Members Shouldn't Expect Less From Small CUs

I would like to take issue with two assumptions that Mike Welch makes in his Jan. 12 column, “Waving the Flag for Small Credit Unions Not Smart.” First “members have a lower expectation for small credit unions”. Members of Riverside Health System Employees Credit Union, a $7.5 million credit union, expect our three ATMs to work 24/7, our Web site to work 24/7, our three biometric kiosks to work 24/7, our audio response system to work 24/7, our VISA debit card to work 24/7, our loans turned around quickly, and our staff to be professional, courteous, and helpful. Sounds like similar expectations of all financial institutions to me. Second, that after a merger members “actually end up being much better served.” Look around the credit unions and count the number of check cashing and payday loan locations. I contend those locations are serving members not served at the credit unions. So I hope the vigorous flag waving and loud cheering for small credit unions continues. Oh yes, all those large credit unions and fewer small credit unions might mean you have no market for your publications and might be better served by the American Banker. Janet L Harris CEO Riverside Health System Employees CU Newport News, Va.