ThrillBill

From New York State

Whereas, BILL MYERS is a quintessential "hero of the people" who has attained a national and international reputation as a visionary leader in economic justice and empowerment, having co-founded the Alternatives Federal Credit Union twenty-eight years ago, because he cared about those struggling to put a solid economic foundation under their lives, and so led this important institution in providing education and cpatial for small business, for home onwership, and for a college education, among other critical investments, for thousands of Tompkins County residents; and

Whereas, BILL MYERS is being justly honored on the occasion of his much-deserved retirment by this entire community, and many beyond our borders; now therefore be it

Resolved, that the New York State Assembly, by its member, the Honorable Barbara S. Lifton, does hereby recognize

BILL MYERS

as an outstanding citizen, worthy of the esteem of his entire community and the great State of New York

Date: June 14, 2007

In witness Whereof, I have Hereunto set my Hand and Signature

Barbara S. Lifton

Member of Assembly

125th District

From Ithaca

Whereas, in 1979 Bill Myers started Alternatives Federal Credit Union with $25. And now, twenty eight years later, manages an organization with over $50 million in assets; and

Whereas, in 1979 Bill and other volunteers operated Alternatives out of a cash box in a small room above the Coop Shopping Plaza and, now twenty eight years later, operations are in a facility built under Bill’s guidance that not only has improved delivery of services to its membership, but has also beautified the West End business district; and

Whereas, Alternatives, once referred to as the "hippie"bank, is now, under Bill’s visionary leadership, respected around the world as a model for innovation in Community Development Financial Institutions; and

Whereas, Bill Myers conceptualized the Credit Path as a way to move people towards financial security emphasizing financial education; and

Whereas, Bill has served not only Alternatives and the Community Development Financial Institution world but has made important contributions to the greater Ithaca community, serving on Ithaca Common County, County Committees, helped organize the Community Foundation of Tompkins County and continues to offer his wisdom and vision locally and nationally with his sharp insight and penchant for innovations; and

Whereas, Bill Myers, after 28 years, is retiring from Alternatives, but will continue to change the world for the better with his work for National Credit union foundations’ REAL Solutions program and as a Senior Fellow of the Aspen Institutes’ Economic Opportunities Program;

Now, Therefore, I, CAROLYN K. PETERSON, Mayor of the City of Ithaca, do hereby proclaim June 4, 2007 as:

Bill Myers Day

In the City of Ithaca

and welcome all citizens to join me to hereby thank recognize and congratulate Bill on the occasion of his retirement from Alternatives Federal Credit Union and wish him well in all his future endeavors.

In Witness wherof, I have hereto set my hand and caused the great seal of the City of Ithaca to be affixed this the 14^th day of June, the year 2007

Carolyn K. Peterson, Mayor

From Washington

Dear Bill:

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you on 28 outstanding years as Chief Executive officer of Alternatives Federal Credit Union.

Under your strong leadership, Alternatives serves as a valuable resource for New York’s entrepreneurs with support programs for small and micro-business in the community. I have seen first-hand Alternatives’ commitment to assisting small and micro businesses so that they can grown and help stimulate economic activity in the region.

I am grateful for your exemplary work to promote and foster economic development in New York that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.

You have my best wishes for a wonderful retirement and for every success in all your future endeavors.

Sincerely yours.

Hillary Rodham Clinton

United States Senate