New York Credit Union Association President/CEO William J. Mellin shared credit union system updates at the Utica-Rome Chapter’s dinner last week. The event drew credit union professionals and volunteers from throughout the region.

During the event, Mellin outlined the Association’s mission and efforts in four core areas: advocating, educating, uniting and supporting.

Mellin shared the Association’s three-prong approach to advocacy—legislative, regulatory and consumer—and explained that the Association’s advocacy initiatives are a constant, ongoing effort. He also updated the group on the importance of the credit union tax status, and highlighted new ways that the bank lobby is seeking to undermine the legitimacy of credit unions.

On the education front, Mellin noted that approximately 2,000 attendees from 200 credit unions participate in more than 150 Association conferences, seminars and webinars and he highlighted several sessions coming up.

He also shared information about the Association’s growing membership and highlights from the New York Credit Union Foundation, OwnersChoice Funding and UsNet.

“I enjoyed speaking with the many talented credit union leaders and volunteers from throughout the Utica-Rome Chapter,” said Mellin. “It was a pleasure to share in an informative and insightful dialogue, and I look forward to continuing our productive conversations in the future.”