Top credit unions from around the country will converge and exhibit at the upcoming National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention and Exposition, Jan. 31 – Feb. 3, 2004 in Las Vegas.

America’s Credit Unions brand will be used to represent the credit unions participating as exhibitors during the four-day event. This will mark the first time credit unions will appear at the convention, billed as the auto industry event of the year.

The 30’x50’ booth will be built around the theme of “America’s Credit Unions…90 Million Reasons Why!”

“Credit union CEOs, presidents, and vice presidents of lending will work together during the show to demonstrate the cooperative and aggregated strength of 90 million credit union members; increase awareness of the credit union industry auto dealers and manufacturers; and ultimately develop strong rapport with dealers from around the country,” Credit Union Direct Lending said in a statement.

The America’s Credit Unions NADA booth theme was initially developed last March at the Summit on Indirect Lending sponsored by CU Direct Corporation and Callahan and Associates. From that meeting a steering committee comprised of credit union auto-lending executives was formed, and has helped CU Direct Corporation with coordinating activities and events for the convention.

Steering committee members include Larry Biernacki (San Antonio Federal Credit Union), Joe Brancucci (Boeing Employees’ Credit Union), Don Charron (Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union), Marge McNaught (Premier America Credit Union), Chris Oldag (Patelco Credit Union), Rick Schmidt (Xerox Federal Credit Union), John Ruby (Bellco Credit Union), Tom Ryan (Digital Credit Union), and Cindy Stout (Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union). Callahan and Associates has also provided support for the event.

A special V.I.P. helicopter pad event for credit unions and invited dealers will kick off the week's activities which also include a motorcycle give-away, informal gatherings at the credit union hospitality suite, and access to convention general sessions featuring world-renowned speakers.

“With $140 billion in outstanding loans representing approximately 16 percent of the market, auto lending remains a core business for credit unions,” said Chip Filson, president of Callahan & Associates. “This event presents a unique opportunity for credit unions and auto dealers to learn more about each other and find new ways to provide auto financing to approximately 90 million members.”

“This is an excellent opportunity for credit unions to continue to build strong relationships with decision makers within the auto industry,” said Tony Boutelle, president and CEO of CU Direct Corporation. “By working together, we will create a high-profile and credible presence comparable to the major banks, auto manufacturing financing divisions, and subprime lenders who are also exhibiting and attending this event.”

More than 28,000 auto industry leaders are expected to attend the annual convention.

About Credit Union Direct Lending

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., CU Direct Corp. administers the credit union owned Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) program, which allows members to receive credit union financing at the auto dealership through an automated decisioning system.

CU Direct develops custom applications, training, and marketing programs to help credit unions achieve their indirect lending goals. The CUDL program includes 2,084 dealerships and 266 participating credit unions in California, Nevada, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Florida, Minnesota, Virginia, and North Carolina.

In 2002, participating CUDL credit unions funded 177,011 contracts for more than $3.3 billion in credit union auto financing.

For more information visit www.cudirect.com.