In this week’s New York Minute, we highlight the exciting events of GAC 2024. New York credit unions joined over 6,000 of their peers this week at the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C. hosted by America’s Credit Unions. The conference, held annually, serves as a crucial platform for credit unions to advocate for legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry, as well as to network and collaborate on strategies for growth and innovation.
Participating credit unions from New York included 1199 SEIU FCU, Alternatives FCU, AmeriCU CU, Bethpage FCU, Broadview FCU, CFCU Community Credit Union, Cornerstone Community FCU, Corning FCU, Dannemora FCU, Empower FCU, First Heritage FCU, First New York FCU, GHS FCU, GPO FCU, Great Erie FCU, Great Meadow FCU, Hudson Valley CU, Kaleida Health FCU, Mid-Hudson Valley FCU, Mountain Valley FCU, Ontario Shores FCU, Polish and Slavic FCU, Quorum FCU, Rockland EFCU, SeaComm FCU, Sidney FCU, Suffolk Credit Union, Teachers FCU, TEG FCU, The Summit FCU, UFirst FCU, Ukrainian FCU, United Nations FCU, USALLIANCE Financial FCU, Visions FCU, and Western New York FCU.
Let’s Connect New York Reception
On Sunday, March 3rd, credit union leaders from New York kicked off GAC 2024 with a reception hosted by the Association at Root & Vine located within the Westin Hotel. The event provided a prime opportunity for NY attendees to mingle, exchange insights, and forge valuable connections.
Opening Flag Ceremony
On Monday, March 4th, the Association’s President & CEO, Bill Mellin, along with Board Chairman Eric Hepkins, had the distinct honor of participating in the state league opening flag ceremony, marking the commencement of GAC 2024 in Washington, DC. We are grateful for the opportunity to represent our members on such a prestigious platform. The Association’s involvement in this significant event underscores our ongoing commitment to leadership and collaboration within the credit union community. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to represent our members and the values we hold dear at such a noteworthy gathering.
Legislative Briefing for NY Credit Unions
The Association’s President & CEO Bill Mellin, Chief Advocacy Officer Amy Kramer, and Chief Operating Officer Chris Pajak took a proactive step in preparing New York credit unions for their crucial engagement with lawmakers. Ahead of the scheduled Capitol Hill visits, they delivered an in-depth legislative briefing designed to arm our representatives with the latest insights, strategic talking points, and critical updates on regulatory issues. This comprehensive session was tailored to equip attendees with the necessary knowledge and confidence to effectively communicate the priorities and concerns of New York credit unions to policymakers. By providing this detailed briefing, the Association aimed to ensure that our voices are heard clearly and our positions are well-represented, fostering a productive dialogue that could influence future legislative outcomes in favor of our community.
Discussions with Policy and Lawmakers
During the conference, New York credit union representatives engaged in discussions with policymakers and lawmakers to address key issues facing their industry, including regulatory reform, consumer protection, and access to affordable financial services. They emphasized the unique role that credit unions play in serving their communities and highlighted the importance of preserving the cooperative, member-owned structure that sets credit unions apart from traditional financial institutions.
The Association would like to extend an enormous thank you to all policymakers who took the time out of their schedules to meet with credit union leaders from New York. Specifically, we’d like to thank Congressman Brandon Williams (R-NY-22), Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY-6), Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY-12), Congresswoman Yvette Clark (D-NY-9), Congressman Hakeem Jefferies (D-NY-8), Congressman Michael Lawler (R-NY-17), Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY-18), Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY-16), Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY-23), Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14), Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY-7), Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-2), Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY-4), Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY-25), Congressman Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19), Congressman Thomas Suozzi (D-NY-3), Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15), Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY-1), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senator Chuck Schumer.
As the conference concluded, participants left with renewed energy and a strengthened commitment to advancing the interests of their members and communities. By coming together with their peers from across the country, they reinforced the collective voice of the credit union movement and reaffirmed their dedication to serving as trusted financial partners for their members.
Interested in participating in GAC 2025? Save the date of March 2-6 for next year’s event in Washington, D.C.
We will be hosting the 2024 State Government Affairs Conference on March 25-26. Join us as we influence, network, and ignite change in the New York credit union landscape.
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