ALEXANDRIA, Va.-Not to be tainted with the `lame duck' syndrome, NCUA Board member Debbie Matz announced her agenda for the remainder of her time on the NCUA Board the day after elections. "I will continue to work as diligently as ever to protect credit unions' safety and soundness and to help credit unions grow stronger by reaching new members," Matz stated. "Between plants closing, businesses downsizing, and members aging, existing members will not be around forever. In order to remain sound in the future, credit unions will need to reach new members in new markets." Matz said she planned to continue with her Partnering and Leadership Successes initiative, holding at least four more workshops in 2005. "PALS workshops will continue offering opportunities for credit union leaders to share best practices that have proven successful in attracting new members from all walks of life," she said. Additionally, Matz recently announced a Small Credit Union Initiative, which she plans to follow through on. "Without adding positions or dollars to the budget, my proposed initiative would use existing resources and reallocate positions that have not been filled," she explained. "There is more that we can do if we, as regulators, recognize the importance of small credit unions." She also said she would continue to serve as the NCUA Board's liaison to the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Small Business Administration. [email protected]