Mark Cummins has announced he is retiring as President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network in April of 2023, after 15 years of service to the organization. The MnCUN Board of Directors has established a Search Committee for his replacement and has appointed Brian Sherrick of Ideal Credit Union as the Chair.

For now, it’s business as usual. Events, initiatives, and strategic priorities are moving forward as planned. The Board thoroughly discussed, and unanimously approved to independently continue as the Minnesota Credit Union Network. The Network remains a strong league, financially healthy, and the best trade association for Minnesota Credit Unions.

It is the Board’s intention to retain all staff through this transition and well into the future, noting the  MnCUN team’s work is very much appreciated and well respected by our industry in Minnesota and nationwide.

The Network Board and staff are all very happy for Mark and his family, and so very appreciative for all that he has done for Minnesota Credit Unions throughout his tenure.

Updates will be provided to MnCUN members throughout the process. With questions, please reach out to Mary Hansen, Board Chair, or Brian Sherrick, Board Vice Chair.  

The Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP) is pleased to provide the following update on the status of the new credit union charter application process. ABEP is a nonprofit organization created to establish a Black-led credit union to address systemic financial challenges impacting Minneapolis residents, particularly people of color. Project updates include:

•  In going through the process to vet the name Village Financial Credit Union, it was determined that there is another financial institution in the Twin Cities using the name “Village Bank.” Due to trademark laws, ABEP was not able to receive legal approval to use the name Village Financial Credit Union for the new credit union. As a result, the Board of Directors underwent the process of selecting several options for a name. These options have been vetted to avoid any additional trademark concerns; and the Board feels these options reflect the mission and values the new credit union. The name options will soon go to the community so they may have input on selecting the final name.
  
  
• Discussions on additional funding have been submitted to the Gates Foundation, CNote, and several community Foundations. Talks have been re-established with the city of Minneapolis regarding grant options. The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation has raised $758,000 in capital donations and just under $3.9 million in deposit pledges. 
  
  
• The Charter Application is anticipated to be submitted by the end of June.

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation continues to seek both Capital Contributions and Pledges of Deposit to help support this effort. To learn more, visit mncun.org/villagefinancial or contact Minnesota Credit Union Foundation President Mark Cummins or Executive Director Andrea Molnau.

A monthly call has been scheduled through MnCUN to provide additional updates and the opportunity to ask questions. 

​In April, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Bureau) published a proposed rule prohibiting the inclusion of adverse information in consumer reporting in cases of human trafficking. 

Join the Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions for the 33nd Annual Scramble Golf Tournament on Monday, August 8, at the Forest Hills Golf Club.

Proceeds will benefit Credit Unions for Kids.

Location: Forest Hills Golf Club, 7530 North 210 Street, Forest Lake, MN 5502 

Schedule of Events 
10:00 a.m. - Practice range available
11:00 a.m. - Hole, cart and team assignments
11:30 a.m. - Box Lunch
12:00 p.m. - Best Ball Shotgun start
​5:00 p.m. - Social Hour

​Registration: https://app.eventcaddy.com/events/33rd-annual-twin-cities-chapter-best-scramble

Event Page: https://web.mncun.org/events/Twin-Cities-Chapter-Golf-Tournament-2022-4599/details

Cost: $110/golfer–includes golfing, cart, box lunch and prizes, $85 for CREW members

If your company would like to sponsor a hole, please complete the Sponsorship Form.

With questions, please reach out to Caitlin Brama via email.

Join the CREW Young Professionals this year's CREW Summer Social, which will be hosted IN-PERSON, on Wednesday, August 17 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The CREW is excited to bring together credit union young professionals for an evening of socializing at The Boat Club Restaurant at Fitger's Inn in Duluth. This event will include meeting with peers, credit union industry updates and a speed networking activity with credit union executives. This event comes at no cost for attendees and includes dinner. Space is limited!

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 4:00 PM - 8:00 p.m.
The Boat Club Restaurant at Fitger's Inn
600 E Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
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Cost: FREE!

Agenda:
4:00 p.m.  Social Hour
5:00 p.m.  Dinner starts
5:30 p.m.  Network Updates
6:00 p.m.  Speed Networking with CU Executives
7:00 p.m.  Open Forum and Networking!

