ThrillBill

Is there anyone that doesn't know (and love) Bill?

I had two honors that involved Bill.  The first was the passion, knowledge, and experience he brought to the Development Educator training that I was privileged to take this past April.  The second was that, a week later, he was kind enough to give me in-person, unfettered access to his credit union and staff, a personal tour and a few hours of his time, including lunch!

I'll never forget how, while walking a few blocks to lunch, Bill pointed to just about every other business and said something akin to "they're a member" or "we helped them get started."  But even more impressive than that was that I believe that every person we passed waved and said hi to Bill (by name).  It was even better than walking with the President, because everyone loves Bill!

I'll miss him in Ithaca (who knew that such a legend was only 90 minutes away from my house?), but I know he'll exceed at the Aspen Institute.  I also know that he'll have to work a bit harder (though not much) to know everyone he passes on the streets of Washington, DC.

Take care, Bill, and I'll see you at your party...

--

Eric Loyd, CUDE

idealism, intelligence, and pragmatism work together perfectly

Bill,

When I started covering Ithaca for the Times back in 1981, I was 22 and green as a stick.  I became infatuated with the progressive 1960s-flavored Democrats who were joining Common Council back then, and I counted you among them. By the time Ben Nichols was elected Mayor and the triumph of this faction became complete, I had a mortgage and a job with Dow Jones and had grown fairly cynical about politics, as all journalists do.  But you've never let me down.  Your work is an example of what can happen when idealism, intelligence, and pragmatism work together perfectly.  You are an inspiration to those of us who have been lucky enough to know you, and I am eager to see what you'll do with the national exposure you are sure to gain at the Aspen Foundation.  Go get 'em!  --Brad Edmondson

what an inspiration you and your work has been

Just a note to say what an inspiration you and your work has been to me over the past 5 - 8 years.  It's been so refreshing to follow your progress and see each new innovative concept you've brought forward in an effort to improve your members' lives.  Since learning about what your credit union was up to, I've shared your credit union's concepts with my clients and audiences from coast to coast, using them as catalysts to spark creative solutions to serve increasing populations of members living in hard times.  As an educator, management consultant, and mother of two grown kids, I found your Credit Path model to be very logical and practical - a great tool for helping staff to understand that people can be anywhere on the Road-to-Wealth continuum and that the CU can help them further their personal goals ... that our solutions don't have to fit only within the narrow box that has defined our movement for many decades.  Even though we've never met in person, I just wanted to say thanks for taking the risks you have and making a huge difference in your community.  Best of luck to you in your next phase of life!

Jeanne Murphy
Growth Strategist, Speaker & Trainer
Strategic Solutions - Guiding Organizations & Individuals in Achieving Purposeful Growth

Dear Bill

We recently learned that you retired from Alternatives Federal Credit Union.  I am sure you must be very proud of the successful tenure you held at the credit union with several notable accomplishments.  Of course, the credit union industry has benefited greatly from your active involvement and exceptional leadership.

On behalf of the Board and staff at the National Association of Federal Credit Unions I would lke to congratulate you on your success and wish you all the best in your retired life.

If I can ever be of assistance please do not hesitat to call me.  Once again, Congratulations and best wishes to you in the future.

Sincerely,

Fred R Becker, Jr

President and CEO

National Association of Federal Credit Unions

enormous impact

Congratulations!!!!   You and your work made an enormous impact, not just in Ithaca, New York, but truly throughout the entire nation.    I congratulate you on all of your past successes, but, more importantly, I anticipate hearing of your future work and successes in the field.  You have so much knowledge and commitment to share, you have just turned onto a different path.   

I know that Alternatives will miss you, as will the whole credit union movement!  I feel fortunate to have been able to know you and learn from you as we began our mission in SPEC.  You and your work at Alternatives have inspired many persons at the IRS, not just me. 

I wish you the best of luck in everything you do.  Take care and if I can ever help you, please let me know.

Beckie Harrell

SPEC ---Volunteer & Community Partnerships

I am one of the very many who have never met Bill Myers

I am one of the very many who have never met Bill Myers but have benefitted from his contributions to our field of community economic development.  I want to join with all those who celebrate his work, as he retires from active duty.  I know that he will still give us his all, even if he is no longer at Alternatives.  Congrats, Bill, and thanks so much!

 

Stewart E. Perry

Seattle, WA

created an amazing legacy

Bill, you told me about your intention to retire from Alternatives Federal Credit Union quite awhile ago but when I saw it in print, reality hit about the enormous loss this would be to the credit union community. For so long you have been such an important force in and conscience of this community. When I became an NCUA board member, virtually every time I mentioned an interest in helping people of modest means or providing an alternative to predatory lenders, I was told "you need to meet with Bill Myers". I did and I immediately understood why they felt this way. You have created an amazing legacy and have been a mentor to many people in the credit union community. I, personally, learned so much from you and now, at Andrews Federal Credit Union, have an opportunity to put into practice some of these things. I wish you all the best and hope to see you before too long. Debbie Matz

inspirational and visionary leader

Bill –

You are such an - they type of leader who we need to grown more of in our movement.  I am fortunate that I will continue to work with you and I know you will continue to inspire me to think beyond.

Be well my friend and congratulations in all you do,

Mel

Melissa Farley

mb consulting

"Making each day count in the lives that I touch."

the best is yet to come

Dear Bill,

I am so impressed with all you have accomplished through your 

leadership of AFCU and the Board of the Community Foundation of 

Tompkins County.  One of the greatest gifts I have received through 

that Board service has been the opportunity to meet and get to know 

you.  Our community has been greatly enhanced by your sense of vision 

and commitment, and I have personally been enhanced by the experience 

of serving alongside you.

Best wishes for a fulfilling "retirement".  I know you will defy the 

wisdom about there being "no second acts in American life", and that, 

for you the best is yet to come.

Sincerely,

Risa Mish

legacy of service and caring

Dear Bill,

You have created a legacy of service and caring for today’s members that will benefit others into the future – You have committed your efforts to help people find financial hope – You have unselfishly given your time to forward the credit union co-operative movement – THANK YOU! 

I have watched your progress over the years with admiration and I know how hard you have worked.  It has taken energy and passion to accomplish your achievements.  Best wishes to you for good health and good times in your next endeavor.  Cheers!

Ava Milosevich

CEO of PARTNERING FOR GREATNESS, LLC

Retired CEO from SELCO Community Credit Union