This week’s New York Minute brings exciting opportunities and important updates for our credit union community! Registration for the Financial Counseling Certification Program, nomination announcements for the Association’s Board of Directors and Chapter Leadership, celebrating the New York credit unions honored in Newsweek, and more. Subscribe to our weekly blog for the latest New York credit union updates.

Register Now: Financial Counseling Certification Program

The Association’s Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) is now open for registration! This program is designed to empower credit union professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to guide members toward financial stability and success.

Through an eight-module curriculum, participants will gain practical insights, engage in networking opportunities, and develop the expertise to help members navigate financial challenges. Becoming a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor not only benefits your members—it also strengthens your credit union by fostering trust, attracting new members, increasing revenue, and reducing delinquencies.

Program details:
Start Date: Thursday, June 5
End Date: Thursday, September 18
Registration Deadline: Saturday, March 1

Learn more and register before the March 1st deadline! Click below for more.

Association Board of Directors and Chapter Leadership Council Nominations Open TOMORROW!

The nomination period for the Association’s Board of Directors and Chapter Leadership positions will begin Friday, February 14. This is a key opportunity for dedicated credit union leaders to help guide the Association’s mission and shape the future of the credit union movement.

This year, there are four expiring Association director seats:

• Two seats in Asset Tier 1 (up to $250 million)
• Two seats in Asset Tier 2 ($250 million and over)

Additionally, each of the Association’s regional Chapters will elect three council members, who will serve a three-year term, providing leadership and strategic direction to support credit unions in their regions.

Key Dates
Nominations open: Friday, February 14
Nomination deadline: Wednesday, April 16
Election period: Friday, May 9–Thursday, June 5

To be eligible, candidates must be supported by the leadership of their credit union and committed to fulfilling their leadership responsibilities if elected. Additionally, the nominees’ credit union must be a member of the Association in good standing.

More details on the nomination process will be available on our website starting February 14.

New York Organizations Named Among America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions

We congratulate the following New York credit unions that have been recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as part of “America’s Best Regional Banks & Credit Unions 2025”! This ranking highlights the financial institutions that serve as the backbone of their communities—providing essential banking services, supporting small businesses, and fostering financial well-being with a strong, member-first commitment.

New York credit unions honored in 2025:

Congratulations to all the honored credit unions! Your dedication to serving members and strengthening communities makes a lasting difference, and we’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. To view the full list, click below.

Introducing HR Suite Plus

As a benefit of Association membership, credit unions have complimentary access to HR Suite, a human-resources focused platform where your institution can access helpful employment-related policies and resources, as well as build and house employee handbooks and HR policy manuals with ease.

We’d like to inform you that the current HR Suite dashboard will be sunset on March 31, 2025. An updated platform, HR Suite Plus (Powered by Mineral), has been developed as its replacement.

To ensure a smooth transition for your credit union, the following actions are required:

1. Download all existing HR Policy Manuals and Employee Handbooks from the current HR Suite platform before March 31, 2025. Login here.
2. Register for the new platform by completing the form at the link below:
HR Suite Plus Registration (Please note, registration is required for existing users. Accounts are not migrated automatically and old manuals will be unavailable after the sunset date. When registering, credit unions need to complete the required information for a new employee handbook. Using the handbook template is of course optional).

Once you have registered, you will be issued login credentials within three business days. These credentials will allow you to access HR Suite Plus, review its features, and begin building your updated employee handbook.

Key Features of HR Suite Plus:

• Real-time employee handbook updates reviewed by employment law experts, with automated notifications for all policy changes.
• Expanded compliance coverage, including both federal and state-specific regulations (limited to one state).
• An improved, user-friendly application for creating and managing custom policies.
• Additional policies addressing modern workplace practices such as remote work, social media, and computer security.
• Access to a comprehensive resource library with up-to-date laws, FAQs, and sample employee communications.

Product overview and platform demo videos can be found below:

• https://play.goconsensus.com/b5ed14b42
• https://play.goconsensus.com/aecbbe3bb

Please reach out to Joyce Marsh at joyce.marsh@hrperformancesolutions.net with any questions you may have during this transition.

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In this edition of The New York Minute, big updates are here! Compliance Quarterly returns, InfoSight360 will launch this quarter, and the winner of Crash the GAC 2025 is announced. Subscribe to our blog for the latest credit union news from across the state.

