MADISON, Wis. – CUNA and the Ohio Credit Union League have formed what they say is the first of its kind partnership that will provide Ohio's credit unions access to enhanced educational programming and resources. Through the agreement which was signed Dec. 14 during CUNA's Board meeting in Washington D.C. and is effective Jan. 1, CUNA is responsible for managing the Ohio curriculum and program development, marketing and registration process of educational services to Ohio credit unions. The agreement ultimately results in the availability of more than 600 educational opportunities with enhanced curricula for Ohio's credit unions. It also frees the league from having to internally manage all aspects of its educational programs. "Instead of having one professional employee dedicated to education and training for Ohio's credit unions, we now have more than 40," said OCUL President/CEO Paul Mercer, adding that the agreement "is an exciting new way to deliver education services to our members." The partnership includes a redesigned look for the education and training portion of OCUL's Web site that will guide credit unions to the available learning opportunities and allow them to order or register online for events they choose. The league also plans to hire a market development manager by the end of 2006 whose primary role will be the development and sales of these new education services. More than 60 Webinars are already scheduled.