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

Member credit unions may decide which activities to becomeinvolved in. The aim is they will be able to achieve economies ofscale and avoid duplication of efforts, according to managers ofthe CUSO. The idea for the CUSO sprang from the CU Bay AreaExecutive Coalition, a group of northern California CU CEOs whomeet bi-monthly for networking and information sharing.

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

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