Two more merger announcements, including one in Oregon--now oneof the nation's hot spots for the consolidation trend--highlightedthe weekend news.

In Oregon, the $650 million Northwest Community CU of Eugenesaid it has signed a letter of intent with the $140 million MidOregon FCU of Bend to explore a merger which if approved by membersand regulators could become effective in June 2011. It would createthe state's fifth largest CU with a field of membership covering anarea encompassing metro Portland and central Oregon.

Both CUs, it was emphasized, are financially healthy withNorthwest holding net worth of 8.93% and Mid Oregon at 9.6%.

"Both credit unions can stand on their own but we saw astrategic partnership where we could leverage our strength," saidMatt Purvis, vice president of Northwest Community, which has 15branches in Eugene and metro Portland.

"The combination of these two successful organizations couldmake for a perfect fit," said Barb Blackmore, chair of NorthwestCommunity. "We are excited to explore the possible improvementsthat would come with a merger. The goal of both organizations is tooffer a combined credit union that is capable of offering moreconvenience, more locations and more technology services forbanking throughout Oregon."

Meanwhile, in Michigan, the $434 million Community Choice ofFarmington Hills said it has completed the merger of the ailing $4million Kelly FCU of Troy following NCUA and Michigan regulatoryapproval. Kelly, which serves a member base of Kelly Services, thetemporary help agency, had sought out Community Choice as a mergerpartner after the firm dispersed some of its operations out of itssuburban Detroit site, officials said.

"It's a win-win for us and we believe it will be an advantagefor the members of Kelly," said Robert Bava, president/CEO ofCommunity Choice.