This week in the New York Minute, get ready to mark your calendars for impactful events from the Association. Then, we’re recognizing the impact two New York credit unions have on their communities and letting you know how to avoid the latest scam. Get weekly credit union updates in the New York Minute!

State Governmental Affairs Conference: Advocacy in Action

The 2025 State Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), hosted by the Association, is an annual event for credit union professionals and advocates across the state. This conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with state policymakers, gain crucial legislative insights, and collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of credit unions in New York.

Attendees will benefit from exclusive legislative briefings, interactive discussions on advocacy strategies, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen the credit union movement. This year’s theme, Advocacy in Action, emphasizes the importance of direct engagement in the legislative process and provides participants with the tools needed to make a meaningful impact.

Event Details:
Dates: Monday, April 28, 2025 – Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Location: Renaissance Albany Hotel, 144 State Street, Albany, NY 12207
Hotel Reservation Deadline: March 31, 2025
Event Registration Deadline: April 18, 2025

Be a part of the conversation that drives legislative progress and strengthens credit unions statewide. Reserve your spot today and ensure your voice is heard!

Save Your Spot: Collections & Bankruptcy Conference

The economic landscape continues to shift, and credit risk remains a top priority for financial institutions. To prepare our members for these situations, the Association is hosting the Collections & Bankruptcy Conference. This full-day event is designed to equip credit union professionals with the latest strategies to manage rising delinquencies and mitigate financial risk.

Event Info:
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: New York Credit Union Association, 4 Tower Place, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12203

Expert credit union attorney and collections consultant David Reed will lead discussions on essential topics including refining collection techniques, navigating bankruptcy proceedings, and proactively addressing common pitfalls in debt recovery. He will cover topics including strengthening your collections process, avoiding common collections pitfalls, and enhancing bankruptcy procedures.

Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your skills and prepare for any financial challenges ahead. Register now and ensure your credit union is well-positioned for success!

Jovia Financial Credit Union Honored with Gilbert Tilles Award

The Association proudly congratulates Jovia Financial CU on being recognized with the Gilbert Tilles Award. This award, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Long Island (AFPLI), recognizes businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment to philanthropy and community service.

Jovia has been a driving force in financial education, community development, and youth empowerment. Their initiatives include scholarship programs, support for local arts and cultural events, and volunteer-driven efforts to uplift underserved communities. By consistently investing in financial literacy and community engagement, Jovia continues to make a meaningful impact on Long Island and beyond.

Jovia sets a high bar in philanthropy and inspires others to actively participate in community service. This well-deserved recognition highlights the power of credit unions to create lasting, positive change.

Hudson Valley Credit Union and Marist University Launch Marist Red Fox Financial

Hudson Valley CU and Marist University have recently announced the creation of Marist Red Fox Financial, a student-powered credit union that merges financial services with experiential learning. This initiative provides students with hands-on experience in financial management, marketing, operations, and customer service.

Marist Red Fox Financial is staffed by student “Relationship Advisors” who assist with account openings, cashless transactions, and financial education initiatives. The partnership aims to foster leadership skills, financial literacy, and a deeper understanding of the credit union industry.

HVCU oversees the banking operations while supporting students in managing day-to-day branch activities. Open to all Marist University students, staff, faculty, and alumni, the credit union offers various services, including savings, checking, money market accounts, loans, credit services, and digital banking solutions.

This initiative represents a bold step in financial education and reinforces the commitment of both institutions to student success and community support.

New York Attorney General Warns of Social Security Scams

New York Attorney General Letitia James is urging residents to remain vigilant against Social Security scams, which continue to target vulnerable populations, particularly seniors. The Attorney General, in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA), is raising awareness about fraudulent schemes designed to steal personal and financial information.

Common Scam Tactics Include:

• Callers falsely claiming your Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity.
• Threats of arrest or benefits termination if you do not verify personal information.
• Requests for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
• Fake lottery or prize winnings that require upfront payment of taxes or fees.
• Impersonating distressed relatives to solicit urgent financial assistance.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify unexpected requests before providing any personal or financial details.
• Do not trust caller ID—scammers often use spoofing technology to appear legitimate.
• Avoid making payments via gift cards or wire transfers, as government agencies do not request funds this way.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited calls from the SSA—they rarely contact individuals by phone.
• Report suspicious activity to the Office of the Attorney General at 800-771-7755.

