Growth Strategies

A small Seattle-area credit union seeks an increase in size to thrive.

A public credit union, bank or other options would create unacceptable legal and financial risks.

Twenty-five percent of the financial cooperatives consolidate because of poor financial condition.

PenFed maintains its mission to serve service members will not change following its "emergency merger" with Progressive CU.

Merger includes about $290 million in taxi medallion loans, which PenFed says its size allows it to take on.

The latest survey shows members who have short-term problems are less likely to use other CU products and services.