ALEXANDRIA, Va.-NCUA Board Member JoAnn Johnson credited two-way dialogue between the nation's federally insured credit unions and NCUA for a revision to the member business lending appraisal rules by the NCUA Board. Johnson also took partial credit for the open line of communication because of her request that the credit union community suggest ways to remove unnecessary regulatory hurdles. The revision, which was approved by notation vote on October 15, made technical clarifications to the rule explaining the board's intent with last year's amendment to the appraisal rule increasing the appraisal requirement from $50,000 to $250,000, including member business loans involving real estate. Credit Union Association of Oregon President Gene Poitras brought up the need for clarification in a cross-country trip to the agency. Johnson, who is very interested in credit union participation in member business lending, commented, "I foresee improvements to the member business lending regulation that will go beyond merely making the changes that will provide parity with state law. I have encouraged our staff to think creatively on ways in which we can enhance the small business rule while remaining within the confines of statute and safety and soundness. It is my intent to enhance the small business lending regulation so that credit unions can continue to meet the needs of small businesses today as well as into the future." NCUA may approve exemptions to its member business lending rule when a state submits an acceptable state rule to the agency. Seven state credit union regulators have opted to do this. Notation votes are used to expedite certain board decisions. [email protected]