- Major Upset In Yesterday's Primaries: Rep. Crowley Defeated
- New DFS Regs On Credit Reporting Agencies Could Impact Banks
- Latest On ADA Website Guidance
- DFS Superintendent Vullo Will Address IBANYS Convention In September
- Follow IBANYS On Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram!
NOTE: Because the July 4 holiday falls on Wednesday of next week,
IBANYS' next newsletter will be published Thursday, July 5.
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Message From the President
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John Witkowski, President & CEO
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Community Banks Play Strong "Dee-Fense"
-- End Session With A Major Victory
IBANYS and New York's local independent community banks had a big win in the closing hours of the 2018 state legislative session. Tax-exempt credit unions and their allies in the Legislature had launched a last-ditch effort to be authorized to participate in the State Business Development Program - which was designed for, and is currently limited to, banks.
S.9094, Hamilton/A.6949-c, Zebrowski
would have resulted in the tax-exempt credit unions being able to bid on, accept and hold state public deposits, and to receive property tax exemptions for ten years. Once IBANYS saw
this legislation was being pushed to the front burner in the session's final days and hours, we launched an all-out effort to stop it.
- We drafted and circulated to legislators a strong Memo in Opposition, laying out the reasons why tax-exempt entities should not be allowed to hold public deposits.
- We also initiated a grassroots action alert asking IBANYS member banks to contact their local state legislators in the Senate and Assembly to urge them not to vote for the legislation.
I want to especially thank IBANYS members who called, emailed and met with their Senators and Assembly Members, and reinforced the message IBANYS was sending to legislative leadership and key lawmakers. Together, we won the battle. The State Senate adjourned for the year without taking any action on the bill. It's a big win for New York community banks.
The 2018 session will be remembered as one in which IBANYS played an aggressive and effective "defense" on behalf of community banks. In addition to defeating the credit unions' effort to enter the State Business Development program, we also beat back several other legislative efforts to make an uneven playing field even more so by expanding credit unions' powers and authorities.
Another proposed bill would have enacted additional onerous ATM security mandates. With New York community banks already complying with the ATM Safety Act, the proposal seemed more like "piling on banks" than about protecting consumers.
Obviously, the 2018 session was marked by unusual developments.
- The end of the majority coalition between Republicans and the breakaway Independent Democrats (IDC) that governed the State Senate the past few years;
- The GOP retaining control of the Senate even though Democrats hold 32 of the 63 seats because one Democrat (Simcha Felder of Brooklyn) still votes with the GOP.
- We saw a change in the Senate Banks Committee leadership in April, as former Chair Jesse Hamilton of Brooklyn, a member of the IDC was replaced by Sen. Elaine Phillips (R-Long Island).
IBANYS will be working over the second half of 2018 to prepare for the 2019 legislative session, and will be seeking input from our officers, directors and Government Relations Committee throughout the process.
We also await the 2018 elections. All 63 State Senate seats and 150 Assembly seats on the ballot. C
ontrol of the Senate is very much up for grabs. A number of incumbent Republican senators are not seeking reelection, and Democrats may be poised to make a serious run to gain the majority. However, the GOP expresses confidence as well.
Meanwhile, last night we saw one stunning upset in a congressional primary, as longtime Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) -- a senior leader among House Democrats -- lost to community activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. 2018 promises to be a wild ride electorally!
In Washington
, IBANYS joined with ICBA in urging community banks to oppose harmful crop insurance amendments to the farm bill. The current farm law is
set to expire on September 30.
IBANYS has had a lot on our plate. . .but as we all know, we keep moving the ball downfield. We are now hard at work putting the final touches on our 2018 Annual Convention & Trade Show that will take place September 25 - 27 in Albany at the Hilton Albany Hotel.
Hotel information
is now available and more information will be released soon! We do have one bit of news: New York State Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo -- the industry's top state regulator -- will address our conference Wednesday, September 26.
As always, thank you for your support of IBANYS and all you do or community banking.
