AUGUSTA, Maine–Credit union representatives have been named by the governors of two states to serve on respective panels aimed at leading financial recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
In Maine, the new Economic Recovery Panel, made up of 37 business leaders from across the state, includes Sam May, chairman of the relatively new Maine Harvest Federal Credit Union. May is among representatives from businesses, non-profits, financial institutions, unions and municipalities as part of the effort to help guide Maine’s long-term economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
As CUToday.info reported here, Maine Harvest FCU opened in October of 2019 with a focus on food entrepreneurs and farmers.
The Economic Recovery Committee was created by Gov. Janet Mills. Of the 37 representatives on the committee, 20 are business owners and four are lawmakers. One banker is also on the committee.
“I am convening a committee of experts and stakeholders from various industries and with vast experiences to develop recommendations that can guide our economic recovery,” Mills said in a statement. “Together, drawing on the hard work and resilience of Maine people, we will rebuild and strengthen our economy and rise from this unprecedented challenge to be a stronger state.”
The committee is to produce a preliminary report by July and has been tasked with making policy recommendations around strengthening key industries and workforce development, expanding economic opportunities for rural communities, and attracting new investments.
New Jersey Council
In New Jersey, ABCO FCU President/CEO Jill Peterson has been named to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s Restart and Recovery Advisory Council. Peterson will serve on the Main Street subcommittee.
The New Jersey committee includes leaders from various industry, community, faith-based groups, and institutions across the state.
In addition to focusing on issues surrounding the short-term restarting of New Jersey’s economy, the council also will begin the task of creating a framework for the state’s long-term recovery, according to the governor’s office.
The council will be co-chaired by New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education, Dr. Zakiya Smith Ellis, N.J. Economic Development Authority CEO Tim Sullivan, and Choose New Jersey President and CEO Jose Lozano. The council will have nine subcommittees, each of which will be chaired by a council co-chair.
The advisory council subcommittees will begin virtual meetings this week. The council is expected to remain empaneled for as long as necessary to advise the governor on the state’s recovery.