CUES and Craig Uffman Publish Member Business Lending: The New Frontier To Educate Credit Union Executives.

Business Editors

BATON ROUGE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 23, 2002

The Credit Union Executives Society (CUES)(R) recently released Member Business Lending: The New Frontier, a guide designed to help credit unions understand and implement successful business lending programs.

The book was written by Craig Uffman, president of the Uffman Group, LLC. a consulting firm that specializes in assisting lending executives in improving productivity and performance. Those already committed and in need of advanced tips on how to structure a winning plan are also encouraged to use the manual.

"My first and greatest interest is to find ways to make organizations become more productive and more profitable," said Uffman. "Some of the best opportunities today exist in the small business lending sector, and I believe that member business services is the new lending frontier for credit unions."

According to Uffman's research, 90 percent of small businesses have less than 20 employees and 60 to 85 percent of all small business deals are for commitments of less than $100,000. Capturing both the personal and business sides of a credit union relationship can enhance interaction with existing members while stopping banks and other larger financial institutions from taking away revenue-generating opportunities.

"Member business lending is the future of the credit union movement," predicted Stan Baron, president and CEO of Chetco Federal Credit Union, Harbor, Ore. "Currently, the market is wide open and offers a competitive advantage to those able to deliver. It's a great way for credit unions to build their capital base."

Uffman's book suggests business lending should be part of an overall plan for credit unions to strengthen profitability and gain a niche in the community. "Before expanding," Uffman warns, "it is important to have a thorough plan that will allow the credit union to proceed effectively while minimizing risk. That's why CUES and The Uffman Group offer the expertise and direction needed for getting business lending operations off the ground and competing effectively."

"Member Business Lending: The New Frontier provides sound strategies that will help credit unions seize territory in the new frontier," Uffman says. "If credit unions want to know how to go about member business lending in a way that assures victory, then this book provides the essential knowledge to help them attain that goal."

The book may be purchased in print or electronic format through CUES' Web site at http://www.cues.org. Phone orders are also accepted at 800.252.2664 or 608.271.2664, ext. 3400.

About CUES

CUES is a Madison, Wis.-based independent membership association for credit union executives. Its mission is to advance the professional development of credit union CEOs, senior management and directors.

About Craig Uffman

Craig Uffman is the president and founder of the Uffman Group, LLC, a research and consulting firm that helps lenders achieve the returns expected from their investments in credit evaluation and Internet lending technologies. Uffman's company keeps industry lending executives informed of the latest peer group benchmarks, trends, and innovations in the consumer and small business lending sectors and provides consulting services that improve the lending performance of its bank and credit union clients. Uffman has experience with a wide range of companies from the Fortune 500 to regional technology firms, including more than 15 years of successfully providing many types of software solutions.

For additional information about The Uffman Group call Craig Uffman, President, at 866.683.3626 or e-mail [e-mail].