US Rep Presents CDCU with Flag Flown Over Capitol - National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions

(March 30, 2007 – Bronx, NY) United States Representative José Serrano (D-NY) visited the $10 million-in-assets Bethex FCU, a leading community development credit union (CDCU) in the Bronx, to present its CEO, Joy Cousminer with a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Representative José Serrano presents Joy Cousminer, CEO of Bethex FCU (Bronx, NY), with a flag flown over the Capitol.

The ceremony took place at the main branch of Bethex FCU, with a full-house of onlookers, including credit union staff, city officials, and representatives from the Federation and the New York State Credit Union League.

The flag was presented to Cousminer in recognition of her extraordinary service to the people of the Bronx. “Under her guidance, Bethex has helped thousands of Bronxites to gain access to the mainstream banking system,” commended Serrano.

“I really appreciate that the Congressman took time off his busy schedule to deliver this flag to us in person,” said Cousminer. “He has taken a real interest in the work of our credit union in serving low-income residents in his district.”

Cousminer, a prominent CDCU advocate, had recently testified at a March 1st hearing of the Subcommittee on Financial Services of the House Appropriations Committee, which is chaired by Congressman Serrano.

Many CDCUs have fostered close ties with their local and national politicians precisely because they have a primary mission of serving low-income people. Serrano’s visit is further evidence of the importance of serving people of modest means.

Last week, CDCU leaders, Rita L. Haynes of Faith Community United CU (Cleveland, OH) and Ed Jacob of North Side Community FCU (Chicago, IL) testified before the Subcommittee on Domestic Policy of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee about affordable payday lending alternative products. That hearing was led by Representative Denis Kucinich (D-OH).

To learn more about that hearing, read our press release by clicking here.