Stay informed and proactive in preventing fraud. If you suspect a scam, hang up immediately, report the call, and protect your information. Together, we can keep New Yorkers safe from financial fraud. Click below to see the full statement

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In this week’s New York Minute, we’re bringing you the latest industry updates. We’ve got a call to action for credit union advocates, registration info on this year’s TruStage Golf Tournament, exciting announcements for FourLeaf FCU staff, and more. Get weekly news on the New York credit union industry in the New York Minute!

Tell Your Representatives: Don’t Tax My Credit Union

Credit unions play a vital role in providing affordable financial services to millions of Americans, but their tax-exempt status is under scrutiny. A recent study commissioned by America’s Credit Unions found that taxing credit unions would have devastating consequences, including $33 billion in lost income tax revenue for the federal government, a $266 billion reduction in GDP, and more than 822,000 jobs lost over the next decade.

That’s why we took this message directly to Capitol Hill during our recent advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. But our work isn’t done—we need YOUR help to keep the momentum going!

Here’s what you can do:

• Sending a message to your legislative representatives is quick and easy. A pre-written letter has been prepared for you—just follow the link below to make your voice heard.
  
• Take action now! Encourage your colleagues, staff, and volunteers to do the same. Together, we can ensure that credit unions remain strong, accessible, and tax-exempt!
  
• Participate in Project Zip Code–To further reinforce the power of credit unions and the members you serve, running Project Zip Code at least annually shows lawmakers how many of their constituents you serve. That local impact means a lot to elected officials when it comes to policy making.

Help us make an impact! Learn more and view available resources below.

Save Your Spot on the Green: TruStage Golf Tournament

Get ready to hit the greens at EXCEL 25’s TruStage Golf Tournament—one of the most anticipated events of our annual convention! Taking place at the stunning Sagamore Golf Club on Thursday, June 12, this tournament isn’t just about great golf—it’s about supporting the New York Credit Union Foundation while kicking off an action-packed weekend.

Event Details:
Location: Sagamore Golf Club, Bolton Landing, NY
Price: $250 per golfer–includes cart, lunch, mulligans, buy-a-drive, and putting contest.
Registration Deadline: May 23

Your participation makes a difference! Don’t miss this opportunity to network and show off your skills while benefiting the credit union movement. Learn more, register, and explore sponsorship opportunities below!

FourLeaf FCU Employees Selected for Filene’s i3 Wave 21

Congratulations to Zamarr Allen and Jessica Watson of FourLeaf FCU, who have been selected as part of Filene’s i3 Wave 21! This exclusive two-year innovation leadership program is designed to cultivate forward-thinking changemakers in the credit union industry.

Through real-world projects, cutting-edge research insights, and an unmatched network of industry peers and mentors, i3 participants gain the tools to drive meaningful change within their organizations. This year’s cohort will work on transformative solutions in areas like engaging Gen Z in financial services, harnessing AI to improve member experiences, enhancing financial wellness tools, and rethinking member growth strategies.

Being selected for i3 is an incredible honor, and we know Zamarr and Jessica will bring fresh ideas and innovation back to FourLeaf FCU and the New York credit union movement. Learn more and see the full list of professionals selected for this year’s cohort below.

Hudson Valley Credit Union Launches the HVCU Charitable Foundation

Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) is strengthening its commitment to the community with the launch of the HVCU Charitable Foundation—a new initiative designed to support local nonprofits that provide critical services in education, food, health, and housing.

As an official 501(c)(3) organization, the HVCU Charitable Foundation will award annual grants to nonprofit organizations working to create meaningful change in the Hudson Valley region. To jumpstart this effort, HVCU’s Board of Directors has authorized a $3 million endowment to establish a strong foundation for long-term impact.

To learn more about the HVCU Charitable Foundation and its 2025 Grant Program, click below!

New From TruStage: This Group Surprisingly Wants Life Insurance

A new study reveals that 39% of consumers plan to purchase life insurance in the next 12 months, and a high percentage of those people could be, surprisingly, Gen Z.

TruStage spoke with CUToday.info about this growing non-interest income opportunity for credit unions, but added Gen Z will need a little push from cooperatives to secure this business.

Citing data from a 2024 LIMRA survey, Samantha Ziesemer, director of digital storefront product management at TruStage, said it’s a great time for Gen Z to consider life insurance, due to locking in a premium at a lower rate,

“This is a good opportunity for Gen Z, but, unfortunately, Gen Z may not be understanding this,” Ziesemer said. “An insurance trade association survey in 2023 showed a surprisingly high number of Gen Z respondents that said they were interested in buying life insurance, and were planning to buy it in the next five years. But when asked a follow-up question—‘Why haven’t you?’—37% responded they just haven’t gotten around to it. That’s the problem.”

