. When you’ve accumulated a list of buyers that you have a relationship with, you will have the ability to earn a steady income online. If you are building your list of buyers in the back office of a program, you are building the list for them, not you.

6. You’ll strengthen your position as an expert in the field – People want to join programs under leaders and people that are successful. They might be hoping for “spillover” or “free signups”, but many people are simply looking for information on what works. When you have experienced some success, you will begin to attract other like minded people that will work together as a team. Once you are perceived as an expert in a particular area online, you will find it much easier to attract members in any program you are affiliated with.

If you would like to be a part of our Royal Cruise Matrix team today you can go here. If there are questions you need answered, please Skype Pat at patmac11.

About the Author

Patrick McTigue is a full time network marketer that has six years of experience. Patrick enjoys coaching people to success in their home based business and specializes in assisting people new to the home based business area.

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Foreign Exchange Currency Quotes: Why Are They Helpful For a Trader?

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One of the first things that novice Forex traders will learn is how to read and analyze Foreign Exchange Currency Quotes. This is critical to the successful trading of currency, futures, Forex trading and even much more complex than normal trading on the stock market. It is also much more dynamic and fast paced. Get free Forex trading videos daily.

When trading stock the trader only needs to look at the price of a given company’s stock to know its value, and from there it can only go up or down, although rarely it will stay the same for some time. On the Forex exchange markets, the potential value of a given trade is expressed as the spread between one currency and another. The basis for any currency quote, including Foreign Exchange Currency Quotes is how it is valued against another currency. For example the Yuan from China may be rising, but when trade and exchanging to the dollar, it would not be as potentially profitable as a trade and exchange against the Bhat, Thailand’s currency. Any currency may be traded with any other and with hundreds of currencies worldwide, the information can become quite complex.

Of course, most Foreign Exchange Currency Quotes available to US traders will exchanged from the US dollar to another currency. Sophisticated traders may then buy Euro’s and trade them into another currency so it may gain in value before trading it to another spread. The spread is the value difference between any two currencies. The quote is the current price of a single currency.

With so many currencies, sophisticated information management systems are a must. Once a novice trader understands enough of the basics to read the data the next step is software that will allow that information to be monitored and analyzed. Often, experienced Forex traders will have large, multiple monitor display systems to allow them to see as much data as possible at one time. The software will also allow traders to set alarms and monitor specific spreads they are interested in.

A great number of websites offer information about Foreign Exchange Currency Quotes, but experienced traders will have more direct data feeds to monitor both the quotes and spreads. For beginning traders, web-based services are a good place to start, allowing traders to monitor a smaller data set initially to learn and develop the skills needed to move on to more sophisticated trading with Foreign Exchange Currency Quotes.

Now that you have all that information you will want to get the best and most up to date information on Forex Currency. That is how you stay ahead of everyone else and learn what the new opportunities are and will soon be. Find the best resources you can and go back to them over and over again to use to your advantage. There is inherent risk in trading Forex and you will want to do your best to reduce these risks and maximize your success rate.

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How to Convert Currency Rates

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More often than not, people base the current currency conversion from the United States dollar whether it is or it is not the highest currency today. No matter where they are, tourists usually convert the country’s currency to dollar to check how much the equivalent is.

There are different ways on how you could convert the current currency rates without using a pen and a paper. Moreover, you also do not have to look for the nearest money changer just so you can see how much a Rupee costs in U.S. dollars.

If you can have an access to the World Wide Web, you can find a wide array of websites that would allow you to easily convert any currency to another. However, you have to make sure that the currency-converting website is always updated with the changes in the stock market. This is to guarantee that you will only get the most reliable values including the dollar exchange rates.

You might also want to consider currency rates conversion feature in your mobile phone as well. If you would allow this feature to update automatically, then you can make certain that you would be able to convert the dollar exchange rates easily. But you also have to remember that this currency converter feature may sometimes be unreliable. Some mobile phones do not update the information especially if there are glitches in its connection online and other tech issues as well.

But if you really want to make sure about the current exchange rates, do not hesitate to call the local bank or ask the receptionist at the hotel instead. Banks would definitely give you the specific details and even if there are changes from time to time. On the other hand, the currency rates in hotels are often lower than the real rates since they have to gain profit from their customers as well.

Chris is the writer of this article, you can visit us for more information on Currency Rates and mortgage rates.

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Currency Banknotes is the godfather of all currency converters, as it is the ONLY app that offers a practical and VISUAL experience when it comes to converting currencies. This app lets you: + View banknote or currency images + See colored images of paper bills from numerous countries worldwide + Convert 150+ currencies from all over the world + Zoom in and out of banknote images with ease + Instantly calculate the conversion rate of the top 10 currencies of the world + See pictures of RARE and HARD-TO-FIND banknotes or currency images Details: This app not only lets you convert currencies, it allows you to actually SEE what banknotes from different countries look like. Perfect for travelers and for people who are just curious to see what paper bills look like all over the world. Witness the cultures of different countries. Get a glimpse of their art, architecture, and people through their paper bills. Converter: Currency Banknotes is a very simple currency converter, with a user-friendly interface. It also allows you to convert currencies across 150+ countries. In a rush? You can choose to instantly calculate conversion rates from the top 10 currencies, all in one page, saving you time and effort. Banknote Images: This app contains a banknote gallery from almost 200 countries all over the world, including rare and very hard to find paper bills. It lets you zoom in and out of images, to let you see what the banknotes look like in full detail. With Currency Banknotes.