Remember: IBANYS is YOUR association. Make it work for you!
- John
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Follow IBANYS On Social Media!
Have you found and followed IBANYS on social media yet? Connect with us today!
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2018 IBANYS Annual Convention
September 25-27, 2018
Hilton Albany
40 Lodge Street
Albany, NY 12207
Hotel Information
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton Albany. Reservations can be made by the following:
Arrival Date:
September 25, 2018
Departure Date:
September 27, 2018
____________________________________________________________________
Member banks:
Share this information
with your senior management teams, officers, directors, compliance, security and human resources officers.
Preferred providers, associate members and business show exhibitors:
Now is the time to plan to attend, participate, sponsor/exhibit.
Contact Linda Gregware:
lindag@ibanys.net
______________________________________________________________
Convention Update: DFS Superintendent Vullo To Speak
New York State Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo will address IBANYS' Annual Convention as our luncheon speaker on Wednesday, September 26. Ms. Vullo was confirmed by the New York State Senate as Superintendent in June of 2016 after being nominated by Governor Cuomo earlier that year. The New York State Department of Financial Services was created by transferring the functions of the New York State Banking Department and the New York State Insurance Department into a new department. This transfer of functions became official on October 3, 2011. The Banking Division of DFS supervises -- through chartering, licensing, registering, and examining safety & soundness, among other actions -- nearly 1,900 banking and other financial institutions with assets of more than $2.9 trillion. The division is composed of the following groups: Foreign & Wholesale Banks, Community & Regional Banks, Licensed Financial Services, and Mortgage Banking.
IBANYS Wraps Up A Busy & Productive First Half Of 2018 Programs
The first six months of 2018 have been among our busiest in memory. We have held educational programs for a wide array of officers, directors and employees of New York community banks. Working with our peer groups, executive committee, and our board and staff, we have designed, developed and held a number of important programs and conferences that have addressed key strategic and operational issues and concerns impacting our banks.
We have welcomed input from our membership as to what topics and issues they want to hear about, and have assembled - in each instance - outstanding groups of speakers, presenters and panelists to provide their expertise and insight.
From February through June, we held regional conferences for our member banks' Human Resources Officers, Compliance Officers, and Security Officers. We held two-day programs for our Lending officers and for the senior executives of our member banks (IBANYS' Banking Executive Symposium, formerly known as our CFO/Senior Executive Conference).
We also hosted CEO Forums to provide informal roundtable discussions for our CEOs to address an agenda they themselves requested.
In addition, we also held our Directors Conference to continue to keep the board members of our member banks fully informed and up-to-date on the responsibilities, opportunities and strategic options they need to know to provide the guidance and leadership their institutions require going forward.
That's a full plate, and our New York community banks responded. In terms of their attendance, participation and feedback, the first half of 2018 was a major success.
However, there is no rest for the weary, and IBANYS has not slowed down as we prepare for the fall and our signature event of our Association calendar year: Our 2018 Annual Convention & Trade Show, scheduled for September 25 - 27 in our state capital of Albany, New York.
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Spotlight Bank of the Week
Spotlight Bank of the Week is a new feature that we have added to our website and e-newsletter. It is an opportunity to promote anything about your organization, such as fun facts, organization news, special events, etc. The Spotlight Bank of the Week will be featured on our homepage slider, e-newsletter, and our social media platforms for one week. So don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to showcase your bank to thousands of people!
To apply, just fill out our
registration form
and email it to Natalie Rowan at natalier@ibanys.net.
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IBANYS Education/Webinars
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IBANYS Webinars
Are you participating in IBANYS' webinars? Your peers are! They provide timely, important information on subjects of interest to New York community bankers. They are valuable not only for their content, but for their convenience. Take part from the comfort and privacy of your office, without leaving the bank.
Our
Webinar Series
offers many topics in the following categories:
- Audit & Accounting
- Collections
- Compliance
- Directors
- Frontline & New Accounts
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- IRA
- Lending
- Operations
- Security & Fraud
- Senior Management
We are always adding more programs based on needs and requests of our members,
who drive our focus!
