PORTLAND, Ore. -- CU Business Group LLC said it continues toservice those business lending programs that are entering theirthird, fourth and fifth year of operation even as it adds newclients to its roster.

The CUSO signed on 19 new credit unions in June. That samemonth, it reviewed more than 215 business loan packages. In May,the CUSO signed on 13 new credit unions and reached a landmark ofmore than $1 billion in loan packages reviewed, CUBG said.

CUBG provides business lending, deposit and consulting servicesto 277 credit unions in 34 states.

"Credit unions are beginning to reach maturing levels in theirbusiness lending programs. Many of our credit unions are now in thethird, fourth or fifth year of their programs and we're seeing alot of high quality opportunities and increased lending volumesacross the country," said CUBG President/CEO Larry Middleman. "Wetypically see only larger, more complex loans from our creditunions, which makes these volumes even more impressive."

To keep up with the demand, the CUSO said it has hired six newstaffers over the past few months. Much of the increase in businessis due to an expanded presence in the southern part of the country,Middleman said.

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