SOUTH JORDAN, Utah — The chorus of experts urging credit unions to use this time to pursue small business owners continues to get louder.

“The best single piece of advice is to move,” said Kent Moon, president/CEO of Member Business Lending LLC. “Credit unions are doing a lot of, shall we say, 'beard stroking,' but the opportunity is here today and it doesn't get much better than what it is now.”

Moon said business loan volume is up. Indeed, according to CUNA data, MBL dollars originated by credit unions have increased 36%. From January through June 2007, credit unions originated $4.8 billion in member business loans. That number jumped to $6.5 billion for the same time period of 2008. Pending regulatory changes involving NCUA Part 723, which addresses member business loan regulations, could also give credit unions an opportunity to enhance their lending capability, Moon noted.

“I recommend credit unions launch their proactive mode, move into the market and look forward to building a real, strong membership for their credit union,” Moon said. “The tactic that's recommended is just being sure you're doing a good job of bringing in qualified personnel to run the business program, and to be able to get them adequate training and support to build a quality portfolio.”