Speakers to Join Senator Clinton for NY PALS Workshop Released

ALEXANDRIA, Va.-Eight speakers from the credit union community will join Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) in addressing NCUA Board member Debbie Matz’ Partnering and Leadership Successes workshop scheduled for Oct. 11 in Rochester, N.Y. “Serving the Underserved Without Losing Your Bottom Line” will be the topic of discussion for the two panels. Genesee Co-op Federal Credit Union ($6 million; Rochester) Loan Officer Melissa Marquez, Syracuse Cooperative Federal Credit Union ($9 million) CEO Ron Ehrenreich, GHS Federal Credit Union ($81 million; Binghamton) CEO Stephen Gardner, and Bethpage Federal Credit Union ($1.8 billion; Long Island) CEO Kirk Kordeleski will discuss “Meeting Critical Needs.” Discussion will include helping the underserved withstand financial emergencies and make life-changing choices to highlighting products like risk-based loans and financial education that can make a difference in the lives of the underserved. The second panel-consisting of Lower East Side People’s Federal Credit Union ($12 million; New York City) Board President Pablo DeFilippi, Rockland Employees Federal Credit Union ($44 million; Orangeburg) CEO Cynthia Vaughan, Alternatives Federal Credit Union ($48 million; Ithaca) Bill Myers and WCTA Federal Credit Union ($235 million; Sodus) CEO Gail Bedell-will concentrate on “Building Members’ Wealth.” Panelists will explain wealth-building services like affordable mortgages and member business loans. As demonstrated by the speaker list, points of view from credit unions large and small, from rural and urban areas will be expressed. “These diverse panels will demonstrate how credit unions of all sizes and all charters can effectively serve the underserved,” Matz said. “Whether converting to community charters, adding underserved areas, or reaching out to everyone in their current field of membership, these credit unions offer shining examples of innovations that attract new members who are not being served by other insured financial institutions.” Senator Clinton will deliver the closing keynote address and take questions from the audience. Registration is currently open. To register for the free PALS workshop or view the agenda see www.ncua.gov. Click on “PALS Registration,” then “Oct. 11 – Rochester.” The Summit Federal Credit Union in Rochester, NAFCU, the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, and the New York State Credit Union League are co-hosting the event. The Summit CEO Mike Vadala and New York League President Bill Mellin will join Matz in making opening remarks. NAFCU President and CEO Fred Becker will facilitate the first panel, and NFCDCU Executive Director Cliff Rosenthal will facilitate the second panel. [email protected]