The recent publisher's column by Mike Welch, "Go West young man and form another new group," in the August 8th issue is way off target. The recently formed Credit Union Association of the West (CUAW) is not a merging of the leagues. It is a joint venture of the four states' "league services," the typically "for-profit" arm of the leagues. Its intent is to combine the strengths of each of the "services" organizations so that they can operate more efficiently and with a greater potential of clients, namely the credit unions of all four states. CUAW is not a lobbying group, an educational spin-room, or anything else Welch has suggested. CUAW is a very progressive venture that will enhance the services provided to the member credit unions. As for Welch's question, "were the credit unions in the four states ever asked for their input?" I can only speak for Oregon by saying that the Credit Union Association of Oregon and its affiliate (CU Services) unanimously voted in favor of this venture (15 of 114 Oregon CUs represented). As representatives, I believe we did represent the best interest of the credit unions, at least in Oregon. Finally, in response to what most disturbs Welch about this new organization, CUAW will not be in direct competition with the national credit union trade groups. Not that it would be a bad thing in some instances. And, even if it were, whatever happened to the "competition is good for business"concept? Or should I be asking that question of the competitors of Credit Union Times? Dal King President, Oregon FCU Chairman, CUAO & CU Services Coquille, Ore.