Lancaster Chapter of the CrossState Credit Union Association

04/30/2026

What a way to end Financial Literacy Month!

We had an incredible time yesterday at Phoenix Academy, School District of Lancaster for our Financial Reality Fair!

Together, we connected with over 55 students, helping them navigate real-life financial decisions—from budgeting and saving to understanding credit and making smart choices for their future.

And the reality? It sparked some powerful conversations.

Some students were willing to take on debt just to avoid living at home, while others were trying to maintain their lifestyle without picking up a part-time job. These are real decisions—and getting to talk through them in a safe, supportive environment is exactly why this work matters.

The Wheel of Reality was, of course, a highlight—bringing energy, surprises, and a few “uh-oh” moments. Students were engaged, asking thoughtful questions, and working alongside our financial counselors to figure out how to stretch their budgets, save more, and make the most of what they had left.

A huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who showed up, connected with students, and made the experience meaningful and fun. Your willingness to share your time and knowledge is what makes this impact possible.

We had volunteer participation from the following Credit Unions/Organiziations:

Penlanco Federal Credit Union
Belco Community Credit Union
Everence Financial
Wheatland Federal Credit Union
Vertice AI
Lancaster Public Library
Synergistic CU Solutions

It was especially meaningful to learn that one of our volunteers is a Phoenix Academy graduate—a true full-circle moment and a powerful reminder of the impact these experiences can have. 💛

This event also felt a bit bittersweet. Knowing this may have been our final Financial Reality Fair at Phoenix Academy, as the future of the school remains uncertain, made the day even more meaningful. We are hopeful that this won’t be the end of our connection and that we’ll find new ways to continue supporting these students wherever the future leads.

This is what “people helping people” looks like in action.

We’re grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up, connect, and make a difference.

04/28/2026

What a day! 🎉

We’re still riding the momentum from the 9th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament—and what an incredible event it was. From friendly competition to great conversations (and plenty of pizza and wings 🍕), this was one to remember.

This event has traditionally been hosted by the Harrisburg Chapter, and we were honored to co-host for the first time alongside them this year. It was an amazing experience, and we’d love to continue partnering together in the future!

🏆 Congratulations to our Champions: Jaime Agostino’s Team (Vizo)

🥈 Runners-Up: Ashlan Clark’s Team (CrossState)

👏 Amazing energy and sportsmanship from all 12 of our participating teams!

Even better—this event made an impact beyond the courts.

💙 Together, we raised $1,260 for the CrossState Credit Union Association Credit Union Action Fund (CUAF)!

Thank you to everyone who came out, played, cheered, and supported. And a special shoutout to our sponsors for helping make the day possible:

👏 Vizo Financial
👏 Member First Mortgage - MFM
👏 TruStage

📸 Check out some highlights from the day!

This is what it’s all about—connection, collaboration, and coming together to support the credit union movement.

04/23/2026

We have exciting news to celebrate within the Lancaster Chapter of the CrossState Credit Union Association!

Our very own Vice President, Ashley Goss of Penlanco Federal Credit Union, has been selected as a Top 3 Finalist in the CrossState CU Ambassador Contest — an incredible achievement that reflects her leadership, innovation, and commitment to strengthening our Chapter and the credit union movement.

Ashley will take the stage on May 20 during Awards Night at to present her project. Many of you have already seen the impact of her work firsthand, and we are proud to have her representing our Chapter among such strong finalists!

Phase 2 judging for the CU Ambassador Contest is complete, and CrossState is excited to announce the top three finalists:

- Ashley Goss | Penlanco Federal Credit Union
- Anna Laquintano | American Heritage Credit Union
- Hannah Simerson | CityMark Federal Credit Union

Each finalist will present their projects on stage on May 20 during Awards Night at . They will then be judged one final time, and the winner will be announced shortly after.

In addition, Connect attendees can learn about all the contestants’ innovative projects at the Trade Show. Congratulations to every CU Ambassador Contest participant for their hard work!

Join us at Connect to see the finale live: https://buff.ly/JWJbPIW

Thank you to our CU Ambassador Contest sponsor, Vizo Financial.

