The Minnesota Credit Union Network works to ensure the success, growth and vitality of our member credit unions. To help achieve this goal, MnCUN has established restricted funds to strengthen our efforts on behalf of Minnesota’s credit unions – the Advocacy Fund and the Awareness Fund.

The Credit Union Advocacy Fund provides resources to strongly position credit unions on the legislative and political fronts. The Advocacy Fund is proactive in nature, helping to create a strong credit union environment and augment MnCUN’s advocacy efforts. Expenditures from the Advocacy Fund are used to enhance MnCUN’s dues supported advocacy activities and increase credit unions’ impact through:

• Minnesota support for Credit Union House in Washington D.C. Credit Union House is owned by state leagues and AACUL to provide an event center and meeting space on Capitol Hill. 
• The National Advocacy Fund, which is coordinated by CUNA, and finances grassroots advocacy, electoral polling, research, and partisan communications. National Advocacy Fund dollars have been deployed in Minnesota for election engagement, taxation polling and radio ads.
• Sponsorship of the Wrong About Everything podcast. Wrong About Everything is a fun, irreverent and bipartisan look at Minnesota and national politics. Two Liberals and Two Conservatives debate the issues of the day with humor and vigor. The podcast is listened to by legislators and public opinion leaders in Minnesota. 
• Grassroots materials and collateral to demonstrate the CU Difference to lawmakers, including the new Working for Minnesota website and the GREAT program.
• NASCUS Membership to enhance efforts to strengthen the state charter.
• Participation in the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit.
• Reputation and election sponsorships targeting decision makers
• Administrative lobbying contract to help combat attacks on the credit union tax status and ability of credit unions to purchase banks.
• Minnesota’s GAC events including the MN Hospitality Suite & the MN Issue briefing luncheon.

 
The Credit Union Awareness Fund is focused on increasing consumer awareness of credit unions, including but not limited to, commissioning research, working to expand media coverage, and coordinating other visibility opportunities. Expenditures from this fund promote the benefits and value of credit unions, helping to spread the word that credit unions are the best financial choice for consumers.

Minnesota’s 2021 Awareness Initiative made strides in boosting consumer awareness of credit unions and exceeded goals. 110,000,000 ad impressions were delivered through OTT Streaming Ads, Social Media, Banner and Video Pre-roll, MN State Fair sponsorship and transit ads. The year-end Google Poll conducted in December noted ad recall of respondents in our target demographic increased beyond our goal of 37% - from 34% in 2020 to 43% in 2021. In addition, the likelihood to join a credit union goal of 55% was achieved with 55.2% indicating likely or very likely to join a credit union; an increase of over 5 points from the previous year.
 
The first half 2022 brought new Your Money Further brand concepts, and a major upgrade and redesign of the Your Money Further website. Focus of the effort has shifted from Awareness and Consideration to Consideration and Conversion. MnCUN worked with CUNA to test new ad concepts in Q1 2022, and has fully launched the new ads in Q2. New out of home transit ads were launched in greater Minnesota markets.
 
Along with the consumer awareness initiative, the Awareness Fund supports additional Public Affairs activities on behalf of Minnesota’s Credit Unions:

• Conducted the biennial consumer research study in February 2022. The study tested attitudinal trends, public affairs opinions, and several aspects of the consumer awareness and consideration efforts. Results showed two-fifths (41 percent) of non-credit union customers say they are likely to join a credit union in the future, up from 35 percent in 2019; Minnesotans overwhelmingly support credit unions maintaining their tax-exempt status; and credit unions continue to be thought of more as a positive force in the community than banks.
• Managed the Credit Union News Channel to share credit union news more efficiently. 64 stories have been published January – June 2022 and MnCUN influenced 110 earned media mentions.
• Partnered with Fluence Media to sponsor editions of “Morning Take,” “Business Take,” “Ag Take,” and “Law Take,” daily online news previews, which reach 10,000 influencers in Minnesota.

