Bethpage Federal Credit Union, Long Island's leading community financial institution, organized a significant "Fly-In" visit to Washington, D.C. on March 31, 2011 for 19 of Long Island's key not-for-profit organizations. The day-long trip, which was funded by Bethpage, was planned to help strengthen government relations for the not-for-profits with key Washington decision makers. As part of its Heart of Bethpage giving program, Bethpage recognizes the importance of educating Long Island's not-for-profits about how Washington can help their organizations and the entire Long Island community. This was the second time Bethpage has led a vital "Fly-In" effort for local not-for-profits, with the first one organized in 2007.
U.S. Congressman Steve Israel welcomed the Long Island delegation and helped lead group discussions for the 19 Long Island not-for-profits. Participants then took part in educational presentations and meetings lead by the Department of Health and Human Services, where funding opportunities with the Department were discussed. Representatives from the Department of Education talked about federal education programs available and other areas of collaboration with the Long Island not-for-profit community. Participants also met with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where programs to foster community revitalization and development were shared. Workshops on grant writing and the Federal Appropriations process, as well as a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building, led by Congressman Israel completed the day.
"The not-for-profit fly-in was an important opportunity for the many deserving organizations that took time out of their schedules to come to Washington and connect with our federal agencies. By gaining a better understanding of the federal process, our not-for-profits will be in a stronger
2011 Bethpage Not-for-Profit "Fly-In"
position to compete for grant money," said Congressman Steve Israel. "I want to thank Bethpage Federal Credit Union for organizing today's activities. Their continued support of the Long Island community is commendable."
"We are all able to make the greatest impact by working together as a team," said Kirk Kordeleski, President and CEO, Bethpage Federal Credit Union. "The day's collective efforts benefitted us all by helping raise our profile and the needs of Long Islanders here in Washington. A special thank you to Congressman Israel for partnering with us once again and helping educate all involved."
The "Fly-In" delegation included Kirk Kordeleski, President and CEO, Bethpage Federal Credit Union; Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President, Bethpage Federal Credit Union; Marianne Garvin, President and CEO, CDC of Long Island; Janet Walerstein, Executive Director, Child Care Council of Suffolk; Andrew Parton, Executive Director, Cradle of Aviation; Lance Elder, President and CEO, Education & Assistance Corp.; Nancy Engelhardt, Director, The Energeia Partnership; Karen Boorshtein, President and CEO, Family Service League; Yvonne Grant, President and CEO, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County; Gwen O'Shea, President, Health & Welfare Council of Long Island; Theresa Statz, Executive Director, Long Island Arts Alliance; Dan Perkins, Vice President, Government Affairs, Long Island Association; Jean Cohen, Executive Director, Mentoring Partnership of Long Island; Sybil Johnson, Executive Director, Project GRAD Long Island; Vivian Hart, Executive Director, Pronto of Long Island; Jo Anne Sanders, Executive Director, SCC Against Domestic Violence; Stephen Friedman, President & CEO, UCP of Suffolk; Theresa Regnante, President & CEO, United Way of Long Island; Dale Lewis, Vice President, Usdan; Anne Brigis, Executive Vice President and COO, YMCA of Long Island; and Randi Shubin Dresner, President and CEO, Island Harvest.
Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, existing solely to serve its members and has experienced rapid growth in recent years to become a strong alternative to banks. Bethpage was approved for the largest federal community charter in the U.S. in 2003 and now is Long Island's largest credit union and leading community financial institution with over 180,000 members, 22 branches and 60 shared service center locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers better rates, lower fees and a full menu of personal and commercial financial services.
Bethpage maintains branch locations in Bay Shore, Bethpage, Central Islip, Commack, Elmont, Farmingdale, Freeport, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Huntington, Levittown, Lynbrook, Massapequa, Melville, Mineola, North Babylon, Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Seaford, Smithtown, Roosevelt and Westbury with over 250 surcharge-free ATMs including those in King Kullen, 7-Eleven, Walgreen's and Costco locations throughout Long Island. For more information, call 1-800-628-7070 or visit www.lovebethpage.com.