Save the Date: Compliance Quarterly—Removing Members

The Compliance Quarterly series is returning for 2025 and we’re kicking things off with an exciting session on member removal! Hosted by the Association, this educational series is designed to provide expert insights and answers to your most pressing compliance questions.

Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

In this session, the Association’s General Counsel Mitchell Pollack will review the procedures for removing members under both NCUA regulations and New York State law. This is a must-attend discussion for anyone navigating the complexities of membership policies and compliance requirements.

Join us for valuable guidance, clarification, and an opportunity to engage with peers on this important topic. Click below to view the event page and learn more.

InfoSight360 Announces First Quarter Launch

A new era of compliance and risk management is on the horizon! This quarter, credit unions will gain access to InfoSight360, an innovative, all-in-one platform that seamlessly integrates InfoSight, CU PolicyPro, and RecoveryPro into a single, streamlined solution.

With InfoSight360, users will enjoy:

• A unified experience – No more toggling between systems; everything you need is in one place.
• Comprehensive compliance resources – Policies, regulatory guidance, and business continuity planning (BCP) tools all in a single view.
• Smart content integration – While using any feature, related materials from the full platform will surface automatically, ensuring you never miss key information.

Credit unions currently using InfoSight, CU PolicyPro, or RecoveryPro will be automatically migrated with no action required. Users will retain access to their existing products while also gaining visibility into additional resources across the platform. Subscriptions will remain flexible, allowing credit unions to utilize one, two, or all three components based on their needs.

Stay tuned for more information on the official InfoSight360 launch!

New York’s 2025 Crash the GAC Winner: Samantha VanDermark

The Association congratulates Samantha VanDermark of Sidney FCU, who has been selected to represent New York for this year’s Crash the GAC! Hosted by The Cooperative Trust, Crash the GAC is an exclusive opportunity for emerging credit union leaders to engage with top industry minds, advocate on behalf of credit unions, and deepen their commitment to the movement.

As a Crasher, Samantha will join peers from across the country at the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference hosted by America’s Credit Unions, where she will hear from world-class speakers, participate in legislative meetings, and connect with industry leaders—all while championing the credit union difference in Washington, D.C.

Samantha shared: “I’ve always been deeply community-driven, so when I heard about the chance to engage with our representatives and discuss how their decisions impact our lives, I knew I had to get involved. The theme for 2025, Together We Move, resonates with me on a personal level and solidified my decision to participate. This will be my first experience in advocacy and legislation, and I can’t even begin to express how excited I am for the journey ahead. What excites me most about going to D.C. is the opportunity to listen, learn, and grow. Connecting with inspiring speakers and having meaningful conversations with legislators will be an invaluable experience. I’m looking forward to bringing back the insights I gain and sharing them with my community.”

Congratulations, Samantha!

AmeriCU Credit Union Launches the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation

AmeriCU Credit Union has announced the formation of the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation, established on January 1, 2025, as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening the communities it serves. This new initiative is dedicated to creating lasting positive change by supporting active-duty military and veterans, advancing economic development, promoting educational literacy, and enhancing social programs and services.

In 2024, AmeriCU made a significant impact, with teammates contributing over 1,900 volunteer hours and more than $900,000 donated to local organizations and initiatives. Through the AmeriCU Charitable Foundation, the credit union aims to build on this legacy, deepen partnerships, and expand support across the communities it serves.

To learn more or submit a request, click below.

Association Forms Relationship with Brick & Associates, Inc.

We are pleased to announce that the Association has established a relationship with Brick & Associates, Inc. to provide valuable financial management solutions to our members.

Brick & Associates, established in 1987, specializes in Asset-Liability Management (ALM) consulting, education, strategy development, and policy formulation for credit unions. They offer services including ALM software and consulting, budgeting and strategic planning solutions, and ALM outsourcing. Their proprietary tools, CU/ALM-ware^® and CU/BUDGET-ware^®, assist credit unions in monitoring interest rate risk, liquidity risk, and in developing comprehensive budgets and strategic plans.

