CFPB Issues Special Edition of Supervisory Highlights for Junk Fees: On March 8, 2023, the CFPB announced additional findings against institutions despite its prior guidance and advisory efforts from 2022.

Last week was the first legislative deadline when bills must be passed committee to continue to move through the process, which meant a lot of committee activity. 

The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions and be more confident in helping members build a stronger financial future. 

The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June and September. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. 

Attending the webinars live provides the opportunity to participate in discussion; however, they will also be available as a recording. On average, students should expect to spend approximately 30 minutes studying each chapter, 60 minutes participating in each webinar, and additional time as needed to review the materials before the exam. The last training session following the proctored exam is designed to help you develop a detailed vision and plan for financial counseling at your credit union.

​Cost: $479 per participating student
Friday, April 28: Deadline for registration

Join the upcoming Women's Leadership Network Peer-to-Peer (P2P) on March 23 starting at 1:00 p.m. via webinar and video conference. Facilitator and leadership coach, Lisa Hayes, will be back to kick off our first session on Leading Through Uncertainty.

Time: 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Webinar/Video Conference 
Cost: $49

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 only via webinar/conference call. Webinar and call-in instructions, along with recordings, session materials and resources, will be provided to registered attendees. Virtual Women’s Leadership Network events are included with the new P2P Subscription program.

For a list of all P2P sessions, visit our Peer-to-Peer (P2P) webpage. With questions, please contact VP of Communications & Engagement, Andrea Molnau, by email.

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) and the Credit Unions for Kids Committee are proud to recognize Becky Holst for her collaboration with credit unions in philanthropy. 

For 20 years Becky Holst served as a liaison to Minnesota’s credit unions in support of the Children’s Miracle Network program.

Though she never worked for a financial cooperative, she partnered with hundreds of industry leaders, employees and volunteers to coordinate countless successful fundraising efforts for Gillette Children’s Hospital. 

During her time as a Development Officer for the Gillette Foundation, Becky was key to raising millions for a cause that has been the heart of Minnesota credit unions’ charitable giveback for nearly three decades.

Most notably she did it all with a perpetual warmth, positivity and enthusiasm that was uniquely Becky and an absolute demonstration of credit union philosophy in action.

Created in 2008, the Credit Union Builder Award honors an individual’s dedication to the success, growth, and vitality of the not-for-profit financial movement in Minnesota. Dedications are typically made at a time of significance to acknowledge an individual’s contributions to credit unions.

87 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders since the award's inception. The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s lobby as a tribute to those who have dedicated time and energy to building the credit union movement.

Join your colleagues for the Minnesota Credit Union Network's annual conference, ACCELERATE 23, taking place April 13 & 14, 2023 at the Radisson Blu MOA, Bloomington. MnCUN's biggest event of the year - these 2 days will feature guest speakers, educational sessions, networking, the state’s largest tradeshow and opportunities to support great causes. We're pleased to welcome Casey O'Brien, a native of St Paul, Minnesota, a six-time cancer survivor and widely recognized motivational speaker for his Keynote presentation: "The Three Keys to Overcoming Adversity."

​Casey has taken the three most important traits needed to beat cancer six times and laid them out in a way that can be applied to any obstacle you or your organization is facing. He shares stories from his days in the hospital and his time as a collegiate football player battling cancer. 
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After being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, an extremely rare form of bone cancer, at the age of 13, his main goal in life has become inspiring others. After having the cancer relapse in both of his lungs in high school, he made varsity football debut as a Placeholder. He checked into the hospital for chemotherapy the following morning. He later walked on to play football as a Placeholder for Coach PJ Fleck and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. Casey played in his first career Big 10 football game at Rutgers on October 19th, 2019. His first play and moment shared with Coach Fleck were covered by ESPN, ABC World News, The Today Show, and more. 

Discounted pricing for ACCELERATE 23 ends March 15.

Minn. CU Professionals and Board Members Advocate in Washington D.C. for CUNA GAC: ​Last week, over 100 credit union professionals and board members attended CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington D.C.

State Legislative Update: In Saint Paul last week, the Senate Health and Human services passed the marijuana legalization legislation followed by the Senate Human Services committee.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently issued an alert to on the nationwide surge in mail theft check fraud. 

​Credit union professionals and DEI leaders, please mark your calendars to attend the NCUA's 2023 Summit in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Attendees will explore the value proposition of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the credit union industry, share DEI best practices, develop solutions to industry-specific challenges, and engage in active networking.