A group of Missouri female credit union executives have launcheda new professional education and advocacy group, Women'sAssociation of Credit Union Leaders, to promote women's networkingand recognition.

Months in the planning stage, the group said it already has itsown website, www.wacul.org, and has held several organizationalmeetings with active participation by female CEOs in Kansas Cityand Springfield.

If successful, WACUL may grow nationally through forums andprograms stressing a mission of enhancing skill and leadershipexperience of women in key CU jobs, said officials.