As part of this relationship, Association member credit unions are eligible for a 10% discount on the one-time license fee for Brick & Associates’ ALM System and/or Budget System. To receive this discount, simply mention that the Association referred you when inquiring. (Please note that this discount can only be applied to the ALM System/Budget System license.)

For more information, please contact Bridget Balesky, President of Brick & Associates, Inc. at 800-332-8188 or bridget@brickinc.com.

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This week’s New York Minute highlights inspiring developments across the credit union landscape. From wildfire relief efforts and innovative financial literacy programs to office relocations and rebranding initiatives, credit unions are making meaningful impacts in their communities. Dive into these stories and more in our weekly credit union news roundup.

NYCUF Raises Over $50,000 for California Wildfire Relief Efforts

The New York Credit Union Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York Credit Union Association, has reached a major milestone in its wildfire relief efforts, raising over $50,000 to support credit unions, their employees, and volunteers in California devastated by recent wildfires.

The funds raised will be donated to CUAid, the National Credit Union Foundation’s disaster relief fund, to support emergency relief, recovery efforts, and community resilience in the affected areas. From providing essential supplies like food and shelter to helping rebuild homes and restore credit union operations, these donations are making a meaningful difference for those in need.

Thank you to the following organizations and their employees and volunteers who have donated to help us reach this milestone!

Financial donations are still being accepted to ensure even greater support for wildfire recovery efforts. Join the effort today by donating to this critical cause. Together, the New York credit union movement can continue to extend a helping hand to those who need it most.

Hudson River Community CU Highlighted For School Banking Program

Hudson River Community Credit Union recently made headlines for its innovative in-school banking program, which teaches elementary students in Glens Falls and Hudson Falls the value of saving and budgeting. The program, a partnership between HRCCU and local school districts, combines hands-on learning with fun rewards to help students establish positive lifelong financial habits

Students can make deposits, open savings accounts, and even visit HRCCU branches as part of the program. Each week, young participants deposit their savings into special HRCCU pouches, receive receipts, and choose a prize from a toy chest—making financial education both engaging and rewarding. In addition to the elementary program, HRCCU offers the Banzai online financial literacy platform to middle and high school students, equipping them with essential skills like budgeting and financial decision-making.

The initiative, originally launched in 2014, resumed this year after a pause during the pandemic. Principals and parents alike have praised the program for helping students build financial responsibility while enjoying the process. Read more about this program in the feature by clicking below!

OwnersChoice Funding Relocates Buffalo Office to New Location

OwnersChoice Funding, Inc. has relocated its Buffalo office to The Williamsville Center at 5500 Main Street, Suite 222, Williamsville. The move enhances accessibility and convenience to strengthen relationships among the credit union community, and the new office space reflects OCF’s ongoing dedication to supporting credit unions and their members.

Office visits will remain by appointment only, so those planning to stop by are encouraged to schedule in advance. As part of this transition, OCF has announced plans to host an open house at the new location in mid-April. Invitations with details about the event will be sent to credit union partners in the coming weeks.

ACMG Federal Credit Union Rebrands as Salt City Federal Credit Union

ACMG Federal Credit Union has officially unveiled its new name: Salt City Federal Credit Union.

The name “Salt City” pays homage to Syracuse’s historical identity as a hub for salt mining near Onondaga Lake, which played a key role in the region’s development. Established in 1953 by employees of the Solvay Process Company, the credit union started with just 28 members and $124 on deposit. Today, the institution stands strong, serving thousands of members while staying true to its mission of improving financial lives with personalized service.

Alongside the rebranding, Salt City FCU is investing in a full renovation of its Solvay headquarters, which is set to be completed this spring. With a refreshed name, logo, and facilities, Salt City is poised to continue serving its community.

Explore Key Insights from the TruStage Winter Report 

The latest TruStage Winter Report dives deep into the strategic priorities credit unions need to embrace for success in 2025. From the critical role of embedded lending in loan growth to actionable steps for advancing digital integration, the report outlines how top-performing credit unions are leveraging technology and agility to meet evolving member demands.

For a detailed look at these transformative insights and strategies, read the full TruStage Winter Report embedded below.

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In this week’s New York Minute, we’re highlighting impactful advocacy opportunities, celebrating new leaders across New York’s credit unions, and recognizing the generosity of our members who continue to make a difference in their communities. Stay informed and engaged with the latest news and initiatives!

