The media blitz scheduled this week to highlight achievements ofcooperatives is taking a slightly different tone amongst creditunions in Oregon and Washington state.

In a weekend notice to media in the two states, the Northwest Credit Union Association said it will demur from“pitching stories about ourselves” but rather highlight theachievements of the cooperative movement as a whole.

Those health, housing and farm co-ops in the region, the NWCUAsaid in a statement, have over the years offered consumers “betterprices, better service and local control” resulting in bigsavings.

Without mentioning Bank Transfer Day specifically, the NWCUA statement thanked themedia “for your insightful news coverage of the economic crisis andthe call to action by consumers.” That news coverageled to the phenomenon of consumers “joining cooperative financialinstitutions” in large numbers resulting in “4 million membersreceiving a combined $170 million in financial benefits, a savingsof nearly $200 per family.”

The NWCUA did not explain how it arrived at those calculations.

The trade group stressed that it wants the media to look at theachievements of co-ops, providing a list of 40 co-ops which providea “limitless” range of products and services and which deservepress coverage.

“From the oil spill mitigation to a newly formed brewery, thecooperative business model” in the Northwest works effectively,declared NWCUA CEO John Annaloro.

The NWCUA added that it is “encouraging you to report on some ofthe amazing local cooperatives that are saving money,”

Meanwhile, CUNA said it is also taking part in the nationwideco-op promotion, alerting CUs to start posting favorable stories onthe industry starting this Thursday as part of a call by theNational Cooperative Business Association.

The NCBA said its media call coincides with promotion of theInternational Year of the Cooperative as proclaimed by theUnited Nations.