Welcome to this week’s NY News Roundup, where we celebrate remarkable achievements and deep-rooted community engagement within New York’s credit union sector. From prestigious inductions and awards to innovative charitable initiatives, join us in recognizing the impactful contributions of our member organizations.
Cliff Rosenthal Inducted into the Cooperative Hall of Fame

The New York Credit Union Association is thrilled to congratulate Clifford Rosenthal on his induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame, a prestigious recognition for those who have significantly contributed to the cooperative movement in the United States. With a career spanning over four decades, Rosenthal has been a formidable advocate for financial equity and inclusion, particularly in marginalized and underserved communities. As the leader of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, now known as Inclusiv, Rosenthal played a pivotal role in the creation of the CDFI Fund and championed the cause of low-income credit unions. His dedication and transformative efforts have not only empowered communities but have also reshaped the landscape of financial inclusion nationwide.
“I want to congratulate Cliff on his induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame. His dedication to the credit union industry has been truly remarkable,” said Association President & CEO William J. Mellin. “He has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of members and has been a true champion of cooperative values. This achievement is a testament to his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to the credit union industry. Congratulations, Cliff!”
Rosenthal’s induction into the Cooperative Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact and commitment to the principles of cooperation and community development.
Jovia FCU Receives 2023 LUMINARIES Award

Congratulations to Jovia Fiancial FCU on being awarded the 2023 LUMINARIES Award for Community Impact by the Credit Union Times. This prestigious award recognizes Jovia’s significant efforts in community engagement and financial literacy, particularly through its innovative Curio app. Their commitment to charitable initiatives, youth mentorship, and educational programs demonstrates a strong dedication to community service and member well-being. The award highlights Jovia’s leadership in the credit union industry. We recognize their exemplary role in setting standards for corporate citizenship and community impact.
First New York FCU to Benefit Several Capital Region Charities in Annual “Toilet Paper Take Down”

On Wednesday, First New York FCU and Catholic Charities Tri-County Services successfully held their “Toilet Paper Take Down” event at First New York Headquarters in Albany. This unique event saw the donation of over 12,000 toilet paper rolls, creatively assembled into large Christmas trees, to Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. The highlight of the event was the dismantling of these toilet paper trees, creating a remarkable cascade of rolls, which were then distributed to Catholic Charities Tri-County Services’ five food pantries and two soup kitchens in the Capital Region. This charitable initiative was made possible through the generous support of members, staff, community, and contributions from Hummel’s Office Plus, The Brick House Bakery, and Alchar Printing.
The event not only provided essential personal care items to local families and individuals but also showcased the commitment of First New York Federal Credit Union and Catholic Charities Tri-County Services in addressing the growing needs of those they serve.
2024 Enhanced FiCEP Program Announcement
The New York Credit Union Association is excited to announce an enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP), in partnership with REAL Solutions. This program is designed for credit union professionals who would like to achieve a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor designation. This initiative aims to equip credit union staff with skills to offer impactful financial counseling, enhancing member services and financial stability.
The registration deadline to participate is March 1, 2024.
To register, click below!
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