Ziesemer said the issue for credit unions is how do they position their life insurance offering in a way that is engaging with Gen Z, and so they better understand the different life insurance products available and consider taking the next step.

“We were surprised by the number of Gen Z who responded they were planning to purchase life insurance,” acknowledged Ziesemer. “When we think of younger demographics, there’s kind of an oversimplification. We think, well, they’re not thinking about their own mortality or legacy planning. This isn’t going to be top of mind. But now we know it is.”

What is driving greater interest among Gen Z in purchasing life insurance over the last two years, Ziesemer said, is growing economic insecurity.

Top-Of-Mind Interest
“And it is reaching all the way down the younger demographics, all the way down to Gen Z,” she said. “So, it’s not just the older generations that are feeling this insecurity around their economic status. That’s what’s driving a lot of this top-of-mind interest in life insurance among Gen Z.”

TruStage is working with its credit union partners to help them understand that talking to Gen Z about life insurance through typical advertising channels, such as direct mail, is not the only answer.

“Credit unions need to meet their Gen Z members where they’re at,” she said. “If you think about it, the vast majority of Gen Z are interacting with their credit union digitally, either through their mobile app or through their online banking platform. So, how do we position products that are going to resonate with Gen Z? How do we position that product in a way that it is visible and understood by Gen Z and encourages them to take that next step?”

That means interacting with them when they accomplish daily tasks, like checking account balances, transferring money or making a bill payment, Ziesemer said.
“It’s taking those opportunities and positioning life insurance products, at that point of engagement,” she reiterated.

Ziesemer said TruStage offers a solution that personalizes offers and services to credit union members.

“So, it’s front and center when they’re logging into their home banking. Life insurance is one of those offers that we promote,” she said. “Gen Z is in a prime position to get life insurance today. It’s really important now to try to educate them, to say, hey, before you have obligations in the future—kids, spouses, partners that you are looking to protect with a life insurance policy—now is the time to consider it. Do it while you’re younger and get a better quote coming back.

“We think about life insurance as something you consider once you have those obligations,” continued Ziesemer. “But Gen Z has a prime opportunity to lock in a rate since they are younger, before they get all those obligations. Economically, it makes much more sense.” But added Gen Z will need a little push from cooperatives to secure this business.

TruStage^TM is the marketing name for TruStage Financial Group, Inc. its subsidiaries and affiliates. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis.  

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In this special edition, we’re recapping all the excitement from this week’s Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., hosted by America’s Credit Unions! From receptions to ceremonies to meetings, we’ve got everything you need to know from a week of exciting activities.

Credit unions participating in this year’s GAC include:

Let’s Connect New York Reception Kicks Off GAC

A week of great events kicked off on Sunday night with the ‘Let’s Connect New York’ reception. Credit union leaders and advocates from across the state mixed, mingled, and prepared for an exciting few days of promoting the credit union mission on Capitol Hill.

Recapping the New York CEO Breakfast with Carrie Hunt

The Association welcomed leaders from New York credit unions for an exclusive breakfast event! America’s Credit Unions’ Chief Advocacy Officer Carrie Hunt joined us for this reception, where guests had the opportunity to connect with each other during this informal networking breakfast and Q&A. Thank you to all those who attended, as well as our guest, Carrie Hunt!

William Mellin & Eric Hepkins Featured in Opening Flag Ceremony

Association President & CEO William Mellin and Association Board Chairman Eric Hepkins had the honor of participating in the opening flag ceremony at GAC! The Flag Ceremony is an annual event that formally kicks off the week of events. Our participation in this event underscores our commitment to the credit union movement, and we’re honored to represent our members and New York State on this national stage.

Association Leadership Hosts Legislative Briefing

Ahead of meetings with lawmakers, Association leadership hosted New York credit union representatives on Monday afternoon to prepare for a day of meeting and advocating for our mission. Association President & CEO William Mellin, Association Chief Advocacy Officer Amy Kramer, and America’s Credit Unions’ Senior Vice President of Advocacy Greg Mesack presented an in-depth legislative briefing that armed our advocates with insights, talking points, and critical updates so that they can effectively engage with policymakers. These meetings are crucial in spreading awareness of the importance of credit unions, and we’re proud to help New Yorkers prepare for the task!

