Confab casts for cost-cutting collaboration.

The state league leadership from eight Mid-Continent states pledged last week to pursue cost-cutting collaboration and took the first steps toward implementing new endeavors following a high level meeting in Oklahoma's new Credit Union House.

In a prepared statement, the group said the meeting held Nov. 2 at the Credit Union Association of Oklahoma site was focused on looking at "specific actions to expand regional collaborative initiatives" and sharing opportunities.

Among the proposals discussed was compilation of a regional directory of association products and services to be shared among the Mid-Continent state leagues and credit unions as well as marketing of new co-op educational events.

Attending the all day session were CEOs and elected officers from Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, Kansas and Arkansas

No formal mention was made of forming a CUSO to handle accounting and human relations functions, an idea floated by league leaders last month. Roshara Holub, president/CEO of the Missouri Credit Union Association and a spokeswoman for the group, stressed "there is no plan now" to establish a CUSO.

Acting as facilitator for the Oklahoma City meeting was Michael Kloiber, president/CEO of Tinker FCU of Oklahoma City and past chairman of the Oklahoma league. He has long been identified as an advocate of trade group economies of scale and pursuit of shared operations.

"The group plans to meet again during the first quarter of 2010 to monitor the effectiveness of these activities and explore additional opportunities for collaboration," the statement concluded.

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