MADISON, Wis. — In an industry first, CUNA Mutual Group has teamed up with Denver-based Gateway Services Group to offer CUNA Mutual's credit insurance and debt cancellation products.

The move marks the first time someone other than CUNA Mutual employees will be marketing insurance products for credit unions. As part of its overall three-year transformation CUNA Mutual has been incorporating new sales processes and technology to better connect and serve credit unions. According to Jim Buchheim, vice president of PR & communications for CUNA Mutual, the new arrangement is a "natural progression" since distribution has been one area CUNA Mutual wanted to improve.

"CUNA Mutual's partnership with Gateway Services Group reflects new thinking and a new, dynamic approach to serving the needs of credit unions," said CUNA Mutual President/CEO Jeff Post. "We understand credit unions have established relationships with trusted advisors like Gateway Services Group and, through this agreement, we're expanding our distribution capabilities and the collaboration we have in the credit union marketplace. We see this as another positive step in strengthening and improving our company."