New York Credit Unions Meet with Lawmakers

Over two days, attendees of GAC had the opportunity to meet with New York’s 26 members of the House of Representatives and 2 Senators to discuss current events and the credit union agenda. Through these face-to-face conversations, our advocates are better able to discuss the benefits credit unions bring to their communities and the support needed to continue upholding our mission of People Helping People.

Over the course of the meetings, our representatives had some great conversations about the credit union tax status, the credit union difference, and fraud and data security. Additional topics discussed include the liability shift for fraud, preservation of an independent NCUA, support for the repeal of requirements under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act, and much more.

We’re incredibly grateful for all the lawmakers who took the time to meet with us during this time! Specifically, we’d like to thank:

• Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8)
• Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-4)
• Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24)
• Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY-25)
• Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-2)
• Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21)
• Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY-3)
• Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY-14)
• Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY-18)
• Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-NY-6)
• Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY-1)
• Congressman Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY-23)
• Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15)
• Congressman John Mannion (D-NY-22)
• Congressman Timothy Kennedy (D-NY-26)
• Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11)
• Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17)
• Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY-10)
• Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20)
• Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY-9)
• Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY-7)
• Congressman Josh Riley (D-NY-19)
• Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5)
• Congressman George Latimer (D-NY-16)
• Congressman Adriano Espaillat (D-NY-13)
• Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-NY-12)
• Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
• Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

Check out the gallery below to see photos with participating lawmakers.

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Welcome to this edition of New York Minute, where we deliver the latest can’t-miss opportunities and industry insights for credit union professionals. Learn about last-chance registration for the Elevating Credit Union Leaders series, exclusive sponsorship opportunities at EXCEL 25, and nominations for the Young Professionals Committee, plus an update from ATM Consultants.

Last Chance: Register for the Elevating Credit Union Leaders Conference

The Elevating Credit Union Leaders series is your gateway to evolving from manager to mentor, mastering strategic communication, and developing the mindset of a high-impact leader. Designed for existing managers, emerging leaders, and ambitious young professionals, this four-part series offers the insights and tools you need to overcome leadership challenges and boost your influence.

Session Schedule

• Session 1: March 19, 2025 | Virtual
• Session 2: July 2, 2025 | Virtual
• Session 3: October 21, 2025 | In-Person at Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel
• Session 4: December 10, 2025 | Virtual

Gain invaluable insights from industry experts Mark Arnold, Laura Loy, and Shawn M. Temple from On the Mark Strategies.

The registration deadline is TOMORROW, February 28.

Click below to learn more and register, or reach out at events.training@nycua.org or call (800) 342-9835, ext. 8546.

Elevate your career and lead with confidence—register today!

Check Out These EXCEL 25 Sponsorship Opportunities 

Join us for EXCEL 25, the Association’s annual convention, held from June 12-15 at the beautiful Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.

This premier industry event is your exclusive opportunity to connect with hundreds of credit union leaders and engage a highly influential audience. As an EXCEL 25 sponsor, you benefit from unmatched visibility, exclusive networking, premium booth space, and brand recognition.

Sponsorship Opportunities

• Premier Sponsor – Maximize your exposure with premium placement, a double booth, a speaking opportunity, and more.
• Contributing Sponsor – Enjoy high-impact visibility with booth space, event recognition, and digital advertising.
• Keynote Speaker Introductions – Gain stage time to introduce a speaker.
• Chair’s Testimonial Reception – Receive brand recognition as we celebrate the Association’s Board Chairperson.
• TruStage Golf Tournament – Receive brand recognition while benefiting the New York Credit Union Foundation.
• Silent Auction – Receive brand recognition while benefiting the New York Credit Union Foundation.
• Trivia Night, Wine Pull, Bingo & More – Associate your brand with fun and engaging networking events.
• Charging Stations, Convention Bags, & Exclusive Giveaways – Keep your brand top of mind!

Sponsorship spaces are limited, so act now to elevate your brand and make a lasting impact at EXCEL 25.

Young Professionals Commission Nominations OPEN

Are you looking for an opportunity to help shape the future of the credit union industry? The Association is excited to announce that nominations for the Young Professionals Commission are now open. This committee is dedicated to driving innovation, fostering professional growth, and empowering the next generation of credit union leaders.

Details:

• This opportunity is open to credit union professionals aged 39 and under, employed by Association member credit unions.
• Committee members will serve two-year terms, with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
• Credit unions may nominate one candidate, ensuring they have the necessary support for their involvement.
• This year’s submission deadline is March 14, 2025.

For nomination forms and further details, click the button below!

