"We're very excited about our first meeting and the things we've already been doing as a combined trade organization," said Douglas Thompson, the chairman of Mid America and president of Aberdeen Federal Credit Union in South Dakota.

Officials of the two leagues said they were particularly heartened that the anticipated turnout for the three-day conference at the Ramkota Hotel is far higher than attendance at either one of the separate league conferences held in past years.

"And remember we're up against that CUNA conference in Las Vegas which is drawing some of our members," said Thompson referring to CUNA's America's Credit Union Conference & Expo which opened Sunday at Caesar's Palace Hotel.

In a departure from league meetings, representatives from farm and industrial co-ops across the two states as well as lawmakers and the two governors have been invited to attend the three-day conference as well as special receptions and dinners to demonstrate CU solidarity with the co-op movement.