As restricted funds, expenditures from the Advocacy and Awareness fund are governed by their respective committees of credit unions, with input from MnCUN staff and consultants. Solicitation for these funds occurs each year in conjunction with the issuance of the Network’s annual membership dues invoice, as well as on an as-needed basis.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network would like to thank credit unions for their support of the Awareness and Advocacy Funds. Full report details and financial statements have been mailed to member credit unions.

The Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP) is hosting a virtual town hall meeting on Thursday, July 28 at 6:00 p.m. for Twin Cities residents to unveil the new name and update the community on the status of the credit union charter application. Credit union supporters are invited to attend.

Due to many financial organizations using “village” in their names, and to avoid further delays with approval of the charter; the ABEP Board of Directors have decided to change the name of the new credit union. In addition to unveiling the new name, ABEP will provide an update on the progress of the De Novo credit union status; and request critical participation still needed from the community before it submits the charter application.

Residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on the new name of the credit union by voting online. There will be two names for each voter to choose from and the name with the greatest votes will be announced during the town hall meeting. All residents of Hennepin and Ramsey counties are strongly encouraged to visit learnaboutvillage.org, then: 

• Vote for one of the two proposed credit union names. Voting will end at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July, 27th 
• Register for the virtual town hall meeting to receive updates and live results; and lastly
• Tell the regulators you support the credit union by making a pledge of support and filling out a short survey. 

​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.

​The U.S. House Committee on Financial Services is scheduled to take up H.R. 6889, the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, in its mark-up today. 

​Hike the Hill returns in-person to connect credit union representatives with federal legislators and regulators to talk about top credit union issues in Washington, D.C. 

​​​​​​​Meetings will be scheduled on various days during the week of September 19th to allow for maximum flexibility for members of Congress to be able to attend. Attendees should plan to arrive by late Tuesday morning and be prepared to meet for legislative and regulatory briefings at CUNA’s offices. Meetings with legislators will be scheduled for throughout the day on Wednesday. Assuming availability of staff or Board members, NCUA meetings will take place Thursday morning and attendees can plan to fly out by Thursday afternoon. 

A room block for Hike the Hill has been reserved at AC Hotel Navy Yard located at 867 New Jersey Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003. Reservations by attendees must be received on or before Friday, August 19th, 2022.
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With questions about Hike the Hill, contact MnCUN Director of Governmental Affairs Ryan Smith by email or at 651-288-5533.

Advance your credit union career with Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training. This 12-month program is designed to accelerate executive level leadership skills and build credit union specific knowledge needed to succeed in our industry.

​Having high-potential leaders in the pipeline is critical for credit unions and the industry. Designed by Minnesota credit union professionals – the program is intended to prepare emerging leaders for executive level positions. Topics include Leadership Skills, Credit Union Financials, Credit Union Operations, and Strategic Planning & Growth. Courses will be facilitated by both experts in the field and current credit union leaders. Upon completion participants will receive a Minnesota Credit Union Executive Leadership Certification.

The deadline to apply is this Friday, July 29. With questions, contact Mara Humphrey , Andrea Molnau or Ben Hering.

APPLY NOW

​2021-2022 Trailblazers
​Ahead of the graduation of the first cohort of MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program in September, we will be highlighting the credit union professionals participating in the inaugural year of the program. 

Bailey Germain, VP Marketing, City & County Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
When I first started in the credit union industry, I didn't know I was starting a job that would quickly become a passion. Each and every day I'm able to make an impact - whether it's helping a first time home buyer find their way home or volunteering at a local food pantry to feed our neighbors. It has been my personal mission to advocate for the credit union movement modernize the way we communicate to the community to ensure everyone has access to affordable financial solutions.

​​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer Program has been an incredible stepping stone in my career. During my time in the program I was promoted to Vice President of Marketing with the hiring team knowing I was gaining well rounded training in all areas of CU leadership. Each session has provided insight into my career - including ways that I can continue to grow & explore opportunities.
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What have you enjoyed most about the program?
As cliché as this may sound, networking. When you are in a program like Trailblazers you quickly become a mini family. Each time we chat or get together, we are able to pick up right where we left off. Plus - the amount of times I've been able to reach out to a contact with a CU question has been tremendous!
 