ATM Consultants – Your ATM Outsourcing Partner

ATM Consultants (ATMC) was formed in 2015 by CEO Doug Falcone, a veteran in the ATM space, to serve the needs of credit unions of all sizes. The leadership team at ATMC is rounded out by industry veterans with extensive experience in the ATM and credit union space. Our experience covers complete outsourcing solutions, surcharge fee ATM access and retail branding programs. 

ATM Consultants provides a single vendor outsourcing solution encompassing hardware, software, processing, communications, service, cash logistics and 7 days a week monitoring for a true managed services solution. From simple cash dispense only ATMs to ITMs, ATMC has you covered. Our in-house techs are based out of our warehouses in Rochester, Long Island and New Jersey allowing us to quickly resolve client issues. This is one of the major factors driving a 99.5% uptime across our fleet of more than 400 ATMs last year.

Shortly after launching ATM Consultants, the management team saw the need for a better solution for ATM replenishment and Cash in Transit. FI Logistix (FIL), an in-house armored courier provides control over an often problematic component of managing the ATM channel. FIL is now providing consistent and reliable ATM replenishment and branch cash delivery for credit unions throughout NY.

Get out of the ATM business and back to the business of serving your members. Reach out today to find out how ATM Consultants can help

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We’re bringing you the latest updates and highlights from across the New York credit union movement. This week, find out how you can recognize outstanding leaders in our movement, mark your calendars for a year of must-attend events, and celebrate the incredible impact of New York credit unions. Read the New York Minute blog for this week’s credit union news!

Nominations Open for the 2025 Recognition Awards

The Association is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Recognition Awards, honoring credit union professionals and volunteers who exemplify the philosophy of “people helping people”. Each year, these awards celebrate individuals who go above and beyond in their dedication to the credit union movement.

Nominations are open in the following categories:

• Outstanding Young Professional – Recognizing emerging leaders who demonstrate passion, hard work, and a commitment to the credit union mission.
• Outstanding Professional – Honoring individuals who have made a significant impact through dedication and success.
• Outstanding Volunteer – Celebrating those who have shown unwavering support and commitment to their credit union and its members.

Additionally, the New York Credit Union Hall of Fame will welcome a new inductee, selected directly by the Association’s Recognition Awards Committee.

If you know someone deserving of recognition, submit their name below! Nominations are due by Friday, March 28, and must be submitted online.

Mark Your Calendars: The Association’s 2025 Annual Lineup

The Association’s 2025 Annual Lineup is set, bringing you a year packed with must-attend events designed to educate, inspire, and connect credit union professionals. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, expand your leadership potential, or engage in advocacy efforts, there’s an event for you. Check out the full list of events in the video below and start planning your year today!

From major advocacy gatherings like our State Governmental Affairs Conference to professional development opportunities like the Elevating Credit Union Leaders Series, Compliance & Legal Conference, and CUTrends Marketing & Sales Conference, this year’s lineup is designed to meet the needs of every credit union professional.

To learn more about Association events in 2025, click below.

Domenic Vero Selected for ‘CU4Kids Crew’ at Children’s Hospitals Week!

We’re excited to celebrate Domenic Vero of Cornerstone Community FCU for being selected as a member of the inaugural CU4Kids Crew at Children’s Hospitals Week 2025!

This new initiative, led by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) and Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), unites a dozen young CU professionals from across the country to focus on corporate social responsibility, networking, and the profound impact of credit unions in supporting children’s health.

Domenic will head to Orlando this April, representing Cornerstone Community FCU and the Association’s Young Professionals Commission, joining other emerging leaders to learn, connect, and make a difference.

Of the honor, Domenic said, “I’m thrilled to have been selected to be a part of the CU4Kids Crew.. I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to grow as a young professional and connect with other fellow leaders, all while supporting children’s health. Looking forward to April!”

Congratulations, Domenic! We’re proud to have you representing New York credit unions in this impactful program.

Hudson River Community CU Donates $125,000 to Saratoga Regional YMCA

Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) is making a powerful impact in its community with a $125,000 donation to the Saratoga Regional YMCA to support key initiatives at the Corinth YMCA and Glens Falls YMCA.

With this generous contribution, $25,000 will be allocated to the Corinth YMCA Annual Campaign, which provides financial assistance to families in need and ensures access to vital programs like youth sports, childcare, and fitness classes. $100,000 will support the Glens Falls YMCA’s Capital Campaign, helping to enhance the facility and expand programs that promote physical fitness, youth development, and social responsibility.

This donation reinforces HRCCU’s commitment to their local communities and ensures that essential services families need to thrive remain accessible.

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