Credit union report, impact video highlight credit union difference

ALBANY, NY (05/12/2014)(readMedia)-- (Albany, N.Y.) – The Credit Union Association of New York's MORE Report is an annual compilation of credit union outreach stories that celebrates the positive difference New York credit unions make for their members and communities. The 2013 MORE Report highlights New York credit unions' efforts in seven key categories: adult financial education; community investment and outreach; customized products and services; financial counseling; immigrant outreach; Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA); and youth financial education.

Each year, the MORE Report is shared with credit unions, legislators, the media and the public. Over 1,500 examples are included in this year's report, along with findings from the 2013 MORE survey.

CUANY also recently unveiled a new video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6Qh6Ec0RHk) to help amplify the "MORE message" and key statistics from the 2013 report.

Notable highlights include:

• New York credit unions deliver $300 million in direct benefits to members annually.

• New York credit unions educated more than 135,000 adults and 119,000 youth through financial literacy and counseling sessions.

• New York credit unions helped more than 17,500 families through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs.

• New York credit unions gave more than $20 million to charities and community organizations.

• New York credit union staff volunteered more than 150,000 hours of their time.

• Nearly all New York credit unions-99 percent-offer free checking accounts.

"The MORE Report and impact video truly underscore the credit union difference," said CUANY President and CEO William J. Mellin. "Both the report and video highlight the tremendous impact credit unions have in a clear, concise way that is easy to share with lawmakers, the press and the public."

The Credit Union Association of New York has served as the trade association for the state's credit unions for 96 years. New York credit unions have assets of more than $65 billion and serve 4.9 million members. To learn more about CUANY, visit www.cuany.org. To find a credit union or learn more about the credit union movement, visit www.asmarterchoice.org.