Support Advocacy Through Project Zip Code with CUCollaborate

Member credit unions of the Association have access to Project Zip Code (PZC) data processing support through our strategic partnership with CUCollaborate. PZC is a program through America’s Credit Unions that matches credit union members with their state legislative and congressional districts. This initiative enhances the Association’s advocacy efforts and boosts the voice of credit unions in our state with our legislators. Ultimately, it allows us to show the impact legislation can have on their voters.

Through our new partnership with CUCollaborate, the process for credit unions to update their PZC numbers has been enhanced and streamlined. Credit unions will now be able to log into the CUCollaborate website to safely and securely upload their AIRES file, upon which CUCollaborate will process the pertinent data for PZC. As an enhanced benefit, our member credit unions will also receive complimentary access to enriched data and insights from the impact report and demographics dashboards in the CUCollaborate AnalyzeCU platform.

Please join us for a webinar on Thursday, January 30 at 10 a.m. ET to learn more about our partnership with CU Collaborate and how to take advantage of these new services.

If you have additional questions about CUCollaborate, please email Ben Hering, Director of Partnerships at bhering@cucollaborate.com.

Leadership Updates at Credit Unions Across the State

The Association would like to recognize several new leaders at credit unions across the state. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following individuals as they step into their new roles:

• Keith Kurman has been appointed as President & CEO of Greater Metro FCU, succeeding Peter Nalaskowski.
• Tina Trapani takes on the role of President & CEO at Triboro Postal FCU, succeeding Bernadette Summa.
• John Calabrese is the new President & CEO of First Source FCU, succeeding Tom Neuman.
• Paul Naslund steps into the position of President & CEO at First Choice Financial FCU, succeeding Brenda Coon.
• Chris DeLong has been named as CEO/Manager of Jamestown Area Community FCU, succeeding Vicky Burdick.

The Association applauds these dedicated professionals for their continued service to members across New York and their many contributions to the credit union community. Please join us in congratulating these new leaders as they guide their institutions forward!

Bethpage FCU Donates 250 Coats to VOICE Charter School

The Association is proud to recognize Bethpage Federal Credit Union for their generous donation of 250 coats to VOICE Charter School in Long Island City. This impactful initiative not only helps students stay warm during the colder months but also reflects Bethpage FCU’s commitment to uplifting their community and fostering a brighter future.

The Association commends Bethpage FCU for their ongoing efforts to make a difference and for exemplifying the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” Thank you, Bethpage FCU, for your meaningful contributions to Long Island City and beyond!

Stand with California Wildfire Victims—Donate Today

A message from Tim Bruculere, Chair of the New York Credit Union Foundation:

I am reaching out with an urgent request for your support. Communities in California have been devastated by the effects of extreme wildfires, which have displaced families, destroyed homes, and left countless individuals in desperate need of assistance. While the flames may have subsided in some areas, the road to recovery has only begun.

In the spirit of the credit union movement’s philosophy of “people helping people,” we’ve launched a fundraising campaign to assist credit unions, their employees, and volunteers who are victims of these tragic wildfires. Our goal is to raise $50,000. The funds will in turn be donated by the New York Credit Union Foundation to CUAid, the National Credit Union Foundation’s disaster relief fund. In previous disaster relief efforts, including last year’s hurricanes, we’ve asked credit unions to support CUAid directly, however, this new approach will exemplify a united front of support from the New York credit union movement.

Your donation, no matter the size, can make a real difference. Here are some ways your generosity will help:

• Emergency Relief: Providing immediate financial assistance for essential needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
• Recovery Support: Helping credit union employees and volunteers rebuild homes and assist impacted credit unions to restore operations.
• Community Resilience: Strengthening the long-term ability of affected areas to recover and thrive.

The New York Credit Union Foundation is proud to stand in solidarity with our credit union family and communities in need. Together, the New York credit union movement can extend a helping hand to those who are facing unimaginable challenges.

Thank you in advance for supporting the cooperative spirit that defines our movement.

Consumer Alert from the Department of Financial Services

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has issued an important consumer alert regarding the rapid rise of sentiment-based virtual currencies, commonly known as “meme coins.” These coins, often created and traded on unlicensed platforms, present significant risks to consumers, including heightened susceptibility to fraud and financial loss.

