Credit Union Association of the West Not the Failure Welch Thinks

I always enjoy reading Publisher Mike Welch’s column along with Credit Union Times’ excellent coverage; but occasionally we disagree, as with his recent column regarding the closure of CU Association of the West (CUAW). As has been mentioned by some of the other players in CUAW, the organization did complete its mission and we continue to have excellent working relationships between the leagues involved – Washington, Oregon, California, and Nevada – with cooperative activities created through CUAW still in place. For example, so far in 2005 more than 400 attendees from outside California and Nevada have attended our league events, reflecting increased regionalization of such programs, one of the objectives of CUAW. We continue to cooperate in other activities without the need for the formal structure, and that was the reason for disbanding the organization in favor of other collaborative endeavors with neighboring leagues. Accordingly, CUAW, rather than being a failure as Mike suggested, was instead an example of a successful cooperative activity that fulfilled its mission and was no longer required. Thanks for the opportunity to comment, and keep up the good work. David L. Chatfield President/CEO California/Nevada Credit Union League Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.