SAN FRANCISCO – The plight of the Louisiana Credit Union League-and the prospect of six staff layoffs -came up before CUNA directors during a board meeting at the Future Forum. Appealing for some kind of "financial helping hand" to cushion or prevent the layoffs was Gary Plank, chairman of the World Council of Credit Unions and president/CEO of the Arizona Credit Union League. "Her staff needs to be kept together," said Plank noting that Anne Cochran, the president/CEO of the League, has been a stalwart supporter in helping to develop CUs across the globe citing her travels to Africa. "Annie helped out World Council programs at Swarthmore and now she needs our help," said Plank noting that assistance to the League had been discussed earlier in the week during a board meeting of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues. Just what action that group or the CUNA Board might take was not made clear but the Swarthmore College reference is apparently linked to World Council programs for CU development through pacts with major universities