Three major credit union organizations -- U.S. Central Credit Union, WesCorp, and CUNA Mutual -- have signed on as corporate sponsors for the America’s Credit Unions booth exhibit at the 2004 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Convention, Jan. 31—Feb. 3, 2004 in Las Vegas.

As corporate sponsors for the four-day event, billed as the “auto industry event of the year,” the three organizations will provide financial and promotional support for the 53 credit unions from 22 states participating for the fist time at the convention.

More than 28,000 auto industry leaders are expected to attend the convention where the 30’x50’ America’s Credit Unions booth will appear. Representatives from WesCorp, US Central, CUNA Mutual and the other credit union CEOs, presidents, and vice presidents of lending will work around the theme of “80 Million Reasons Why!” to demonstrate the cooperative and aggregated strength of the 80 million auto buying members nationwide.

“Auto lending is a core business for credit unions, therefore, establishing a larger presence with dealers is a benefit for members and the credit union industry as a whole,” said Dan Kampen, president and CEO, U.S. Central.

“By working together at this event, credit unions can demonstrate the strength of the credit union network and the important impact 80 million qualified auto buying members have on the auto industry,” said Robert Siravo, president and CEO, WesCorp.

“We believe the NADA Convention is an ideal opportunity to raise the visibility and credibility of the credit union industry, as well as develop a strong rapport with auto manufacturers and dealers from around the country,” said Jeff Ramos, vice president/senior marketing officer, CUNA Mutual.

Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL) will also participate in the booth and is responsible for coordinating the promotional events and activities which also include a special V.I.P. event for credit unions and invited dealers and a Harley-Davidson giveaway.

The following credit unions will participate at the NADA event (listed alphabetically):

Affinity Federal Credit Union, Alaska USA Federal Credit Union, Baxter Credit Union, Boeing Employees Credit Union, Coast Hills Federal Credit Union, Coast Credit Union, Community America Credit Union, Community America Credit Union, CU * Answers, CUFG Inc, Desert Schools Federal Credit Union, Digital Federal Credit Union, Eagle Community Credit Union, Eagle Community Credit Union, Eastern Financial Florida Credit Union, Government Employees Credit Union, Greater Nevada Credit Union, GTE Federal Credit Union, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union, Hughes Federal Credit Union, Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Mountain America Credit Union, NASA Federal Credit Union, Nevada Federal Credit Union, Northeast Credit Union, Orange County Teachers Federal Credit Union, Pacific Service Credit Union, Patelco Credit Union, Portland Teachers Credit Union, Premier America Credit Union, Redwood Credit Union, Sacramento Credit Union, SAFE Credit Union, San Antonio Credit Union, Schools Financial Credit Union, SECU of Maryland Credit Union, Service Credit Union, Silver State Credit Union, South Florida Acceptance Corp, State Employees Credit Union, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, Texas Dow Employees Credit Union, The Golden One Credit Union, Think Federal Credit Union, Travis Credit Union, Truliant Credit Union, USE Credit Union, Virginia Credit Union, Washington State Employees Credit Union, Water and Power Community Credit Union, Wescom Credit Union, and Xerox Federal Credit Union.

About Credit Union Direct Lending

Based in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., CU Direct Corporation 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 2,203 dealerships and 275 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.