GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - In a move toward greater membership"diversity," the $60 million Mesa County Teachers Federal CreditUnion converted to multi-county status the week of April 26th andadopted a new name, Western Rockies FCU. "Beyond our educationalbase, this change allows to reach a broader membership base in fourcounties - Mesa, Garfield, Pitkin and Eagle," said Paul Denning,president of the 9,500-member CU, located on Colorado's WesternSlope. As part of the expansion move, Mesa County is also acquiringeffective July 1, the $10-million Burning Mountain CU in Riflecreating three branches for Western Rockies in Grand Junction,Clifton and in Rifle. "Burning Mountain management felt that amerger with us would allow their members to gain access to moreservices that as a small credit union they were unable to provide,"explained Denning. The CU name change and conversion tomulti-county community charter follows requests "by manyindividuals and employers asking for membership eligibility," saidDenning, stressing the CU has no intention of abandoning itseducation roots. The new name, said Denning, "was voted on andselected by our members and reflects our diversity and area." TheCU, said a news release, "is proud of our heritage and has added-`Serving the Educational Community Since 1936" as a tag line inits logo."