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The Network’s Board of Directors represent the interests of credit unions of all sizes from all parts of the state. The Board works together with MnCUN’s President & CEO to ensure that all member credit unions receive high-quality service and that the interests of Minnesota credit unions are promoted both at the state and national level.
The Network Board met last week to review mid-year financials, and receive reports on legislative, political, awareness, professional development, and DEI initiatives. Amendments to the Network Service Corporation Bylaws were approved. The Search Committee also provided an update on the process for filling the CEO position in 2023. Additionally, the Board held its annual Planning meeting, reviewing national credit union industry trends and confirming commitment to MnCUN’s 50x30 strategic goal of reaching 50% of the Minnesota population be credit union members by 2030. Is your credit union looking to leverage Multicultural Opportunities in your market? Our final session with Coopera that connects the MnCUN Multicultural Opportunity Report with actionable examples for your credit union and your communities to grow and prosper will focus on the current wealth gaps in Minnesota.
We’ll take a closer look at our own bias around lending, branding, and risk; and explore practical ways to overcome those biases to improve financial well-being for all. Date: Wednesday, Aug. 10 Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CST Cost: $49 Ready to help start AUTHENTIC, HIGH-ENERGY CONVERSATION on why we love our credit unions? The July 29, 2022 Social Media Blitz is almost here! We’re going all out to unleash the full power of the CU message WORLDWIDE!! Are you all set to share your credit union love story, and encourage your members, family and friends to do the same? Together, we can “like,” “share,” “tweet,” and “post” credit union awareness into top trending status!  A SIMPLE PLAN FOR SUCCESS
Remember, it’s all about inspiring credit union teams and members to share what’s best about their CU experience on all social media platforms. We’re counting on you to make this year’s campaign an even bigger victory for credit unions! If you have any questions about ways your credit union can participate, contact ilovemycreditunion@icul.com.
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 Friday, July 29. With questions, contact Mara Humphrey , Andrea Molnau or Ben Hering. 2021-2022 TrailblazersAhead 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.  Kerri Barsness Vice President of Lending, South Metro Federal Credit Union Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? Credit Unions provide the highest quality member service and offer the best deposit and loan rates in the industry. We exist to serve our members, which is perfectly in line with my personal values. How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? The deeper dive into areas of the Credit Union where I have not had direct experience has been enlightening and I feel I am better equipped as a leader with that additional knowledge. Having this overall knowledge will enable me to foster stronger relationships and understanding inter-departmentally. What have you enjoyed most about the program? I've enjoyed the camaraderie with my Fellow Trailblazers, as well as the wealth of knowledge each has shared with the group.  Caitlin Brama Branch Manager, Financial One Credit Union Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? Honestly, initially to get the heck out of retail. 8 years later I have stayed in credit unions because of the impact and the ability to create a difference in the lives our our members and our communities. Being a part of the credit union movement feels natural and genuinely fills my cup. Whether it is educating a member on how to manage their finances, build their credit, or volunteering at our local food shelf, being a part of the giveback is very humbling. How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? Participating in the Trailblazer Executive Readiness Program has exposed the cohort to the management functionality on a platform that is palatable no matter the position any of us currently hold. Specifically for me as a Branch Manager, I have a more in-depth understanding surrounding the main pillars of what contributes to credit unions functioning successfully: leadership, accounting/finance, operations, and strategic planning. Within my career thus far, I primarily have front office experience. The sessions from this program have contributed to making me a more well-rounded employee, has set me up for success for future promotions, and to be that much more of an asset to my team at Financial One, our members, and the movement. What have you enjoyed most about the program? The collaboration between different credit unions and peers, and the in-depth exposure/training of finances, strategic planning, operations, and leadership. It's pretty great having a cohort with the range of titles held from CEO all the way down. We have had the opportunity to share our knowledge and share what we don't know. The learning environment has allowed us to thrive and continue to grow for the benefit of our own organizations and the credit union movement. We will be walking away from this program more knowledgeable and more ready to continue to make the best decisions for our members and communities.  Andrew Deans Mortgage Servicing Manager, Hiway Credit Union Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? I truly believe in the people helping people motto of credit unions. The credit union model for banking and being a not for profit organization really is amazing. Having a focus on what is in the best interest for our members really motivates me to be better both at work and in the community. How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? It has given me great insight into aspects of the credit union I do not see regularly. My hope is to take the information I have learned of the last year and put it to practice in my career. It has also given me a network of 30 colleagues to utilize as a resources when needed. What have you enjoyed most about the program? The content focus was exactly where I needed to help fill in gaps I had personally. But the best part of the program was the cohort of like minded professionals and the connections we have built over the last year.  Dylan Gergen
AVP Accounting and Finance, SPIRE Credit Union Why have you chosen a career in credit unions? To improve the financial landscape for our members and our future. How do you think the Trailblazer program will impact your career? Gaining a vast array of knowledge and experiences from my cohort members has been invaluable to my development as a leader. The networking opportunities this program has provided me will continue to assist in that development throughout my entire career. What have you enjoyed most about the program? Seeing first hand the true sense of community and unity that exists within the credit union industry.  TriState Products and Services is partnering with QCash Financial, to give credit unions access to “life event loans” so they can help members when and where they need it.
