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.