Take a look at the various series of webinars we offer by clicking each of the links below.
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NYS Legislative Update
- The New York State Legislature adjourned its regular 2018 session on June 20.
- While there is a possibility the Governor could call a special session later this year to address a specific limited agenda, it is not anticipated that any banking-related legislation would be included.
- The 2019 legislative session will convene next January.
State Regulatory Update:
DFS Oversight Over Credit Reporting Agencies
 A press release from Governor Cuomo was issued on Monday, June 25 stating that the NYS DFS has issued a final regulation to protect New Yorkers from data breaches. These regulations provide DFS with oversight over credit reporting agencies, and impact banks to the extent that consumer credit reporting agencies are required to be registered with DFS as a condition of doing business. Banks may not pay a fee or transmit any information about a resident to an unregistered consumer credit reporting agency. Banks are obligated to ensure that consumer credit reporting agencies have valid registrations with DFS.
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Farm Bill: Community Banks Oppose Harmful
Crop Insurance Amendments
ICBA urges members of the U.S. Senate to oppose harmful crop insurance amendments when the Senate takes up its version of the 2018 farm bill -- perhaps as soon as this week. The petition, signed by numerous community banks, urges senators to oppose all amendments that would reduce or limit crop insurance participation, make insurance more expensive for farmers, or harm private-sector delivery. Senate consideration of its farm bill (S. 3042) follows last week's House passage of its Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2) on a 213-211 vote.
Congressional Tax Agenda Not Finished Yet
 Four new tax bills, including an extension package for tax cuts scheduled to end in 2025, are now scheduled for House action this fall in advance of the midterm elections -- although they might die in the Senate. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) indicated that House tax writers will develop the legislation over the summer, and release an outline in early August.
Tuesday's Congressional Primaries Produce Major Upset
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Rep. Dan Donovan (R-Staten Island & Brooklyn)
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I
ncumbent GOP Rep. Dan Donovan
(R-Staten Island & Brooklyn) easily defeated former Congressman Michael Grimm in the 11th Congressional District, and will face Democrat Max Rose. Donovan is the only Republican Member of Congress representing parts of New York City. Grimm had held the seat from 2011-15, but resigned after pleading guilty to felony tax fraud, and subsequently served seven months in prison.
In other congressional races:
- Antonio Delgado was the apparent winner in a crowded Democratic primary race to take on Republican Rep. John Faso (R-Columbia County), who is seeking a second term in the congressional swing district.
- First-time candidates Perry Gershon and Liuba Grechen Shirley will take on Rep. Lee Zeldin and Rep. Pete King, respectively.
- Tedra Cobb will be the Democratic challenger to GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-North Country).
- Dana Balter will oppose Rep. John Katko (R-CNY)
- One congressional primary is too close to call: Max Della Pia was leading Tracy Mitrano by just 26 votes in the race to oppose Rep. Tom Reed (R-WNY).
- Reps. Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn) and Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan) edged out their insurgent challengers in unexpectedly close races.
View the full summary
of all New York primary results.
President Signs Pro-Community Bank SBA Bill
 ICBA thanked President Trump for signing into law pro-community bank legislation to strengthen the Small Business Administration 7(a) program. The bipartisan Small Business 7(a) Lending Oversight Reform Act (H.R. 4743) includes targeted reforms to ensure the program continues safely expanding the reach of lending and credit services to a broader range of borrowers who would not qualify for a conventional loan. The new law allows the SBA to lift the cap on general business loans if it is reached, strengthens the SBA Office of Credit Risk Management and Lender Oversight Committee, and codifies the SBA's "Credit Elsewhere Test."
ICBA Supports Congressional Letter That Seeks ADA Guidance
ICBA expressed support for a congressional letter from 103 Members of the House to the U.S. Justice Department requesting clarity on website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The letter encourages the Department to issue guidance that will address unresolved questions about the ADA and restrict the rising number of unsubstantiated demand letters and lawsuits from private plaintiffs.
