Oregon and Washington credit unions were reminded last week of something they know full well: the S&P downgrade of the nations credit rating and the market turmoil could bring in a substantial deposit influx at a time loan demand remains tepid.

When looking at delinquencies, credit unions still have some of the lowest rates even among the worst performing business lending portfolios.

If Bryce Roth, marketing coordinator at Vacationland Federal Credit Union, has his way, credit unions will go from being the best kept secret to the go-to consumer resource.

Xtend Inc. said two more credit unions have bought stock and become co-owners of the Grand Rapids, Mich., provider of operational, marketing, shared branching and consulting services to more than 140 credit unions.