The trend toward regional state leagues advanced anew this monthwith a proposal by the Credit Union Association of Oregon and theWashington Credit Union League to merge, effective nextJanuary.

The consolidation plan is still subject to final approval by thetwo boards and membership, with consideration of the pact to beaired at town hall meetings in August followed up with memberfeedback in September and a November vote.

Details on a name for the combined organization, its managementstructure and headquarters are yet to be worked out, officialssaid. But formation of such a regional framework fits the leaguepattern in various parts of the country over recent years.

Last year, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions wasofficially adopted by the Florida and Alabama leagues, which haveoffices in Tallahassee and Birmingham. Previously, the North andSouth Dakota leagues organized the Mid-America Credit UnionAssociation in Bismarck.

In statements, the Washington and Oregon league boards, citingcost efficiencies and service depth as benefits, said thecombination of a joint league has been under discussion going back20 years and got serious about 11 years ago when the idea was againfloated. It later, however, was rejected by members who wereconcerned about a loss of state identity.

Now, the CU merger trend has hastened the need for a streamlinedorganization, said officials, stressing, however, that lobbyingactivities in both state capitals of Salem and Olympia would remainintact.

It was also learned that John Annaloro, veteran president/CEO ofthe Washington group is planning to retire, which also apparentlyfigures in the decision to move ahead now with a merger. Annalorowas not available to comment at press time.

The president/CEO of CUAO is Troy Stang, a well-known Washingtonlobbyist who took over the Oregon job two years ago. Stang, aformer marketing executive at Arizona FCU, Phoenix, was onceconsidered a candidate for the NCUA board.

In a statement announcing the letter of intent to merge, the twoleagues said the consolidation “would create an organization with astrong national voice that empowers Northwest credit unions toexercise more influence within the national credit union system andamong third-party product and service providers.”

The new association would represent about 200 CUs in theNorthwest, including 120 in Washington and 80 in Oregon.

“The executive leadership and boards of the two organizationsare aligned in common purpose, vision and desired objectives,” saidAnnaloro in the prepared press release.

And Stang offered that “the credit union movement benefits frominnovation and evolution” and so a merger “provides the opportunityto share knowledge, grow networks and collaborate in ways that helpour members become more competitive in the markets they serve.”

Stressing the grassroots nature of league functions, DebieKeesee, chairman of the Washington League and president/CEO ofSpokane Media FCU, said, “It's important to note that this proposalwill not change either associations' priorities or core values inall aspects of the credit union environment. We will continue toprovide effective leadership and advocacy for the credit unionmovement on a local level.”

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