NEW YORK-As part of its increased advocacy efforts to state legislators, the New York State Credit Union League (NYSCUL) has begun a credit union awareness campaign through a series of billboards along key stretches of highway in the Albany area and by airing local radio spots. League members from around the state were introduced to the campaign at the 85th Annual Meeting and Convention. "We in the New York area are taking the first steps to define who we are," said Mike Lanotte, Senior Vice President of Association Services and General Counsel for the League and Affiliates. The first phase of billboards, which identify credit unions' not-for-profit status and the fact that members' money stays local, runs through June 30, 2005. Convention attendees also were introduced to four of six radio spots currently airing that emphasize the benefits of credit union membership and that differentiate credit unions from other financial institutions. According to Lanotte, the League hopes to launch a second phase of the campaign in late summer or in the fall through additional radio spots and perhaps a billboard with a different message. The League also is developing materials based on the campaign that credit unions can distribute to their members. "Our goal is to reach every major media market across the state," Lanotte said. "The breadth of reach will depend on our members' generosity, and we want to make sure that we use the funds wisely." The campaign currently is funded by voluntary contributions. [email protected]