The decades-old fight between banks and credit unions was highlighted by the Pueblo Business Journal, Colorado, which featured criticism of Ent FCU here by local banks. The story highlighted bank complaints that the $2.1-billion Ent is larger than all local banks combined, and that it claims a 40% marketshare in the Pikes Peak region.
"Local bankers, on the other hand, say the growth is the result of the unfair advantage Ent has as a nonprofit organization, and that Ent has expanded its business beyond its original purpose as a credit union," the report stated. The credit union responded by asking if the credit union charter holds such advantages, why aren't any banks making the switch.
The Daily Democrat provided coverage of travel by Patsy Van Ouwerkerk, president of Travis Credit Union, to China as part of a delegation of credit union who met with representatives of the People's Bank of China.
The trip was organized by the World Council of Credit Unions. "This trip made me appreciate the opportunities that we have in our country and gave me even more insight on how credit unions can help the underserved here and abroad," Van Ouwerkerk was quoted as saying.