Stay tuned for an announcement regarding the credit union executives joining us for our speed networking activity! 

With questions, please contact MnCUN Director of Engagement Ben Hering by email.

​The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network invites you to join the last session in the Legendary Leadership Series with national credit union service organization leader and founder of Vive Unlimited, LeAnn Case. 

​July 19: Individual and Team Purpose Setting, 1:00 to 2:00 pm 
​The third session is about goal setting. …eww. Just kidding. Let’s start with the why. Goal setting can be so gross to some people -- maybe because they’ve never participated in the process or maybe they’re intimidated by goals having to be “S.M.A.R.T.” When we start with the why, the process can become fun. When we understand our purpose and have a shared purpose, there can be joy at work. Yep, joy. At work. We’ll talk about a fun and collaborative method for individual and team purpose setting that you can take back to your teams. We’ll put your legendary leader hearts to action so that you are living your joy-filled life and so are your teams.

​The Credit Unions for Kids Golf Tournament set records at its 27th annual event in June. The tournament netted over $34,000 for Gillette Children’s, which was a record year for the decades-old fundraiser. 123 golfers participated – also a record – at the Refuge Golf Course in Oak Grove. Titanium level sponsors were Wings Financial Credit Union and Enterprise Car Sales. Following golf, participants heard from the Harter Family, who shared their personal Gillette experience. 

​​The group also recognized Gillette Foundation Development Officer Becky Holst, who has served over 11 years on CU4Kids Golf Committee. Holst plans to retire in early 2023.  

According to National Credit Union Administration’s (NCUA) Quarterly U.S. Map Review, Minnesota credit unions experienced solid performance along key indicators, including median annual asset growth, median annual share and deposit growth, membership growth and loan delinquency rate during the first quarter of 2022. Highlights of the Quarterly Map Review include:

•  With $36 billion in assets, Minnesota credit union assets grew 7.2% above the median annual growth rate of   5.2%.
•  Membership at Minnesota credit unions grew 0.8% in median year-over-year member growth, ranking 13th in the nation and above the national average of -0.4%. 
•  Annual deposit growth was 8.0%, ranking 13th nationally.
•  Minnesota credit unions once again had one of the lowest delinquency rates in the nation for the first quarter with 20 basis points.
• 94% of Minnesota Credit Unions had positive year-to-date net income, compared to 77% nationally.​

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According to NCUA, credit unions in Minnesota are now serving over 2 million members! Thank you for all you do to improve the financial wellbeing of Minnesota consumers.

MnCUN Director of Engagement, Ben Hering, was honored with an African American Credit Union Coalition (AACUC) Commitment to Change Young Professional Leadership Award last week during a virtual ceremony. 

The awards ceremony is part of the AACUC’s Commitment to Change: Credit Unions Unite Against Racism initiative. The initiative focuses on valuing the 8th Cooperative Principle of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; advocating for financial inclusion, closing the racial wealth gap and fostering community involvement. Each honoree was selected considering the initiative’s “Be Bold. Be Mindful. Be Brave.” appeal to credit union industry professionals.
 
Hering received the Brave Award for his allyship and shining a light on the needs of – as well as fighting for financial justice for – the Minneapolis community members after the murder of George Floyd.
 
“We are very proud of Ben for his accomplishments and thankful for his commitment to advancing economic equality and financial well-being for all Minnesotans,” said MnCUN President and CEO Mark Cummins.

Hering is currently working closely with the Association for Black Economic Power to create the state’s only Black-led credit union. A dedicated community volunteer, Hering is a Filene Research Institute i3 alumnus, led the development of Minnesota’s first bicycle loan program, and, as an artist, has paintings installed in several Minneapolis local businesses.
Hering graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. He has been recognized as the Emerging Leader of the Year by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, a Credit Union Rockstar by Credit Union Magazine and a Next Top Credit Union Executive Finalist by CUES. 

Upon accepting the award, Hering said, “As we continue this work, let these moments be our bridge.  Let today resonate with ripples of hope, for change and toward a brighter tomorrow.”