According to the DFS, many of these coins are owned by a small group of individuals or creators, making them vulnerable to manipulative practices such as “pump-and-dump schemes” or “rug pulls,” where prices are artificially inflated and then abruptly crashed. Furthermore, these coins often lack broad trading markets and exhibit extreme price volatility, posing additional dangers to investors.

The DFS urges New Yorkers to exercise caution when considering investments in sentiment-based coins, particularly those created on unlicensed platforms that lack the state’s rigorous regulatory oversight. Consumers should also be aware of deceptive practices like “wash trades,” which can create the illusion of active markets and inflated values.

A list of licensed or chartered Virtual Currency Business Entities can be found on the “Regulated Entities” section on the DFS page. Visit the DFS website for more information.

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Governor Kathy Hochul presented the 2025 State of the State Address on Tuesday, January 14, unveiling her administration’s priorities for the year ahead. The address, accompanied by the release of the 2025 State of the State Book, highlights key budgetary and policy initiatives that could shape the financial landscape in New York. Below, we’ve outlined the most relevant topics and initiatives outlined by the Governor that may have a direct or indirect impact on credit unions as the executive budget and legislation come to fruition in the months ahead.

Bolster Protections Against Overdraft and Non-Sufficient Funds Fees

In November 2023, Governor Hochul signed legislation empowering the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to regulate abusive fee practices, including the order of payment for checks and insufficient fund charges. Governor Hochul will direct DFS to issue regulations targeting exploitative practices while preserving access to high quality banking services. These regulations will prohibit predatory fees, cap the number of daily overdraft charges, and improve transparency through timely notifications.

Combat Elder Financial Exploitation

Each year, older Americans lose billions to financial scams and exploitation. Criminals are mercilessly seeking to tap into the hard-won savings of older New Yorkers, which can rob them of their financial savings and means of security.

To combat elder financial exploitation, Governor Hochul will seek legislation to help protect against fraudulent activity, which would provide more authority to banks and other institutions to pause certain suspicious transactions and mandate reporting of suspected exploitation and fraud to law enforcement and Adult Protective Services. Further support will be provided to enable the state to develop training for financial institutions on how to spot financial exploitation of elderly and vulnerable adults while protecting their autonomy.

Enhance Oversight of Buy Now Pay Later Loans

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) loans are increasingly popular but pose risks to consumers, including overextension, inconsistent credit reporting, data exploitation, and excessive fees. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the DFS will establish a licensing and supervision framework for BNPL providers. This initiative will introduce safeguards, such as disclosure requirements, dispute resolution standards, late fee limits, and data privacy protections to ensure consumers are better protected when using these financial products.

Support First-Time Homebuyers’ Down Payment Assistance

Saving enough money to make a downpayment to purchase a home is a significant barrier to homeownership, especially for low- and moderate-income buyers. Governor Hochul will provide new State funding to support New Yorkers struggling to save for down payments and help more individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership.

Create an Affordable Homebuyer Tax Incentive

Even when homes are developed for the express purpose of being sold to low- and moderate- income homebuyers, local property tax assessments value the homes at fair market value, presenting challenges to creating homes these buyers can afford to purchase. The Governor is proposing an affordable homebuyer property tax incentive that localities can opt into to bring down costs and increase the supply of houses built with assistance from governmental entities, nonprofits, land banks, or community land trusts and sold to low- and moderate-income homebuyers.

Launch New York State’s First Mixed-Income Revolving Loan Fund

With major forthcoming economic investments in upstate New York, including Micron, the state continues to need an all-of-the-above approach to the housing supply to address acute housing needs and accommodate job growth. Too often, however, upstate communities do not have the tools to create mixed income rental housing, leaving many developments permit-ready but unable to secure financing. To bridge this gap and unlock more housing, Governor Hochul will launch the State’s first revolving loan fund to spur mixed-income rental development outside of New York City.

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Your Association remains committed to advocating for the interests of credit unions and their members across the state. We will closely monitor all proposed legislation and policy developments stemming from Governor Hochul’s address. Our team will provide timely updates and insights to ensure that credit unions are well-informed and prepared to navigate any changes. Together, we will continue to champion the credit union movement and its vital role in supporting communities throughout New York.