"Community banks across the country have been the subject of demand letters and lawsuits from plaintiff law firms alleging unsubstantiated violations of Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility requirements for electronic banking services," noted ICBA President and CEO Rebeca
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ICBA President & CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey
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Romero Rainey. "ICBA strongly supports this congressional effort to facilitate Justice Department guidance that will provide needed clarity to community banks and other businesses and stem the rapid growth in baseless demand letters and lawsuits."
The congressional letter notes that businesses of all sizes face a rising threat of private legal action designed to reach financial settlements for plaintiff law firms. Website accessibility demand letters and lawsuits rose from 57 in 2015 to 814 last year-a 1,328 percent increase. The letter calls for the Justice Department to issue guidance that these actions violate due process principles while Congress works to provide greater ADA clarity through legislation.
ICBA has called on the Justice Department to issue guidelines to provide community banks and other small businesses a safe harbor against unsubstantiated claims from plaintiff law firms. ICBA looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Justice Department on this important issue.
House Financial Services Chair. . .Waters?
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Rep. Maxine Walters (D-CA)
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Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) a 13-term California Democrat and the senior Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, is in line to become Chair of the Committee if the Democrats win control of the U.S. House in November. According to reports, her Democratic colleagues are sticking by her as the party's choice to run the powerful Financial Services Committee despite recent controversy over her urging supporters to publicly confront Trump administration officials on immigration.
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Industry Trends & Updates
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New Home Sales Up Nationally, Down In Northeast
-- Pending Homes Sales Were Just The Opposite
 The
Commerce Department said
new home sales jumped 6.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 689,000 units last month, the highest level since November 2017. April's sales pace was revised down to 646,000 units from the previously reported 662,000 units.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast new home sales, which make up 11 percent of housing market sales, rising only 0.7 percent to a pace of 667,000 units in May.
Sales in the South, which accounts for the bulk of transactions, rebounded 17.9 percent to a rate of 409,000 units in May, the highest level since July 2007.
Sales tumbled 10 percent in the Northeast.
Meanwhile, as for pending home sales,
the National Association of Realtors'
monthly index found they fell 0.5 percent compared with April, and was 2.2 percent lower than in May of 2017. The expectation was for a 0.5 percent gain.
Sales have now fallen on an annual basis for five straight months. Pending home sales are a forward indicator of closed sales in June and July. However, pending home sales in the Northeast rose 2.0 percent for the month but were 4.8 percent below a year ago.
Consumer Confidence Is Down
 The Confidence Board's index dropped to 126.4 from a revised 128.8 in May. The index was expected to hit 128.1, according to a survey of Reuters' economists.
American sentiment was generally mixed about current conditions; however, positive feelings for future business conditions and income prospects decreased.
"Consumers' assessment of present-day conditions was relatively unchanged, suggesting that the level of economic growth remains strong," said Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. "While expectations remain high by historical standards, the modest curtailment in optimism suggests that consumers do not foresee the economy gaining much momentum in the months ahead."
Op-Ed: "Bank-Like Credit Unions
Should Have To Follow Bank Regulations"
An "
American Banker" op-ed
argues that bank-like credit unions should have to follow banking regulations. The author, Aaron D. Klein of the Brookings Institution, notes that large and aggressive credit unions are the biggest beneficiaries of new National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) efforts to expand the powers of the tax-exempt industry. Last week, the
NCUA approved
a field-of-membership rule issued only weeks after parts of the rule were vacated by a federal judge and continue to be litigated in court. The rule is opposed by ICBA and IBANYS. ICBA notes it allows credit unions to use a "narrative statement" to apply for membership fields with no population limits whatsoever, and is the latest NCUA attempt to significantly increase the powers of tax-exempt credit unions beyond their statutory limits.
