Vendor Involvement Program

 

Welcome to the V.I.P. page of the Minnesota Credit Union Network web site, dedicated to participants in MnCUN’s Vendor Involvement Program. Below is a listing of the VIP participants for 2008, along with information about their companies, products and services, web links, and contact information.

VIP participants agree to offer professional service, quality product lines and competitive pricing to Minnesota credit unions. Participation in the Vendor Involvement Program does not constitute an endorsement by the Minnesota Credit Union Network. For more information about the Vendor Involvement Program, click here.

MnCUN's 2008 VIP participants include:

CUNA Mutual Group
Members United Corporate Federal Credit Union
Bruns Systems
Consumer Loan Services
CO-OP Financial Services
Credit Union Direct Lending
CU Companies
Emergent Networks
First Class Mortgage
Gurstel, Staloch & Chargo P.A.
HR Value Group
HTG Architects
LarsonAllen LLP
LockNET, Inc.
Minnesota Item Processing Corporation
MnCUSC (Shared Branching)
Par3/I.T.
SPEDCO
Star West Chevrolet-Honda Sports Inc.
Wipfli LLP


CUNA Mutual Group 

CUNA Mutual Group is a leading provider of financial services to credit unions, their members, and valued customers worldwide. With more than 70 years of market commitment, CUNA Mutual’s vision is unwavering: to deliver excellent service, market-driven innovation, and best-in-class products as a trusted business partner. For more information regarding any CUNA Mutual Group product or service, please contact your sales executive at (800) 356-2644 or visit www.cunamutual.com.

Contact: Jant B. McDonald, Sales Market Manager
Phone: (800) 356-2644, ext. 3154
E-mail: janet.mcdonald@cunamutual.com
Web Site: www.cunamutual.com

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Members United
Corporate FCU

As one of the nation’s largest corporate credit unions, Members United Corporate Federal Credit Union serves over 2,100 credit unions. In conjunction with one of its wholly-owned CUSOs, Balance Sheet Solutions, LLC*, they offer credit unions a complete line of financial solutions. Its second subsidiary, Members Health Network, LLC, provides member-centric Health Savings Account and health banking solutions to credit unions. (*Member FINRA/SIPC.)

Contact: Lew Lambert
Phone: (651) 234-2400 or (800) 782-2431
E-mail: lew.lambert@membersunited.org
Web Site: www.membersunited.org

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Bruns Systems

Since 1961, Bruns Systems has been a quality supplier of cost-effective cash handling solutions for Minnesota credit unions. Cash solutions include coin and currency counters/sorters, self-service coin deposit centers, ATMs, interactive online kiosks, and supplies. With service technicians and sales representatives throughout Minnesota, you can count on superior customer service. Our new mobile showroom can come to your credit union to share the new self-service coin deposit center and our interactive online kiosks that help turn your members into online banking users. For more in-depth needs and analysis, our Better Banking Tour at De La Rue headquarters in Chicago will show you the latest in cash handling solutions. Bruns Systems – it all adds up.


Contact: Stephen Bruns
Phone: (800) 255-9472
E-mail: sbruns@brunssystems.com
Web Site: www.brunssystems.com

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Consumer Loan Services

Consumer Loan Services is a full-service mortgage lender with more than 75 years of mortgage experience. We are designed to partner with your credit union so you may offer the products and services that allow your credit union to say “Yes” to your members’ mortgage needs. CLS provides multiple products and services to offer your members: secondary market fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, non-conforming loans, jumbo loans, participation loans, construction to permanent loans, land loans, farm loans and more. Not only can you offer all these loan types, but CLS will not limit the amount of premium you may earn on each loan. All loans will be serviced in your credit union’s name and your members can make their mortgage payments in your offices. Unlike other lenders, our loans will never be sold. Our goal is to keep you as your members’ primary financial institution and strengthen the relationship between you and your member. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you meet your members’ mortgage needs.

Contact: Jay Brettingen
Phone: (877) 791-1257
E-mail: jay.brettingen@consumerloanservices.com
Web Site: www.consumerloanservices.com

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CO-OP Financial Services, the nation's largest credit union EFT network and processor, was named the #1 CUSO by Callahan & Associates. Wholly-owned by more than 1,000 member credit unions, CO-OP provides volume discounts on 38 products and services in four lines of business – CO-OP Network, CO-OP ATM Processing, CO-OP Card Services and CO-OP Shared Branching.

Contact: Thom Hanlin
Phone: (800) 782-9042, ext. 2614
E-mail: thom.hanlin@co-opfs.org
Web Site: www.co-opfs.org

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Credit Union Direct Lending (CUDL)

CUDL AutoSMART is designed to increase credit union member satisfaction by providing state-of-the-art vehicle research tools and enabling members to search dealer inventory from over 8,000 dealerships. CUDL AutoSMART helps members make a SMART purchase and simplifies the buying process by helping them find the best price when they buy a vehicle. CUDL AutoSMART offers credit unions a highly flexible site that they can truly make their own. You may customize and co-brand much of the site’s content and features that is offered to members and further enhance member satisfaction.