Mapping Business News

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Newspapers both print and online publications as well as news websites illustrate business trends using a variety of data visualization tools. Integral to the display is the fact that these charts or maps require to be easy to comprehend and visually arresting enough to hold the readers’ attention. Most publications show business data with a worldwide perspective. In this respect, the usage of flash maps in order to illustrate or just facts allows for easy comparison and analysis.

Take for example the phenomenon of recession. One of the first questions that any individual has regarding this economic downturn is how the markets over the world has been affected. If one is to illustrate this data through attractive and comprehensive visualization the easiest method is to plot all the data on a map. Mapping software allows us to superimpose charts on a map which is an effective way to illustrate the data keeping geographical concerns in mind.

Another and perhaps the more effective way to do it is to choose color ranges to correspond to data ranges and then use pin points to mark each city or country or market as desired. A mouse over option can be included which allows one to get to the actual chart displaying in greater detail the market calisthenics. The chart can also include a link to homepage of the market being studied which will provide more information with regard to the money metrics.

This kind of mapping can also be used in a 2D map for print purposes. In this case too, color coded markers can effectively illustrate the trends over the world. A 2D map is also a great place to place columns corresponding to the trends in each zone. While the make an otherwise dry set of data greatly attractive, it also becomes easily comprehensible.

A layman is easily distracted and confused by a set of numbers run without sufficient classification by newspapers and magazines. With respect to this concern, anything from commodities traded in to flourishing markets and dips in stock indexes can be illustrated using a world map or even the map of a country as a background to plot numbers on. Further analysis of a map allows us to relate trends with economic policies and market characteristics. Yet another advantage in using maps like this is the ability to choose a time line for review varying from a year right up to 100 years. Each year or set of years can be conveniently color-coded making a map that is visually stunning and simple to comprehend.

Magazines and newspapers are increasingly using flash mapping technology to churn out data visualization that does away with the need for words altogether. This business mapping software is succinct in its approach to data visualization and exceedingly accomplished in leaving the layman convinced and yet un-confused.

Patent Services from International Patent Law Firms in India and Abroad

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Patent Services from International Patent Law Firms in India and Abroad – Law – Trademarks

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Patent law firms guide an inventor or an applicant starting from the conceptualization on an invention till the commercialization of a patent law firms provides their services on prior art search, drafting, filing of patent application, prosecution, opposition & appeal, litigation, assignment & agreement, watch , licensing, technology transfer etc. The process for patent registration application is prescribed under the Patent Law of a country. The first step to register a is to file a patent application in the office. The patent application can be filed as ordinary application, conventional application under the Paris convention and PCT National Phase filing under the prescribed rules of Cooperation Treaty. The patent application is published after 18 months from the date of priority in India. The application is opened for a pre-grant opposition for a time period of six months. Examination is to be applied by the applicant or a third party within 48 months. Within one year the applicant is to comply with the rejection by the Controller during examination. After the successful acceptance of the patent, a notice of allowance is issued in the name of the applicant and the patent number is entered in the register of the Patent Office. The Patent search is one of the most important steps before beginning to develop a project in any innovative based company.Patent application can be filed in India as ordinary application, conventional application under the Paris convention and PCT National Phase filing under the prescribed rules of Patent Cooperation Treaty. Ordinary application can be a provisional or a complete application and date of first filing is treated as date of patent filing of the application. In cases when the first application is filed as provisional application then a complete application is to be filed within 12 months or 1 Year. In the case of the Conventional Application, the applicant by taking priority from an earlier application filed under the jurisdiction of the particular country has to file within 12 months from the date of priority. Similarly, a PCT application is also filed within 12 months from the date of filing of the priority application. However, for PCT National phase filing in India, the deadline for filing is 31 months from the date of filing the application. Patent Attorney is a person who has a technical degree in Science or engineering with a legal degree. A patent attorney provides services to the client such as innovators, inventor and companies in the Patent related business. The patent services provided by a patent attorney includes of patent searches, drafting, opposition, revocation, infringement / freedom to operate opinion, litigation, maintenance, patent watch, market watch, IP licensing and enforcement, technology transfer etc. A patent attorney advices an inventor starting from the conceptualization of the invention till the enforcement of the patent rights. In order to protect the rights of innovator, it is very necessary to take the help of a Patent Attorney during the time prosecution as well as litigation.

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All about patent services through patent law firms, know about patent registration application, patent filing, searh, litigation, patent application process, free patent search and other ipr services.

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Credit Unions – A Cheaper, Friendlier Alternative to Banks

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In Raleigh, North Carolina, new homeowners John and Jennifer Hall made a smart decision: instead of choosing a risky mortgage scheme from a bank – a decision that has been catastrophic for so many of their contemporaries, the couple applied for a loan through the North Carolina State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU).

