I have to take exception to Mike Welch's June 18th column, "Middle-sized CUs Most at Risk of Survival." Let's see, our credit union is $50 million in assets ("the middle group") with 4,800 members (not a bad average balance), our assets have increased by over 30% during the last two years, we offer the same menu of services that the "large credit unions" do, and a measly 96% of our members are either "very or satisfied" with the credit union. We are in the 95th percentile in the country in penetration of services per household (that's pretty good), and despite selling over $7 million in first mortgage loans to date in 2003, along with rapid share growth, we somehow manage to maintain close to a 70% loan-to-share ratio. Further, we continue to enjoy longstanding, excellent results with opinion audits and regulatory exams. Even more shocking is the fact that my staff and I actually work regular hours, and each evening we go home on time (there's something to be said for the quality of life). All this despite the lack of "volunteer and staff expertise". How can that be? Oh well! I guess that we will continue to "struggle for our place in the credit union sun", and wait for the inevitable knock on the door. Or maybe, just maybe "the middle group" of credit unions are the best of both worlds. With all due respect, Welch really missed the boat on this one. Raymond F. Dowling President/CEO Stamford Credit Union Stamford, Conn.