Michael Hales, a 30-year commercial lending veteran, has been appointed founding partner, president/CEO of Small Business America LLC, a new CUSO that links credit unions, small business owners and service providers.
Small Business America (www.sba.coop) is a subsidiary of the Member
Advantage Brand of Companies owned, which is owned by CUSO Development Co. (www.cusodevelopment.com). In addition to member business loans, deposits and business services, linked services will include commercial mortgage and title services, insurance, investment, business owner financial management training, succession planning, and more.
"This unique new opportunity will allow me to focus my full attention to helping the credit union industry become the financial services provider of choice for America's small business owners," Hales said.
Hales has served as a principal at Overland, Kan.-based The Rochdale Group, a credit union consulting firm and has helped credit unions develop member business lending CUSOs. He is also a NACUSO board member.
--msamaad@cutimes.com
