MADISON, Wis. – CUNA Councils are gearing up to celebrate the 3,000th member with a $3,000 professional development scholarship and a complimentary 2005 membership for the individual's credit union. The scholarship and complimentary membership in each of the six councils -CFO; HR and Training & Development; Lending; Marketing & Business Development; Operations, Sales & Service; and the Technology Council – are seen as another way to celebrate the Councils' ongoing successes and increasing membership. Based on the rapid membership growth trends, CUNA Councils Director David Rohn says he expects lucky 3,000 to join before the end of the first quarter. Rohn credits the Councils' growth to targeted membership, programs that are created for and by credit union executives. “There isn't a for-profit venture behind the group working an angle,” said Rohn. He also cites the national scope of the Councils. “Members bring to the table a broad set of resources, perspectives and a willingness to freely share information and ideas – something that doesn't always exist in smaller groups.” For more information or the chance to become the celebrated 3,000 member, contact the CUNA Councils at (800) 356-9655, ext. 4368, or visit the Councils' Web site www.cunacouncils.org.