Honor Credit Union Association

Assembly Resolution No. 511 BY: M. of A. Zebrowski COMMENDING the New York Credit Union Association upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the quality and character of life in this great Empire State is indelibly enriched by the faithful efforts of those financial institutions and their leadership who devote their purpose to promoting economic vitality and to serve the public need; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the New York Credit Union Association upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the New York Credit Union Association has served New York State's not-for-profit financial cooperatives; from its origins in European co-op societies, the basic, populist ideals of credit unions have fostered a global culture embraced by millions and forged upon the ethos of service, independence, and equality; and WHEREAS, The history of the credit union movement, spanning more than a century, has always centered around members; since their inception in the mid-19th century, credit unions have been defined by their mission of providing financial services to their members, enabling individuals and small businesses to thrive and realize financial independence; and WHEREAS, The New York credit union movement began in the early 1900s; in 1913, New York became the second state in the nation to pass a credit union law; one year later, the first credit unions in New York were chartered; and WHEREAS, Credit unions expanded steadily after the New York law was passed, 11 credit unions received their charters in 1915 alone; to manage this growth, a central organization was formed in 1917, the New York State Association of Credit Unions, now known as the New York Credit Union Association; and WHEREAS, The New York Credit Union Association is the official state trade association for New York credit unions and the millions of members they serve; together with their member credit unions, the Association is committed to a shared vision in which Americans choose credit unions as their best financial partner; and WHEREAS, To advance this vision, the Association provides member credit unions with a full range of services, including governmental affairs, education and training, and outreach and regulatory compliance assistance; and WHEREAS, The New York Credit Union Association also works diligently to build public awareness about the value and necessity of credit unions' not-for-profit, cooperative structure; this vital organization, like its member credit unions, is committed to the "people helping people" philosophy which drives the Association to fight for the financial well-being of all New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, Today, New York credit unions boast over 5.4 million memberships and more than $76 billion in assets, and they are continuing to grow; and WHEREAS, The success of the New York Credit Union Association is in direct correlation to the efforts of its President and CEO, William J. Mellin; Senior Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer, Ronald D. McLean; Edward W. Kovalefsky, Senior Vice President of Consolidated League Services; and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Kristina M. Oliver, CPA, along with its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body looks favorably upon the strong role which institutions such as the New York Credit Union Association play in strengthening the social and economic fabric of our communities through providing growth opportunities for citizens and businesses; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the New York Credit Union Association upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary, and to wish this financial institution continued success in its vital work on behalf of its customers; and be it further RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to William J. Mellin, President/CEO; Ronald D. McLean, Senior Vice President and Chief Engagement Officer; Edward W. Kovalefsky, Senior Vice President of Consolidated League Services; and Kristina M. Oliver, CPA, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, New York Credit Union Association.