CBO: Federal Debt On Track To Double Over 30 Years
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the federal debt is on track to double over the next 30 years, presenting what it deemed were "substantial risks" for the government. In its long-term budget report, the CBO repeated a warning it has made previously. "The prospect of large and growing debt poses substantial risks for the nation and presents policymakers with significant challenges."
Personnel Changes To Trump/Kudlow Team?
There are reports that top White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow is considering Dan Clifton, head of policy research at Strategas Research Partners, as his Deputy Director. Kudlow is also considering bringing on Stephen Moore -- economist, conservative commentator and a close friend of Kudlow's -- for a senior advisory role.
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Larry Kudlow (left) & Dan Clifton (right)
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Online Lending
Excelsior Growth Fund (EGF) is NYBDC's nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution and IBANYS' exclusive online lending partner. Their
mission is to help businesses in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania grow by providing small business loans and advisory services. As a nonprofit organization and a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution
(CDFI)
, they're a responsible lender you can trust. Their
products are affordable and flexible, and their advisory services can help you reach your business goals. Their signature product, the EGF SmartLoan™, provides up to $100,000 through a streamlined online platform. Loans are approved in 1-2 days and funded in a week.
For more details, please visit: http://excelsiorgrowthfund.org/egf_smartloan/
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Spotlight Bank of the Week
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First Office- Solvay, NY |
Since 1949, Geddes Federal Savings and Loan has been serving the Central New York community with residential loans and savings products. Beginning with a staff of two Geddes Federal has since grown to a staff of 42 and over $529 million in Assets. For the past 69 years, the Association has expanded its product offerings and geography, but the original mission to provide our neighbors with quality savings and loan products, remains the same today.
 Today we have two offices, with our main office located at the Westvale Plaza in the Village of Solvay just outside of the City of Syracuse and one branch office located at Limestone Commons in the Village of Manlius. We believe that our customers are our greatest assets, and we strive for their satisfaction. In this age of "bigger is better", we feel that customer service is the number one priority. For this reason, we service all of our customer's mortgages and accounts in-house.
 With the addition of Mobile Banking services, enhanced Online capabilities, a group travel program for those 55 years of age or better and soon to offer a rewards program that includes identity theft protection. We continuously strive to meet the needs of our customers and members of our community. In addition, Geddes Federal recently invested One Million into the Home Headquarters Flexible improvement fund as an effort to provide funding for home improvement to those that qualify.
 At Geddes Federal, we pride ourselves on customer service, competitive rates, and our community involvement. Our employees, Officers and Board of Directors are themselves members of the communities we serve. All willing to support and volunteer their time within the community. From helping to build, a home to facing a "Hot Pepper Challenge" to benefit ALS also called Lou Gehrig's disease. We are always there.
Geddes Federal Savings recognized as one of the Independent Community Bankers top 100 overall industry loan producers and rated five stars from Bauer Financial. It is our goal to make every customer experience with Geddes Federal Savings, better than the last.
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IBANYS Spotlight Is On...
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Roosevelt & Cross is a registered broker-dealer specializing in tax-exempt and taxable municipal securities. Underwriting efforts encompass most of the United States, though the firm continues to concentrate primarily on tax-exempt issues sold in the Northeast.
Roosevelt & Cross maintains its
principal office in New York City, with branch offices in Warren (NJ), Buffalo (NY), East Hartford (CT), Providence (RI) and Boston (MA).
Roosevelt & Cross is divided into departments specializing in municipal underwriting, trading, sales, public finance and credit analysis.
Roosevelt & Cross was founded in 1946 by, among others, Archibald B. Roosevelt (son of President Theodore Roosevelt) and Edwin J. Cross.
Roosevelt & Cross has maintained an office in Buffalo for more than 30 years. It devotes its efforts to marketing municipal securities to investors in the Northeast. The team has substantial experience servicing the needs of individuals and institutional investors in the municipal bond market. The Buffalo office, under SVP/Branch Office Manager
David Wagner, Senior Vice President - Branch Office Manager; SVP
Joseph Haller and SVP
John Canty,
has an ongoing commitment to the State of New York, its municipalities, and its agencies.