04/01/2026

Today, the Lancaster Chapter of the CrossState Credit Union Association had the opportunity to connect with over 400 seniors at McCaskey High School, School District of Lancaster, during the AfterMcCaskey event—and what an incredible experience it was.

As these students prepare to graduate and step into the “real world,” we were proud to share practical, real-life financial guidance on topics like checking & savings accounts, budgeting, building credit, and more—while also answering their questions along the way.

One of the biggest conversations of the day centered around where to safely keep your money. Many students shared that they currently keep their funds in apps like Cash App, which opened the door for an important discussion about deposit insurance, financial protection, and the differences between fintech apps and credit unions. Helping them understand how to keep their money safe—and why it matters—was a powerful moment.

We also reminded students of something just as important:

💬 You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Credit unions are here to support them, answer questions, and walk alongside them throughout their financial journey.

A heartfelt thank you to Penlanco Federal Credit Union, Belco Community Credit Union, and Lanco Federal Credit Union for supporting your teams’ involvement and making it possible for them to show up and make such a meaningful impact.

Honestly, one of the coolest parts of the day was watching students realize that credit unions collaborate—not compete—when it comes to helping people. You could see it click. And that message matters.

The energy, curiosity, and engagement from these students was incredible—and we’re so grateful we had the chance to reach so many of them.

Because at the end of the day…
we’re here for them. 💛

03/30/2026

What if you could step back to where the credit union movement first began in North America… all while enjoying lunch at your desk? 👀

Join the Lancaster Chapter for a Virtual Credit Union Museum Tour Lunch & Learn on April 23rd from 12:30–2:00 PM featuring a live tour of Maison Alphonse-Desjardins—the birthplace of North American credit unions.

Thank you to Desjardins & Maison Alphonse-Desjardins for making this possible!

✨Included in your registration:
🍴 $25 DoorDash voucher
🧠 A meaningful look at the roots of our movement
🎉 Interactive trivia + prizes
🤝 Connection with fellow CU professionals

💲 cost:
• FREE for Chapter Members
• $35 for Guests & Vendors

A big thank you to Vizo Financial for sponsoring this event and helping us bring this experience to life.

Because when we understand where we started… we strengthen where we’re going. 💙

Register today and join us!
👉https://www.eventleaf.com/e/cumuseumlunchandlearn

03/20/2026

✨ What a Night for the Lancaster Chapter! ✨

We’re still energized from our Fraud Panel event last night—and wow, what an incredible turnout!

This was our highest attended event in the past three years, and it was amazing to see so many credit unions and partners come together to learn, connect, and support one another.

Fraud is one of the most important (and fast-evolving) topics in our industry, and we’re so grateful to our panelists for sharing their expertise and real-world insights that help us better protect our members and communities.

👏 Huge thank you to:

Our panelists for an engaging and informative discussion

• Lauren Greenaway
Fraud Assistant Manager, Belco Community Credit Union

• Jessie Mease
Financial Crimes Manager, Members 1st Federal Credit Union

• Kari Cullen
Compliance Manager, Everence Financial

Our Moderator

• Nick DiFrancesco, CrossState Credit Union Association

We also wish to thank:

• Caitlyn Laubach for bringing the fun with Fraud Trivia
• Southern Market Lancaster for being such a great venue
• Vizo Financial for their generous sponsorship and prizes

Most importantly—THANK YOU to our attendees. Your energy, participation, and commitment to learning are what make this chapter so special.

📸 Check out some highlights from the evening!

We’re so proud of the momentum we’re building together!

02/25/2026

Fraud isn’t slowing down — and neither are we.

Join the Lancaster Chapter of Credit Unions on March 19, 2026 for our Annual Panel Discussion Event focused on Fraud in Credit Unions.

📍 Southern Market Lancaster
⏰ Check-In: 5:30 PM, event starts 6 PM
🍽 $20 meal voucher included
🎤 Panel Discussion: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM
🎟 50/50 Raffle

This year’s panel features fraud and compliance leaders from:
• Belco Community Credit Union
• Members 1st Federal Credit Union
• Everence Federal Credit Union

We’ll explore emerging fraud trends, real-world case insights, regulatory considerations, and practical strategies credit unions can use to protect members and mitigate risk.

