The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network is hosting a charitable giveback initiative at LEAD 22. Attendees and sponsors are encouraged to bring a donation for Coats for Kids, a coat and winter gear drive for the local area nonprofit  Kinship Partners. We will accept new and gently used coats (should be clean and with working zippers and other closures, no rips, etc.) along with snow pants and boots. Items for teens are especially needed. 


Kinship Partners is a nonprofit organization serving local kids since 1986. Kinship Partners is a member of the Kinship Affiliate Network and currently serves the Brainerd regional area, including Pequot Lakes, Crosby – Ironton, and their surrounding areas.

The Women’s Leadership Network aims to provide women with the opportunity and resources to make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, in the lives of credit union members and in their communities. As we enjoy the beautiful Brainerd area for our conference, please consider helping out the local community by bringing a donation to the event.

With questions about the coat drive, please reach out to Women’s Leadership Network Ambassador Jill Casper by email or (218) 822-5138. 

The deadline for reservations within MnCUN's room block  for LEAD 22 is this Friday, August 12. Following the deadline rooms will be based on availability.
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Two-night lodging package includes lodging, 5 meals (Group Dinner Wednesday, Breakfast, Lunch and Group Dinner Thursday, and Breakfast Friday), Tennis & Croquet Club, non-motorized watercraft, green fees on Pine Beach East, Pine Beach West, and Social 9 courses (carts additional) service charge, and sales tax. Included meals are available from restaurants listed in the conference agenda. Please RSVP for Wednesday and Thursday group dinners on your conference registration.

With questions on lodging contact Madden’s directly. Cancelling your conference registration with the Minnesota Credit Union Network does not automatically cancel your resort reservation. 

Please see our Event Policies regarding cancelation timelines. ​With additional questions, contact MnCUN Vice President of Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau or Director of Engagement Ben Hering. ​

​Yesterday, was the state primary election to determines which candidates will be on the ballot in the November general election.

In June, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) published an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) seeking comments on the potential implementation of a no-action letter process.

Nate Olson, Regional Manager, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union 

​Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I began at a young age and the culture has kept me here. I can't imagine working in any other industry. 

​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
I think it has already provided me more insight to other areas of my own organization as well as industry trends. I feel confident that this program will eventually lead me to executive status.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
The group of people! It's been a privilege to get to see the compassion and dedication that others have towards their organizations. The information is priceless as well as creating a better connection with the league. I've really enjoyed my experience. 

​Cory Ouellette, VP-Operations, Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union

Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
From the moment I started working at MPECU, I knew a career in credit unions was the path I wanted to follow. I have such a commitment to the credit union movement, and I am really all about the people-helping-people philosophy. One of the great things I've come to appreciate about this industry is how much everyone wants to see each other be successful whether it be personally, professionally, supporting the local communities, etc. I often hear our members say, "This is why I love my credit union!" Those comments provide such a sense of accomplishment, and it is one of the many reasons I will continue (and encourage others) to be an advocate for credit unions.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
My ultimate goal is to one day become President/CEO of a credit union. While I understand that's not going to be an easy feat, I'm hopeful credit union executives will notice the hard work and dedication I've put in. This program has really made me think more about my "why" and my "purpose", and I feel more driven than ever to be a strong leader. I also want to remain a positive role model for my team and any other credit union professional that wants to grow their career.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
This program has been very insightful, especially for someone like myself who has been strictly in one department since I began working at the credit union. I really had no prior knowledge on key ratios, call reports, ALM, or strategic planning so having that understanding now makes me feel even more confident in my job, especially as I transition into my new role. The networking piece has also been extremely valuable. It's always great to make new connections--many become familiar faces at various credit union events or conferences. It's nice to be able to bounce ideas off someone outside your own credit union to get additional perspectives on a certain topic or issue. Some of these connections made through networking may even become a great mentor throughout your time in the credit union industry (and beyond).

Sarah Pedersen, Indirect Underwriter II, Hiway Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I chose a career in credit unions because I appreciate the people helping people philosophy and the cooperative efforts. I value the financial education credit unions offer to members and how serious they are about being socially responsible.

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The trailblazer program has helped with my career by providing me opportunities to learn about other aspects of running a successful credit union and familiarizing myself with areas I currently do not have much involvement in. It provided me an environment to comfortably learn and to  ask questions to experts.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I enjoyed learning from keynote speakers and hearing about their areas of expertise. It helped learning from different enthusiastic teachers in each meeting. I really enjoyed the cohort as well. It was very fun to form friendships across different credit unions with like-minded individuals in varying roles and titles. 

