This week’s New York Minute is jam-packed with industry news and valuable insights. From kicking off EXCEL 25, recognizing industry achievements, and keeping you informed on legislative changes, we’ve got everything you need to know in this week’s credit union news.
Registration Open: Save Your Spot at EXCEL 25!
Registration is now open for EXCEL 25, the Association’s Annual Meeting & Convention! Claim your spot now and take advantage of special early bird pricing.
Date: June 12-15, 2025
Location: Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, NY
EXCEL, our annual convention, offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry peers, learn from the experts, and gain valuable insights to drive your credit union’s success. Together, we’ll explore the latest trends, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives that will shape the future of the credit union industry. Learn more and save your spot today!
New Trustees Appointed to FOCUS NY and New York Credit Union Foundation
Your Association welcomes new trustees to both FOCUS NY and the New York Credit Union Foundation. These individuals bring a diverse range of skills and perspectives to the table that can help achieve our mission of supporting credit unions and their members.
FOCUS NY welcomes Andrew Smith, Chief Retail Officer at Sidney FCU, to its board.
The New York Credit Union Foundation welcomes Adam Amesbury, President/CEO of St. Pius X Church FCU, Michele Walczak, CEO of Kaleida Health FCU, and Caroline Schierloh, Chief Experience Officer, Executive VP, TCT FCU, as new trustees. Kasey Kirk, CEO of UFirst FCU, has also been reappointed to a second term to the Foundation’s Board.
We extend a warm welcome to these dedicated individuals and look forward to their valuable contributions.
Stay Updated on New York State Employment Law Changes
With a new year upon us, several significant employment law updates are taking effect in New York State that may impact credit unions and their employees.
Minimum Wage Increase: The minimum wage is increasing across the state, impacting both employee compensation and operating costs for credit unions.
Expanded Paid Leave: The introduction of Paid Prenatal Leave will require credit unions to adjust their leave policies and ensure compliance with these new regulations.
Expiration of COVID-19 Leave: The expiration of COVID-19 quarantine leave in July will impact leave policies and may require adjustments to existing HR procedures.
These changes may require credit unions to review and update their HR policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the new regulations. For more details on these and other important employment law updates, please visit the New York State Department of Labor website.
New York Credit Union Leaders Attend Congress Swearing-In Ceremony
To celebrate the swearing-in of the 119th Congress, credit union leaders from across the country, including representatives from New York, descended upon Washington D.C. to connect with members of Congress and their staff.
These in-person meetings are a unique opportunity for credit union leaders to build relationships and advocate for the credit union industry by highlighting their positive impact on communities. The start of a new Congress provides a valuable opportunity to build and strengthen these relationships and ensure that the voices of credit unions are heard at a national scale.
New York Credit Unions Named by Newsweek as America’s Best
Congratulations to the numerous New York credit unions recognized as “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2025” by Newsweek! This annual list honors financial institutions that demonstrate strong financial performance, exceptional customer/member service, and a commitment to their communities.
We extend our congratulations to the following Association members for this outstanding achievement:
This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these credit unions to serving their members and communities. See the full list of named institutions below.
Last Call for Scholarship Program Submissions
Don’t miss out! The deadline to apply for the 2025 NYCUA Scholarship Program is Friday, January 17th.
This scholarship program offers financial assistance to high school seniors who are members of participating credit unions. Scholarship funds can be used towards tuition, room and board, textbooks, or other school-related expenses.
To apply, students need to submit the application form, high school transcript, and an essay answering the prompt provided in the application.
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