All Politics Are Local...

Y'know time grows short and sooner or later we've got to come to grips and get down to brass tacks on this question of CUNA or NAFCU. 

We just can't keep dithering around to and fro, as if we were some sort of imperial trade association! 

It's getting to be put up or shut up, check writing time for those dues!

So let me run a couple of issues by you to consider - OK?  

Here's the first one; take a look at this map...

CU Leagues Across The U.S.

There are currently 29 independent, single state leagues in the U.S. (white back ground). There are currently 9 multi-state consolidated leagues (each shown by a separate color). Cornerstone League, for example includes Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas - in dark red; while Kansas and Missouri - in light blue - have recently announced a merger. Thirty-eight total leagues at this point (that's why the attendance limit is capped at 40 for the upcoming "Meeting of the Minds" at the Four Seasons in Disney World next month).

HERE ARE YOUR TEST QUESTIONS:

1.  Does it appear that the league consolidation process is finished?

2.  What effect will the shrinking number of credit unions have on the independent leagues?

3.  From your 5th grade study of U.S.

geography, does it appear there are some unusual, "illogical gaps" on the map? Why do you think those "gaps" exist?

4.  Are you pleased with rising state league dues? Will dues decrease in the future with the disappearance of more of your local CU peers?

5.  Do you know how many active CUs there are left in Nebraska?(63) Vermont?(22)  Idaho?(29) Kentucky? (71) Maine?(61) Montana?(52) Delaware?(22) New Mexico?(44)

6.  If you started "coloring in" some realistic

further league consolidations, how many consolidated regional leagues would you end up with? 12? 8? 6? 4?

7.  Would it be better to have more or fewer independent leagues? 

8. Do multi-state leagues do a better job than independent leagues? How?/why not?

9.  How does the relationship between CUNA and the Leagues change if consolidation continues? Does the Delaware League with 22 credit unions have the same standing with CUNA as a regional multi-state league with 1,000 CUs? Just how does that work?

Only one
time!

10.  If "all politics are local", does a multi-state league really make political sense? Would you hire a North Carolina lobbyist to represent you in Columbia, S.C.?

IF YOU HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS, ANY CHANCE YOU COULD HEAD OVER TO ORLANDO IN NOVEMBER?