From advocating for New York’s credit unions to helping students prepare for a successful school year, this week’s New York Minute highlights the people, partnerships, and professional development opportunities making a difference across the credit union movement.
Credit Unions Across the State Participate in Senator James Sanders Jr.’s Upstate Financial Services Tour
Credit union leaders from across New York recently joined Senate Banks Committee Chair Senator James Sanders Jr. for his Upstate Financial Services Tour, a multi-day visit to financial institutions in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany.
[Photo Caption: Senator James Sanders Jr.’s tour in Albany, NY.]
[Photo Caption: Senator James Sanders Jr.’s tour in Rochester, NY.]
[Photo Caption: Senator James Sanders Jr.’s tour in Syracuse, NY.]
Representatives from 16 credit unions participated in the tour, including AmeriCU Credit Union, Alternatives FCU, Beginnings Credit Union, Broadview Federal Credit Union, Cooperative Federal, ESL Federal Credit Union, First Choice Financial Federal Credit Union, First New York Federal Credit Union, GPO Federal Credit Union, Hudson Valley Credit Union, Spencerport Federal Credit Union, St. Pius X Federal Credit Union, Sunmark Credit Union, The Summit Federal Credit Union, Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, and Visions Federal Credit Union.
Together with Association staff and policymakers, participants engaged in meaningful conversations about the financial health of communities across the state, expanding access to financial services, and the vital role credit unions play in strengthening New York’s economy. Special thanks to The Summit Federal Credit Union, AmeriCU Credit Union, and GPO Federal Credit Union for hosting tour stops and helping facilitate these important discussions.
Thank you to Senator Sanders for taking the time to meet with credit unions across New York and hear firsthand about the impact of the credit union movement!
Register Now for the Volunteer & Executive Leadership Conference
Strong leadership begins with informed decision-makers. Join fellow credit union volunteers and executives October 16–17 at Turning Stone Resort Casino for the Association’s Volunteer & Executive Leadership Conference.
This annual conference for executives, board members, and supervisory committee members features educational sessions and practical leadership insights tailored to the unique challenges facing today’s credit unions.
Take advantage of early-bird pricing by August 14 and reserve your hotel by August 26! Registration closes October 2!
Join the In-Person Session of the Elevating Credit Union Leaders Conference Series
A new in-person-only registration option is now available for the Elevating Credit Union Leaders Conference session on October 7 at The Desmond Hotel in Albany. This is a great opportunity to participate in a full day of interactive leadership development led by Mark Arnold and Shawn Temple of On the Mark Strategies.
Using engaging discussions, real-world examples, and collaborative exercises, attendees will explore topics such as communication, leadership styles, productivity, giving effective feedback, and building stronger teams. The day also includes an interactive leadership Q&A and peer discussion on today’s biggest leadership challenges, providing valuable opportunities to learn from both the presenters and fellow credit union professionals.
Whether you’re an emerging leader, manager, or executive, this standalone session offers practical strategies you can immediately apply within your organization.
When registering, simply select the “In-Person Only” option to attend the October 7 session.
Reserve your spot today.
Bring Bite of Reality to Your Local Classroom This Fall
[Photo Caption: Students at a Bite of Reality event hosted by People’s Alliance FCU.]
As students head back to school, now is the perfect time to bring financial education into the classroom with Bite of Reality, the New York Credit Union Foundation’s immersive financial literacy program.
Available complimentary to Foundation member credit unions, Bite of Reality gives students the opportunity to navigate real-world financial decisions through an interactive simulation. Since the program’s recent launch, more than nine reality fairs across New York have been hosted, helping students build practical money management skills. The Foundation also provides a complete event kit, making it easy for participating credit unions to bring the experience to their communities.
Learn more about bringing Bite of Reality to your local schools.
HVCU Charitable Foundation Awards $550,000 in Community Grants
The HVCU Charitable Foundation has awarded $550,000 to 80 nonprofit organizations serving communities across its 13-county footprint, supporting programs focused on education, food security, health, and housing.
This year’s grants will positively impact an estimated 757,000+ individuals, helping organizations expand access to essential resources while addressing some of New York’s most pressing community needs. Since its launch in 2024, the Foundation has invested more than $1.1 million in initiatives that strengthen financial well-being and improve quality of life throughout the Hudson Valley and Capital Region.
Congratulations to the HVCU Charitable Foundation and this year’s grant recipients for making a meaningful difference across New York.
Municipal Credit Union Donates 800 Backpacks and School Supplies to Students Across New York City
Back-to-school season is off to a strong start thanks to Municipal Credit Union‘s latest community initiative.
MCU recently donated 800 backpacks filled with school supplies to help students across New York City prepare for the upcoming school year. Working alongside Public Health Solutions, MCU employees helped pack each backpack before they were distributed to families at community events throughout the city. The initiative reflects the credit union’s ongoing commitment to supporting students, strengthening communities, and helping young learners start the school year with confidence.
Thank you to Municipal Credit Union and Public Health Solutions for helping students begin the school year ready to succeed.
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