Stacey Hinrichs, Chief Financial Officer, Red Wing Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
I chose to work at Red Wing Credit Union for the variety of work and to be part of the community. 

​​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
The Trailblazer program has opened doors to more purposeful networking with others in the credit union industry.  I have met many people whom I now consider my friends. 
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What have you enjoyed most about the program?
I have enjoyed the educational content that is presented as part of the Trailblazer program.  It has been beneficial to learn how different areas of the credit union functions while learning how my peers operate their credit unions. 

Justin Houle, Director of Finance, Catholic United Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
I've found that I want to work somewhere that has a purpose and isn't driven mainly by profit. Credit Unions have a history of giving back to members and treating their employees great. All of the networking and resources that are available have been great in helping me love credit unions even more!
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​​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
One of the biggest things the Trailblazer program has given me is a network of people I can reach out to with questions. The program has also given me a chance to see how other departments in credit unions function. I've only been in accounting, so being able to see how other departments can help each other will bring a different perspective to my career path.
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What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Networking opportunities have been one of the biggest things I have enjoyed about the program. The speakers that are brought in also have been great, they are able to explain things in a clear way and give insight on how a credit union should be run.

Scott Iblings, Vice President - Finance, South Metro Federal Credit Union
Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? 
Ability to help members in many different ways.
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​How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career?
Better understanding how other credit unions operate. 
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What have you enjoyed most about the program?
Getting to know other Trailblazers from various credit union and various roles.

The Minnesota Credit Union Women’s Leadership Network invites you to join us for a special, in person event - Let that Stuff Go! As women, we hear a lot about self-care … but we won’t be talking about facials and your weight. We will walk through emotional self-care and the importance of acknowledging and identifying your emotions so you’re better able to work through them - even embrace them. The session will include an educational presentation and discussion, a 30 minute Rage Yoga sequence, and end with a social/networking opportunity.

Curious? Join us on Thursday, September 27, from 3:30-6:00 pm at Urban Growler Brewing Company in St. Paul. We are pleased to welcome Tara Graff, Bad Intentions Yoga Founder, and Hiway Credit Union’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development as our facilitator.

What’s Rage Yoga, you may ask? Great question!
RAGE YOGA (n): a form of yoga incorporating

• Strength-building
• Flexibility challenges 
• Bad jokes
• A playlist you’ll know and love
• Unusual mantras

Traditional yoga is great – it’s just not for everyone. Rage Yoga is … 

• about being accessible to all who want to move – no matter your body type, experience or flexibility level.
• about digging in and embracing all of your emotions, even the negative ones, so you can dismantle ‘em and better handle ‘em.

​About Tara Graff, Bad Intentions Yoga Founder
Tara has been a lover of health, fitness, and loud rock & roll since her time as a mediocre member of the Proctor Rails cross country running team. In the (many) years since, she has been a serious-ish runner, occasional triathlete, bottom-of-the-pack physique competitor, and embracer of many other physical challenges. A financial services marketing and business development executive (you may know her as Hiway's SVP of MBD) by day, Tara has also moonlighted as an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, and recently completed RYT200 (yoga teacher) and Rage Yoga training. A native of Duluth, Tara is mom to a precocious ten-year-old, Nate; a lover of reading, writing, and her parents’ favorite musicians (Fleetwood Mac, yes please); and never, ever turns down a spicy Bloody Mary.

​Registration deadline is Friday, September 9. 

A program of the National Credit Union Foundation, Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) Training brings renewed relevance to the philosophy of "People Helping People." This unique and transformative training provides critical lessons in cooperative principles, credit union philosophy, and development issues, while incorporating challenges credit unions face today. Preference will be given to applicants who have shown engagement with the credit union movement.

The 2022 CUDE training programs will be held in Madison, WI on the following dates: 
·        September 26 – 30, 2022
·        November 14 – 18, 2022
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​The grant will cover the full registration fee for in person training, which includes lodging and meals. Travel to and from Madison is at the expense of the attendee.

The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation 2022 CUDE scholarship winner will have a spot held for the dates of their choice. Applications are open until July 31st. ​