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IBANYS identifies offers products and services that provide value to your banks, companies, employees communities. These brief summaries provide links for information. Please contact IBANYS President John Witkowski with questions.
Health & Wellness
My Wellness Resource & TELADOC 
The health and wellness landscape continues to evolve. "My Wellness Resource" can be a nice addition to your existing benefit package.
Teladoc can save your banks time and money, and provide real value to your employees as this testimonial from a New York community bank CEO proves:
HERE'S WHAT YOUR FELLOW NEW YORK
COMMUNITY BANKER SAYS. . .
"I wanted to let you know that some of our employees and I have been using "Teladoc" and it is one of the best things we have done for the bank. We all love it: We are saving time, avoiding waiting in an urgent care center or a doctor's waiting room for non-emergency related illnesses
. . .and it is easy to use and convenient. Once you use it, you are hooked! This was a great find! Would recommend it to all banks."
Mario Martinez
Chairman & CEO
Catskill Hudson Bank
Contact Alan Justin: (716) 907-5500.
"Cure the Blue" Helps Banking Industry Battle Prostate Cancer!
The "Cure the Blue" program sponsored by the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation allows New Yorkers to participate in one of the most comprehensive efforts to help promote prostate cancer awareness and research in the United States.
Lake Shore Savings Bank has provided prostate cancer literature and Cure the Blue information at all eleven of its  branches and their headquarters in Dunkirk. The bank also offered Cure the Blue ceramic lapel ribbon pins for a $5.00 donations to Cure the Blue to all their customers. "We fully understand the severity of this disease and the devastating effect it can have on families" said Lake Shore Savings Bank President and CEO Dan Reininga. "Our support of the Buffalo Bills Alumni Foundation's "Cure the Blue" initiative is something that we are taking very seriously and are proud to support." Buffalo Bills Wall of Famer and Alumni Foundation President Booker Edgerson, a two time prostate cancer survivor, said the bank has been a tremendous longtime supporter, noting: "They have really stepped up to the plate with their unwavering support of our Cure the Blue initiative."
IBANYS urges all of our member banks, associate members and allies to join the effort. Cure the Blue" raises funds and awareness regarding prostate cancer in New York State. Visit
curetheblue.com
to get involved! Of all new cancer cases in the nation, prostate cancer represents 9.6%. In 2017, there were an estimated 161,000 new cases, and more than 26,000 fatalities due to the disease. Support IBANYS' "Cure the Blue" campaign to help New Yorkers participate to promote prostate cancer awareness and research.
Secure, Enhanced Internet Presence
The .bank program by fTLD operates trusted, verified, more secure, easily-identifiable internet locations for financial companies and
customers. www.icba.org
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and
. . .That in 1974, the year that IBANYS was established, New York State had:
- a Republican Governor (Malcolm Wilson)
- A Republican State Senate Majority Leader (Warren Anderson)
- A Republican Speaker of the State Assembly (Perry Duryea)
- A Republican U.S. Senator (Jacob Javitz)
- A Republican State Attorney General (Louis Lefkowitz)
- And, 16 Republicans in the 39-member House Delegation?
Today, 44 years later, New York has Democrats serving in all statewide offices, and as Assembly Speaker, as well as both U.S. Senators and 9 of our current 27 Members of the House Delegation.
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New York community banks play a key role in our state and local economies. Help spread the good news among our customers, business, elected leaders and the media!
John J. Witkowski
President & Chief Executive Officer
Stephen W. Rice
Director of Government Relations & Communications
Linda Gregware
Director of Administration & Membership Services
William Y. Crowell III
Legislative Counsel
Natalie Rowan
Marketing & Social Media Assistant
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Rep. Joe Crowley, one of the top Democrats in the House of Representatives, lost his New York primary in a shocking upset last night to community organizer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. 