Anita QuagliaGanje, VP Member Engagement, Minnco Credit Union
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Why have you chosen a career in credit unions?
I have close to 30 years of financial institution experience at various organizations.  Having a career with credit unions allows me to impact the communities that we live and work in along with improving the financial well-being of those that live in the areas that we serve. I find value in not only saying we are community minded but also living it each day.  I love being part of something that is bigger than myself. 

How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program has given me the opportunity to interact with credit union leaders.  The time that I have spent learning from the Minnesota/Wisconsin experts and to listen to their perceptive on how their area impacts the overall credit union has been invaluable. To have the knowledge from those that are in the trenches will prepare me for my journey as a credit union leader.

What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have enjoyed the time to get to know the other Trailblazers. Spending time with these credit union influencers has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader. I think having connections to use as resources has been invaluable to me.

​Join the upcoming Data & Analytics Peer-to-Peer (P2P) on Tuesday, August 30 starting at 1:00 p.m. via webinar and video conference.  

​P2P sessions will continue to be held as virtual roundtables, providing open forums for credit union staff throughout Minnesota, for knowledge sharing, resources and connections. This event will be made available only via webinar/conference call. Webinar and call in instructions, along with recordings, session materials and resources, will be provided to registered attendees.

Stay tuned for further announcements and updates!

For a list of all P2P sessions, visit our Peer-to-Peer (P2P) webpage. With questions, please contact MnCUN Director of Engagement Ben Hering by email or by phone at 651-288-5519.

Steve Danco, SVP, Direct to Consumer Experience, CUNA Mutual Group 

This article is provided by MnCUN's Partnership with CUNA Mutual Group. Contact MnCUN Chief Operating Officer, John Ferstl for more information. 

​Credit unions have long nurtured a deep trust with members. Historically, that trust has been difficult for even the most formidable opponent to duplicate. Difficult, yet not impossible.

​In fact, research shows that the investments big banks have made in technology have leveled the playing field in the battle for the trust and loyalty of financial consumers. They have been able to change the game by delivering simple, easy experiences that meet the needs of today’s consumers. 

Between 2020 and 2021, the share of consumers satisfied with their credit union fell almost two full percentage points, from 88.4% to 86.5%. At the same time, consumers satisfied with their digital and online banks rose two points, from 82.8% to 84.8%. In the race for satisfaction, credit unions and their competitors are neck-and-neck.*

​So, how can credit unions up their game and take an aggressive stance in the contest for trust and become their members’ most valued financial partner? In our work at CUNA Mutual Group, we see four distinct opportunities. ​

Once again, as part of the Awareness and Consideration campaign, Minnesota Credit Unions will have a presence at the State Fair. Our results over the years have shown strong presence and visibility at the Fair builds a strong engagement in the final part of the calendar year for the overall campaign. This year at the Great Minnesota Get Together, we will share the credit union difference in a fun and engaging way that focuses on financial education. This is a unique opportunity to have a collaborative, in-person presence at the fair with options for earned media to take advantage of the broad audience the State Fair attracts.

​Minnesota Credit Unions will host a live Go Big or Go Broke game at the UCare Day-Long Event in Dan Patch Park on September 1st, supported by a 12-day feature with iHeart media. The game has been donated and offered in partnership by Royal Credit Union. In addition, we will support the event with mobile and out of home ads throughout the State Fair.
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Credit Union Awareness Fund Contributors can participate in the event by providing staff volunteers and/or branded swag for prizes. With questions about these opportunities, please reach out to Andrea Molnau or Julia Miller. We are looking forward to highlighting Minnesota Credit Unions at the Fair!

We are happy to announce Mallory Weggemann will now join us at LEAD 22 due to a cancelation of a previously scheduled speaker. Fresh from the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, where she won 2 gold medals and a silver medal, Mallory Weggemann is passionate about sharing how to persevere in the face of adversity, overcome impossible obstacles, and redefine limits. 

​​​​After an injury that led to permanent paralysis at the age of 18, Weggemann created a new life for herself. Within three-months of the injury, she found herself doing what she loved—swimming competitively—while chasing her dreams. In her keynote Small Steps, Big Impact: A “Small Victories” Approach to Leadership, Weggemann will share how to manage setbacks—especially those that come out of nowhere. Weggemann argues that we all have a choice: to allow limitations to overpower us, or face them in a journey toward new abilities and accomplishments. Focusing on mental fortitude and strength as the foundation for achieving personal greatness, along with defining boundaries, and reaching for individual goals and outcomes, Weggemann’s message offers takeaways for teams and individuals at all points in life’s journey.

This session is hosted by the Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network.

​With educational sessions and recreation activities, this event provides an opportunity to come together with your credit union colleagues for learning, networking, and fun – all the while keeping your health and safety in mind. 

​More information, schedules, lodging information and registration links are available online at mncun.org/lead22.