MENLO PARK, Calif. -- Sixteen California credit unions have come together to create Nor Cal CU Strategies LLC, a new CUSO that allows each owner to suggest which projects to pursue.

Member credit unions may decide which activities to become involved in. The aim is they will be able to achieve economies of scale and avoid duplication of efforts, according to managers of the CUSO. The idea for the CUSO sprang from the CU Bay Area Executive Coalition, a group of northern California CU CEOs who meet bi-monthly for networking and information sharing.

Members of Nor Cal CU Strategies are scheduled to meet today in San Mateo, Calif. Along with Linda White, CEO of United Health CU, who will serve as chairperson, four other CEOs have been tapped as the CUSO's new officers.

The CUSO's member CUs are: Alamada CU ($37 million in assets), Allied Trades CU ($18 million), Antioch Community FCU ($26 million), Bay Media FCU ($17 million), Community CU of South Humboldt ($42 million), Dow Western CU ($38 million), ILWU-FSC FCU ($23 million),Kaiperm North Bay FCU ($28 million), Monterey County ECU ($26 million), My CU ($31 million), Pacific Advantage FCU ($15 million), RC SSE FCU ($24 million), Sierra Point CU ($34 million), Tyco FCU ($84 million), United Health CU ($38 million) and Western Healthcare CU ($31 million).