WASHINGTON — CUNA is planning a series of Web based information sessions for credit unions that will focus on and explain the current economic environment, what it means for them, and what specific strategies and services credit unions can employ to help their members during the current downturn.

CUNA Chief Economist Bill Hampel told reporters March 24 that the association is planning a series of four to six Webinars on the topic. One of these, the first, tentatively scheduled for sometime in mid-April would address the overall situation while subsequent sessions would address specific strategies and services, Hampel said.

Hampel said that CUNA officials had also been meeting with NCUA Board members and senior staff about how the agency could provide greater guidance to credit unions about its stance during the current economic downturn and provide guidance as well to examiners about how the agency would view, for example, a credit union taking a hit to its bottom line or depleting its capital reserve somewhat as part of an effort to help its members through difficult economic times.