TriState Products & Services is a collaboration with the Minnesota Credit Union Network, Montana’s Credit Unions, and the Wisconsin Credit Union League. The three states are working together to form strategic endorsement relationships with partners to help their credit unions best serve their members through partner education opportunities and joint marketing efforts. QCash Life Event Loans are an easy-to-implement solution that provides credit unions another service to practice financial inclusion and serve the underbanked. QCash Life Event Loans can provide the funds credit union members need, day or night. With just six clicks in 60 seconds, the funds are immediately deposited into their account. No credit check and nothing more than a computer or smartphone to complete the super-simple process. “QCash aligns perfectly with the ‘people helping people’ credit union philosophy, says QCash CEO Seth Brickman. “This partnership with the credit union leagues in Minnesota, Montana, and Wisconsin is an important step in offering credit unions the financial tools they need to benefit their members’ lives.” “By offering loans that don’t rely on traditional credit scores, QCash enhances credit union’s ability to improve the financial well-being of their members,” said Minnesota Credit Union Network’s Chief Operations Officer John Ferstl. “We are excited for this partnership that gives credit unions a new way to live out their mission and better serve the underserved,” said Brett Thompson, President & CEO of The Wisconsin Credit Union League,” said Brett Thompson, President & CEO of The Wisconsin Credit Union League. Ranel Smith, Vice President of Relationship Management, Montana’s Credit Unions added, “We’re pleased to leverage the cooperative model to help credit unions safely and efficiently provide loans to their members in times of need.” For more information on how to take advantage of the partnership, contact Kris Jacobsen, Vice President of Business Development, Minnesota Credit Union Network and TriState Products and Services. The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation held its Annual Meeting on July 14, 2022.
Board Chair Doug Hallstrom, of Minnco Credit Union, reported on the efforts of the Foundation in 2021. Focused on financial education and professional development initiatives, the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation provides the resources for credit unions and communities to prosper and thrive. The Foundation’s efforts focus on Financial Education for members and communities, Professional Development for credit union employees, and Disaster Relief for the wider credit union community. The following highlights the Foundation’s efforts in 2021:
While the Credit Unions for Kids and Foundation Scholarship Council’s efforts were affected by the pandemic, both Foundation Committees were able to return to in person fundraising events the second half of the year and fulfill their missions – to provide funding to Gillette Children’s Hospital and hold the annual scholarship program on behalf of Minnesota’s Credit Unions. The Board Election was held. Kayla Reiffenberger, Co-op Credit Union of Montevideo and Trina Hoff, Northern Communities Credit Union were elected to their first 3-year terms. The membership also approved amendments to the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, the Foundation is dependent on the support of Minnesota credit unions, employees, partners, and community organizations. Visit mncun.org/foundation for a copy of the 2021 Annual Report.  Join us September 14-16 at Maddens on Gull Lake, Brainerd for LEAD 22 - the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s rebranded Fall Leadership Conference. This in person event will feature industry experts providing insight and relevant information on top credit union issues. Sessions throughout the weekend are designed for both credit union professionals and Board members.
We are pleased to welcome break out speakers Anne Legg of Thrive Strategic Services who will facilitate a Data Strategies Panel, and Becky Garton of CUNA Mutual Group who will share an Emerging Risk Outlook. Keynote speakers include:
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. As your state trade association, the Minnesota Credit Union Network works to ensure the success, growth and vitality of our member credit unions by creating a positive public environment through leadership, political advocacy, education, awareness and regulatory assistance.
We value our members’ continued trust in us, and we appreciate the opportunity to be able to serve credit unions throughout the state. We are pleased to share our efforts on behalf of credits unions for the first half of 2022. Advocate
Collaborate
Accelerate
We look forward to continuing to serve our member credit unions for the second half of 2022! |
The PulseThe Pulse is MnCUN's newsletter that keeps credit union professionals and board members updated on current news and information. Archives
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