Sidney Resident James Suraino Named a 2012 Outstanding Volunteer

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Volunteer James Suriano, Sidney Federal Credit Union, 2012 Outstanding Volunteer, Credit Union Association of New York

ALBANY, NY (06/29/2012)(readMedia)-- (Albany, NY) – James Suriano, a volunteer and member of Sidney Federal Credit Union's board of directors, was named a 201 Outstanding Volunteer by the Credit Union Association of New York at their Annual Meeting and Convention held recently at The Sagamore Resort on Lake George.

Outstanding Volunteers are unpaid credit union directors, credit union committee members or supervisory committee members who exemplify commitment to their credit unions and/or the entire New York State credit union movement. Their work and dedication further the credit union "people helping people" philosophy. Suriano won the award in the asset category of more than $250 million.

"Volunteers like Jim are an essential part of what makes credit unions uniquely able to help members build a better financial future," said William J. Mellin, the Association's president/CEO.

Suriano has served on Sidney FCU's board of directors for 40 years, acting as chairman since 1982. By encouraging his fellow directors to ask two primary questions-"What will this do for our members?" and "How can we continue to progress, offering better services to our members at little to no cost?"-he has helped develop a truly high-performing board. As a result of his leadership, Sidney FCU has grown to more than $330 million in assets with more than 160 full-time employees.

Known for his enthusiasm and energy, Suriano makes a point to know the credit union's employees by name and treat them like his extended family. He has also served as chair of the credit union's Educational Committee and co-editor of the credit union newsletter. In order to stay informed and connected in the larger credit union movement, he regularly attends chapter functions and credit union conferences.

When it comes to the credit union philosophy of people helping people, Suriano truly "walks the walk." For example, when the town of Sidney was hit with yet another devastating flood last fall, he took time to help those who were impacted-despite the fact that his own home was affected and required attention. He has also dedicated his time to the Rotary Club of Sidney, his church, the Boy Scouts of America, the Sidney Community Foundation and various other community organizations.

The Credit Union Association of New York has served as the trade association for the state's credit unions for 95 years. New York credit unions have assets of more than $57 billion and serve 4.6 million members. To learn more about the Association, visit www.cuany.org.

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