CUNAverse brings you the top 10 must-reads for April, 2011. As always, we highlight important credit union articles from a variety of sources, including U.S. News and World Report.

Vote for the 2011 CU Hero of the Year

Who should be the 2011 CU Hero of the Year? Follow the link to cast your vote and celebrate credit union leaders and heros.

Why You Need a Credit Union Account

Jim Wang’s post discusses the many advantages credit unions have over banks. In addition to discussing the major differences between banks and credit unions, Wang suggests, “if you’ve been searching for a way to sever your ties to a commercial bank, consider credit unions.”

H&FF Radio Covered Financial Literacy in 200th Broadcast

Sunday, April 3rd was a milestone for the Home & Family Finance Radio program. The broadcast was the program’s 200th show and discussed the importance of financial literacy and offered ideas to help consumers develop everyday financial skills.

The Jigsaw Puzzle: Redefining Tomorrow’s Corporates

Robert McGarvey reviews the current corporate credit union situation and why “…Topic A in the credit union industry during 2011 has to be how corporate credit unions will service natural person credit unions going forward.”

AmeriChoice Uses Grant for Youth Fin Lit Outreach

AmeriChoice FCU is on track to reach more than 10,000 school students this year after receiving a grant from the National Credit Union Foundation in 2010 for its financial literacy youth outreach program.

Credit Unions Look for a Lending Rebound

CU loan portfolios take a hit as members pay down debt at unprecedented rates.

First Tech CU Adds Amazon.com As SEG

NCUA has approved First Tech CU to serve Seattle-based employees of Amazon.com.

Review policies in wake of quakes, tornadoes

Do you know exactly what your insurance policies cover–and don’t cover–if you’re the victim of a tornado, earthquake, flood, or other natural disaster?

Council Honors Top Marketers

CUNA Marketing and Business Development Council’s Diamond Awards honors top marketers, best practices award winners also receive acclaim

CUs pick up the pieces in tornadoes’ aftermath

Credit unions in several Southern states have either begun to pick up the pieces from last week’s swarm of tornados and flooding or are standing ready to help.