Thanks for publishing Lecia Roundtree's well-written opinion article on outsourcing in the July 16th issue ("Increasing Human Resource Efficiencies Through Outsourcing.") In addition to some of the excellent points Roundtree makes, outsourcing is sometimes the only option for small and mid-sized credit unions that need expertise in areas they have no need to employ someone for full-time. For example, having a full-time marketing person on staff may be beyond their needs and means, but getting a second opinion on and/or a makeover for their marketing materials is a perfect solution. At Credit Union's Virtual Assistant, we've seen credit unions benefit from that kind of outsourcing. Yes, there may be a less than positive stigma to outsourcing, but there is no one person who can do everything, and getting help when you need it is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Laura M. Enock President/CEO Credit Union's Virtual Assistant Lakewood, N.J.