I agree with Mike Welch's July 28 column, "NAFCU Returns From North of the Border a Winner" that as a whole credit union membership is not growing. The point I was trying to make from the podium in Vancouver is, however, that during 2003, credit unions that added underserved areas experienced membership growth exceeding that of either community or select employee group credit unions. In other words, serving an underserved area is one way to achieve membership growth while at the same time extending the benefits of credit union membership to those who most need low-cost financial services. Furthermore, I postulated that maybe it is this type of growth that the bankers' are complaining about – if so, it is seriously misplaced. Fred Becker NAFCU President/CEO Arlington, Va.

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