In this week’s New York Minute, we reveal our stellar lineup of speakers for EXCEL 24, announce the upcoming Lending School, celebrate the recognition of 12 New York credit unions as “America’s Best” by Newsweek, and spotlight New York credit unions participating in the Filene Research Institute’s Think Tank.
EXCEL 24: Announcing Our Speakers!

Join us at EXCEL 24, the Annual Meeting & Convention of the New York Credit Union Association, to hear from a lineup of dynamic speakers. Each one brings a unique blend of inspiration, thought-provoking ideas, and practical insights.
Featured Speakers:
- Scott Burrows: Inspirational keynote speaker and bestselling author, sharing his incredible journey of perseverance and adaptability.
- Vanessa Van Edwards: National bestselling author and founder of Science of People, known for her engaging and informative approach to communication and interaction.
- Christine Cashen: CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductee and award-winning author, delivering humor-filled insights for a happier, more productive workplace.
- Jason Hewlett: Hall of Fame speaker and entertainer, blending comedy and music to teach about leadership and making promises.
For more information on the speakers and their sessions, including dates and times, please visit the event page on our website. Don’t miss the opportunity to be inspired and motivated by these exceptional speakers at EXCEL 24!
Don’t Miss Out: 2024 Lending School Announced!

Join us for an essential training session at the 2024 Lending School, featuring renowned trainer and consultant Don Arkell. We have two events scheduled based on location, Tuesday, May 7 in Albany and Wednesday, May 8 in Buffalo, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. This all-day session is designed to enhance your lending decision-making skills and help you earn more of your members’ business.
Training Highlights:
- Expert Guidance: Led by Don Arkell, known for his engaging and entertaining teaching style.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Topics include effective loan interviewing, FICO score education, bankruptcy predictors, high-risk loan underwriting, and more.
- Designed For: Loan officers, member service representatives, and lending professionals seeking to refresh their lending expertise.
Event Details:
Agenda: Includes registration, breakfast, lunch, and two comprehensive training sessions.
Albany Lending School
Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Location: NYCUA Headquarters, Albany, NY
Buffalo Lending School
Date: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Location: Cornerstone Community FCU
6485 S. Transit Road
Lockport, NY 14094
This is a unique opportunity for lending professionals to refine their skills and stay ahead in the competitive lending landscape.
The registration deadline for both classes is April 19, 2024. To register, click below!
12 New York CUs Designated “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions”

We’re proud to announce that 12 New York Credit Unions have been recognized in Newsweek’s prestigious list of “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2024.” This recognition underscores the significant impact and value credit unions bring to local communities.
These institutions have been recognized for their customer-centric approach, commitment to the financial well-being of their members, and active contribution to local communities. This honor highlights their unique role in offering trust, personalized services, and a community-centered banking experience.
Here are the credit unions mentioned by Newsweek:
- ESL Federal Credit Union
- Visions Federal Credit Union
- Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union
- State CS Employees Federal Credit Union
- Corning Credit Union
- Advantage Federal Credit Union
- Broadview Federal Credit Union
- One Credit Union of NY
- Kinecta Federal Credit Union
- UFirst Federal Credit Union
- New York University Federal Credit Union
- Empower Federal Credit Union
For more information about the recognition and the complete list, visit the Newsweek website. Join us in celebrating the success and excellence of these New York credit unions!
NY Credit Unions Join Forces with Filene Research Institute

New York credit unions are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the credit union industry by participating in the Filene Research Institute’s Think Tank. This group, consisting of 35 CEOs and senior executives from various credit unions and organizations, serves as the industry’s voice for market-driven research and innovation.
The Think Tank members include influential leaders from New York and beyond, including Visions FCU, Municipal CU, and Kinecta FCU, who will work collaboratively to identify and address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing credit unions today. Specifically, George Chacon, Chief Strategy Officer at Municipal CU, Jenna Rosenburg, VP-Chief Governance & Strategy Officer at Visions FCU, and Robin Blake, Strategy Vice President at Kinecta FCU have been tapped to participate. They will contribute their expertise to guide Filene’s research and incubation agenda, focusing on areas such as technology, member growth, and operational efficiency. They will contribute their expertise to guide Filene’s research and incubation agenda, focusing on areas such as technology, member growth, and operational efficiency.
“Putting together a diverse group of credit union leaders with a common goal creates a synergy that results in better ideas than any of us would have thought of individually,” stated George Chacon, Chief Strategy Officer at Municipal CU. “Given the amount of best-in-class data analysis, research, and practices that Filene brings to its member organizations, I would encourage any credit union in New York to consider joining the Filene Research Institute and participating actively in its programs.”
The insights gained from this collaboration will not only benefit the participating New York credit unions but also the broader industry, as they work together to keep credit unions relevant and impactful.
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