Contact: Cory Kadela
Phone: (612) 360-4596
E-mail: cory.kadela@cudl.com
Web Site: www.cudl.com

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CU Companies is Minnesota’s largest CUSO, serving 73 credit unions and their members from around the state of Minnesota. After 20 years of superior member service and trustworthiness, CU Companies offers six different business units: mortgage, real estate, title, auto, business lending and investments. We compliment credit unions and assist them in becoming the primary financial institution for their members. Whether you’re shopping for a competitive mortgage rate, thinking about buying and/or selling your home, or finding the car of your dreams, the possibilities are endless with CU Companies! We offer solutions for life – all at one convenient location.

Contact: S. Brad Crandall
Phone: (651) 787-9525
E-mail: bcrandall@cucompanies.com
Web Site: www.cucompanies.com

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Emergent Networks

Emergent Networks provides infrastructure design and implementation, technology consulting, and support. We can support your IT staff or provide whatever level of support you need. We offer proven software/hardware solutions that we have researched and tested. You can have the utmost confidence in our support because our engineers are certified for the solutions we offer. We have focused on the financial industry since 1985, which provides us with the solid understanding of the compliance needs that make your industry unique. We provide custom web site or software design using on staff programmers. We are experienced with virtualization (VMware) and SAN/ NAS design, implementation and support.

Contact: Mike Chapman
Phone: (952) 469-1880
E-mail: mikec@emergentnetworks.com
Web Site: www.emergentnetworks.com

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First Class Mortgage

A Simple Solution: We partner with credit unions. First Class Mortgage is locally-owned, yet we maintain a steadfast network of lenders throughout the U.S. These established relationships and our product familiarity enables us to find the mortgages to fit your members’ goals, budget, and timeline. First Class Mortgage focuses on best representing your credit union’s interests throughout the entire mortgage process. By effectively and efficiently using our relationships, we bring value to your members, enhancing your array of mortgage product offerings and providing you with an additional source of revenue. Please call us directly – local referrals are available upon request. In addition to having locations in Minnesota, First Class Mortgage has locations in Fargo, ND; Grand Forks, ND; and Sioux Falls, SD.

Web Site: www.firstclasscorp.com

Maple Grove Location
Contact: Brady Day or Casey Van Winkle
Phone: (763) 416-6789 or (800) 259-1233
E-mail: brady@firstclasscorp.com or casey@firstclasscorp.com

St. Cloud Location
Contact: Jake Mueller or Pete Onstad
Phone: (320) 656-5260 or (888) 461-5260
E-mail: jake@firstclasscorp.com or pete@firstclasscorp.com

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The Gurstel, Staloch & Chargo P.A. (GSC) is a premier law firm in Minnesota, which focuses its practice in two primary areas: creditors’ rights and commercial real estate. GSC handles virtually all types of commercial and retail creditors’ rights and collection matters. Recognized as one of Minnesota’s leading full-service collection firms, GSC has earned the privilege of serving major businesses in the Midwest and many of the country’s most prominent lenders and credit providers. Through the addition of GSC's office in Tempe, Ariz., we provide a full-range of legal services in Arizona. GSC has also expanded its creditors’ rights and collection practice into Iowa.

Contact: Todd Gurstel
Phone: (612) 644-8200
E-mail: infol@gurstel.com
Web Site: www.gurstel.com

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HR Value Group

Successful credit unions place a high value on good people. HRValue Group specializes in helping credit unions establish the human resources processes and programs that protect their investment in their most important asset – their people. We offer a complete array of expert services and products designed to fortify existing programs and solve any existing shortcomings. Credit unions also benefit from our exclusive, seven-step Executive Search service which provides targeted, proactive, customized expertise that ensures credit unions find executive leaders that not only have the talent to succeed but also fit the unique culture. Credit unions in the market for ways to improve and enhance their human resource programs turn to HRValue Group.

Contact: Greg A. Fouks
Phone: 651-222-5119
E-mail: gafouks@hrvaluegroup.com
Web Site: www.hrvaluegroup.com

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HTG Architects

With nearly 50 years of experience, the team at HTG Architects focuses on innovation and one-source consulting and architectural services, allowing you to focus on your credit union. A Minnesota-based company, HTG has provided services on more than 1,300 financial institution projects. Unique EVOBANK® services include site selection and demographics, programming, feasibility studies, remodelings, additions and new buildings. As a mid-sized firm, HTG is able to complete both large and small-scale projects without losing sight of each opportunity's value. Experience. The difference. All it takes is a phone call – HTG will handle the rest!

Contact: Jennifer Albrecht
Phone: (952) 278-8880
E-mail: jalbrecht@htg-architects.com
Web Site: www.htg-architects.com

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LarsonAllen

LarsonAllen LLP is a leader in providing accounting, tax, audit, and consulting services to credit unions. We actively shape the future of the financial institutions industry through involvement in trade and professional organizations, and long-term relationships with you. Whether analyzing financial results or assessing competition, we understand your challenges and are there when you need us. We combine our strengths in audit with our technical expertise as information security professionals to safeguard your enterprise. Our business-focused services balance the costs and benefits of your information security program. Our security solutions include general controls review, network security assessment, and penetration analysis.