The couple did their homework, and concluded that it made better sense to work with a non-profit financial cooperative to purchase their first home. Aside from lower fees and closing costs, SECU did something the others didn’t: a credit-union employee sat down with the couple to explain the pros and cons of the various mortgage options. Because credit union employees are non-commissioned, there was no pressure, enabling the couple to see the credit union as a trusted advisor.

“There are so many young folks who don’t realize the advantage of going with a co-op,” says John, who believes that all North Carolinians benefit from non-profit financial cooperatives that help to keep other financial institutions in check by ensuring citizens remain eligible for competitive rates and fees. “Being a member can make a tremendous difference in your financial life!”

You Belong

Are you are frustrated with your bank? You may be tired of paying endless fees, high interest rates and receiving poor customer service. And in light of the current financial crisis, you may find yourself among those with good credit experiencing trouble getting a car or home loan, the result of tightened lending standards due to the banking industry’s own.

Fortunately, you have options.

Credit unions offer are a fresh alternative to corporate banks while providing the same kinds of services. As a credit union member, you can open a checking or savings account, buy a certificate of deposit and get a loan. Some credit unions can even help invest for your retirement or take financial planning courses before you buy your first home.

Credit unions are co-operative businesses, owned by members (depositors) who share something in common, such as where they work, live or go to church. Because credit unions tend to be smaller and cater to a select group of people, you can expect a more personal relationship between the staff and the members.

Unlike commercial banks that generate profits for owners and outside shareholders, credit unions channel profits back to members in the form of lower fees, better interest rates and higher dividends. According to the American Banker/Gallup poll, credit unions consistently rank high among consumers for service and customer satisfaction every year since 1983.

Keep Your Money Safe

Credit unions have emerged as a safe haven for consumers. Because credit unions avoided the risky loans and exotic investments that brought down so many banks, they remain relatively untouched by the recent financial crisis, credit union members have peace of mind knowing their money is safe.

Credit unions are financially solid because they stick to conservative banking practices, such as requiring down payments and income verification on mortgage loans. While many banks were chasing ever more exotic ways to make money, credit unions stuck to the basics.

Many people are leery of putting their funds in the hands of a credit union because they believe the credit union isn’t FDIC insured. Nothing could be further from the truth. Like banks and savings institutions, credit unions deposits are insured up to $ 250,000 by the federal government, providing the same level of protection for investor assets as any banking institution.

Credit Unions Still Lending

Commercial banks have recently curtailed lending, even people with good credit. The result is that many consumers are having trouble getting home and car loans due to tightened lending standards.

This is not the case with credit unions, which continue making loans available to people with good credit histories. In fact, credit unions are now experiencing higher loan volumes as consumers turn to them in greater numbers since the recent banking sector meltdown.

According to the CUNA, credit unions made 36 percent more small business loans in the first half of 2008 than the same period in 2007, a reflection in part of the ability of credit unions to lend while banks horde cash.

Now, as conventional banks avoid lending even to credit worthy buyers, credit unions are poised to take a much larger share of the traditional lending business – including homes, cars and small business loans.

Join a Credit Union Today!

Though once associated with trade unions, hospitals, universities and other large employee groups, credit unions are increasingly open to the general public. There are also “select employee groups” that offer credit union members to a network of affiliated businesses.

You’ll find many reasons to join a credit union, including:

- Unlike many commercial banks, credit unions are still lending

- You have access to great products and services.

- Be heard. Your voice counts – your co-op truly cares what you think.

- You’ll be part of a values-based organization that puts people ahead of profit.

- Share in the financial success of the organization.

- Contribute to a thriving local economy.

- Invest in a business that is locally owned and democratically controlled.

- Be part of a strong and proud cooperative tradition.

- Help change the way business is conducted in America and around the world.

As of 2005, there are 9,346 credit unions in the United States, which means that just about any consumer can find a credit union they are eligible to join.

Paul Hazen is CEO and President of the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA), the only cross-sector member association representing all cooperatives in the United States. To view a video that shows why credit unions are the better choice.

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Bank of America has rolled out their Cooperative Short Sale program to any agent that wishes to participate. (Some designations and training organizations tried to spin this as THEIR exclusive program and really pushed it, too bad they don’t know what they are pushing!) Bank of America has mimicked a lot of what people liked about HAFA, and eliminated what banks don’t like about HAFA. Because of this I expect that this Cooperative Short Sale program will gain much more momentum than HAFA ever dreamed, but that’s not the real question. The real question is: Should my client even participate? My answer to an agent who is not strong in negotiations with BofA is a VERY STRONG “NO!”. The reason being is BofA has reserved the right to pursue deficiency, set commissions, set price and force a dead in lieu should you be unable to close your short sale within 120 days. Personally, I prefer to set the price with my client. I’m confident that most agents should know how to price a property to sell. I also will not delegate my commission to the whims of the bank. That will remain between me and my client. Further, why in the world would anyone want to subject their client to future liability if it could be avoided? And the deed in lieu is only a win for the bank. Foreclosure will still show on the client’s credit, but the bank avoids the more costly and time consuming normal foreclosure process. Before you listen to anyone calling to get on the bandwagon, look …

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