Dinner is on us, networking is built in, and the conversation will be timely, relevant, and actionable.

Thank you to our generous sponsor, Vizo Financial, for helping make this event possible.

👉 Registration is now open — Register by March 13th to secure your spot:
https://www.eventleaf.com/e/FraudPanel2026

Fraud evolves. So should our strategy. Let’s talk about it.

02/23/2026

This is your last week to register at HALF OFF. 🎉

Two Chapters. One Tournament. Endless bragging rights.

The 9th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament — hosted jointly by the Harrisburg and Lancaster Chapters — is happening April 25, 2026 at the Hershey Italian Lodge, and Early Bird pricing ends soon.

If you’ve been meaning to grab your team… this is your nudge.
🏅 Team of 4: $100 (Early Bird)
📣 Spectator: $20 (Early Bird)

After this week, prices double to $200 for a team of 4 and $40 per spectator.

This event brings together credit union professionals, business partners, guests, and families for an afternoon of:

• Friendly competition
• Relaxed networking
• Great food (pizza, wings, meatballs, chips)
• Beer, seltzer & soda
• 50/50 raffle benefiting the CrossState Credit Union Action Fund

Huge thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible:
👏 Vizo Financial
👏 Member First Mortgage
👏 TruStage

Whether you’re competitive, social, or just here for the snacks and sunshine — there’s a spot for you courtside.

Register now. Rally your team. Lock in the discount.

https://www.eventleaf.com/e/crossstatebocceevent

Let’s make this first joint Harrisburg–Lancaster tournament one to remember.

02/18/2026

Two Chapters. One Tournament. Endless bragging rights.

The 9th Annual Bocce Ball Tournament is here — and for the first time ever, the Harrisburg and Lancaster Chapters are teaming up to host it together.

📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
📍 Hershey Italian Lodge
🕐 1:00 – 6:00 PM

This afternoon is all about connection, competition, and community:
• Friendly bocce competition
(bragging rights and prizes for 1st place & runner up included)
• Relaxed networking with credit union professionals and business partners
• Pizza, wings, meatballs, chips, beer, seltzer & soda
• A 50/50 raffle benefiting the CrossState Credit Union Action Fund
• A welcoming atmosphere for guests and families to join the fun

Whether you’re credit union staff, a valued business partner, bringing a guest, or cheering from the sidelines — this event is for you.

A big thank you to our event sponsors for helping make this possible:
👏 Vizo Financial
👏 Member First Mortgage - MFM
👏 TruStage

Seasoned bocce pro? Great.
First time picking up a bocce ball? Even better.

🎉 Early Bird pricing is available through March 1 — rally your team, invite your colleagues (and your crew!), and register today.

https://www.eventleaf.com/e/crossstatebocceevent

Let’s make this first joint Harrisburg–Lancaster tournament full of energy, laughter, and strong credit union pride. See you on the courts.

01/21/2026

📣 Financial Reality Fair – Spring 2026 📣

The Lancaster Chapter of Credit Unions is excited to announce our Spring Financial Reality Fair at Phoenix Academy—and we couldn’t be more excited to be back! This will be our third event at Phoenix Academy, and each one has been incredibly rewarding for both students and volunteers.

📅 Wednesday, April 29, 2026
⏰ 7:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
📍 Phoenix Academy | 630 Rockland St, Lancaster, PA
👥 25 volunteers needed

We’ll be working with approximately 120 high school students, helping them navigate budgeting, personal finance, and real-world decision making. Many volunteers describe the experience as a real-life version of The Game of Life. Students are assigned a career and salary, and volunteers guide them through everyday financial choices—from housing to transportation and beyond.

No experience needed!
Training for your assigned life station will be provided the morning of the event. The key ingredient is engagement—the more you interact with the students, the more meaningful (and fun) the experience becomes.

What to bring:
✔️ A valid ID (required to enter the school)
✔️ A bottle of water (recommended)
✔️ Breakfast will be provided ☕🥐

We’re grateful for the continued support of our credit union community in bringing financial education to local students. This is one of our most impactful volunteer opportunities, and we’d love to have you join us.

👉 Volunteer sign-up: https://www.eventleaf.com/e/PhoenixAcademyFRF