Contact: Rich Gabrielson
Phone: (507) 434-7003
E-mail: rgabrielson@larsonallen.com
Web Site: www.larsonallen.com/fig/creditunion.asp

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LockNET

LockNET is primarily focused on network security, network management, and compliance consulting for the financial industry. LockNET technical and management staff have had many years of actual work experience in financial institutions before joining the company, including a credit union examiner, security engineer, and bank board of director experience. Specific products and services include network security management of IPS, antivirus, and firewalls; remote network monitoring and maintenance; penetration testing and network vulnerability assessment; and remote backup. Compliance consulting includes policy and document review, social engineering, risk assessment, IT audits, and business continuity planning.

Contact: Tricia Betcher
Phone: (800) 967-2645
E-mail: tbetcher@locknet-inc.com
Web Site: www.locknet-inc.com

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Minnesota Item Processing Corporation

Minnesota Item Processing Corporation (MnIPC) provides credit unions with a cost-effective service for processing credit union member share drafts and deposits. Organized as a CUSO and owned by 20 Minnesota credit unions and the Minnesota Credit Union Network, MnIPC currently includes more than 100 credit unions in its user base. MnIPC utilizes its advanced check processing technology to offer check imaging for research, retrievals, automated return item processing, stop payment processing, CD image output, image statement printing and collection services. With a strong dedication to the credit union Movement, MnIPC maintains a dedicated staff and provides unsurpassed customer service to its clients.

Contact: Michelle Carlson
Phone: (651) 288-5551 or (800) 477-0764
E-mail: mcarlson@mnipc.com
Web Site: www.mnipc.com

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MnCUSC
(Shared Branching)

Give your credit union the competitive advantage – discover shared branching! Credit unions across the country have joined together to create shared Service Center locations. Credit unions using the shared branching network allow their members to be serviced at multiple locations and conduct teller transactions as if it were their own credit union branch. By sharing facilities, credit unions extend their reach to offer greater convenience to all members in Minnesota and across the nation. Take advantage of this opportunity to serve your members better, without the time and expense of building additional branches.

Contact: Peter Skaalen
Phone: (651) 288-5505 or (800) 477-1034
E-mail: pks@mncun.org
Web Site: www.creditunion.net

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Par 3/IT

Par3/IT provides a single source for all of your technology needs. Our staff of five consultants have provided a combined 50+ years of service to credit unions. From hardware/software solutions such as LAN/WAN installation, e-mail, imaging, VoIP, and surveillance systems, to specialized solutions such as web designs, vendor evaluations, IT disaster/recovery, and OFAC compliance...Par3/IT can help!

Contact: Fred Alonzi
Phone: (612) 326-3613
E-mail: falonzi@par3it.com
Web Site: www.par3it.com

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SPEDCO

SPEDCO is certified by SBA to provide long-term, fixed rate loans for fixed assets in the state of Minnesota and western Wisconsin through the SBA's 504 Loan Program. SBA loans involve the credit union financing 50 percent of the total project, taking a 1st lien position; a 40 percent loan from the SBA in a 2nd lien position, and 10 percent owner’s equity. The SBA loan carries a 20-year fixed, below-market interest rate. The maximum SBA loan is $1.5 million ($2.0 million in certain instances). This is the premier federal program to assist owner-occupied businesses to purchase commercial real estate.

Contact: Russell Knighton or Kristin Wood
Phone: (651) 631-4900
E-mail: spedco@visi.com
Web Site: www.spedco.com

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Star West Chevrolet – Honda Sports Inc.

Star West Chevrolet – Honda Sports Inc. is a credit union-focused dealership that consists of selling new and used cars, trucks and SUVs at just a little over cost. Star West is also the area’s newest exclusive Honda dealership and is the only Honda Powerhouse in the tri-state area, selling everything you need for outdoor fun – including touring/cruiser motorcycles, off-road motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, watercraft, outboard motors, generators, lawnmowers, tillers, trimmers and snowblowers. Star West has a strong commitment to credibility and integrity and has received numerous awards for performance in sales and service. Celebrating its 28th year in business, Star West focuses on 100% customer satisfaction. Selection + Price + Service = Complete Customer Satisfaction!

Contact: John Tackaberry
Phone: (763) 972-2984
E-mail:
starwest01@aol.com
Web Site:
www.starwestchev.com

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Wipfli LLP

In recognition of the unique issues credit unions face, Wipfli has a specialized financial institutions practice which serves more than 350 financial institutions in the upper Midwest. For more than 75 years, the team’s mission has been to educate, advise, and assist financial institutions in successfully navigating the complex environment they face. This mission is the driving force behind our commitment to provide you with valuable services, value-added information, insight, and education. Whether your needs include regulatory compliance, profit improvement, risk management, information technology, human resources, audit, or tax, let our experts assist you with the key issues you face.

Contact: Andy Sigl
Phone: (651) 636-6468
E-mail: asigl@wipfli.com
Web Site: www.wipfli.com

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