The Credit Union Association of Oregon and the Washington Credit Union League announced plans Thursday to merge, effective next January. The two Northwest trade groups had weighed whether or not to merger frequently over the years and the move is part of a trend a trend reshaping league structure across the U.S.

The boards of the two leagues said, apart from cost efficiencies, "[T]he proposal would create an organization with a strong national voice that empowers northwest credit unions to exercise more influence within the national credit union system and among third-party product and service providers."

The new association would represent approximately 200 CUs in the Northwest, including roughly 120 in Washington and roughly 80 in Oregon. The two organizations did not suggest what the merged group might be called or if other neighbor leagues in Idaho or Montana might join.

The two organizations also remained silent about who would lead the merged group or how it might align itself with the California/Nevada Credit Union League. John Annaloro is CEO of the Washington League and an industry veteran while Troy Stang, a well-known Washington lobbyist who took over the Oregon job two years ago, was once considered a candidate for the NCUA Board.

The organization's joint announcement also remained silent on a headquarters for the merged group, but reported, the timetable for the planned merger includes "town hall meetings in August followed by joint board meetings in September to consider member feedback."