Dave Larson, Affinity Plus FCU CEO and MnCUN Board Member was featured in the Star Tribune on Nov. 13.

​"This month, Larson is celebrating 10 years as chief executive at Affinity Plus, the state's third-largest credit union with more than $4 billion in assets. He said he strives to engage the credit union's 600 employees — Affinity has been a Star Tribune Top Workplace for the past six consecutive years — and build relationships with its 260,000 members through caring, listening and "running this organization differently."

"I love my coworkers," Larson said. "I love the members. I love working for a board that understands who we are. We know that we're 'not for profit.' We take those three words very seriously." 

Cyber Security Reminders from the Dept. of Commerce: The Minnesota Department of Commerce is sharing guidance to credit unions to help strengthen data security and privacy. 

​IRS Floats Rules To Broaden Green Energy Investment Credit: On November 17, the IRS proposed rules that broaden eligibility for the clean energy investment tax credit announced in the landmark 2022 Climate law.

• The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) and Members Cooperative Credit Union celebrate the contributions of Learning & Development manager Kathlynn McConnell, a true servant leader, as she headed into retirement. 

​For 17 years, McConnell showed an unwavering dedication to our people, nurturing talent, cultivating skills, and fostering growth. Kathlynn has been a mentor, confidante, and friend to countless colleagues and a favorite guest presenter at local organizations seeking to build and support their own teams. 

​Kathlynn personifies the credit union philosophy and leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, growth, and inspiration that will surely guide and inspire many future credit union industry leaders. She was presented the award at the Minnesota Women's Leadership annual celebration event on Nov. 16.

​​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.

94 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.

During the fundraiser, credit union members and local businesses are encouraged to purchase paper links and hearts that are connected and hung in lobbies to help illustrate the "people helping people" philosophy of credit unions. All proceeds benefit Gillette Children's Hospital.
 
To participate, credit unions simply fill out the registration form by Friday, December 16, 2023 and CU4Kids will provide Chain of Hearts materials at no cost. With questions, reach out to Director of Engagement, Xiong Lee
 
*Although these are the campaign dates, credit unions may participate during any time frame that best fits their calendar.  ​

Thanks to those that joined us for the Network 2.0 meetings held in coordination with credit union chapters across the state. MnCUN President & CEO, Mara Humphrey, and MnCUN staff, shared MnCUN’s vision, gathered feedback, and provided updates on current and new initiatives for Minnesota Credit Unions.

Discussion topics included:

•  Opportunities for increased collaboration,
•  Regulatory challenges,
•  Addressing fraud, 
•  Direction for Awareness & Consideration Campaign, 
•  Professional Development opportunities, and
•  Emerging technologies, including AI and Fintech.

If you were unable to attend or have additional feedback on how MnCUN can serve credit unions better, please reach out to MnCUN President and CEO, Mara Humphrey.

CFPB Proposes Rule on Open Banking: On October 19, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed a rule that would accelerate a shift toward open banking, helping consumers control data about their financial lives and receiving new protections against companies misusing their data. 

​Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Annual Housing Report: On October 30, the FHFA issued its annual report to Congress as required by the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act. 

Chairman Harper Testifies to US Senate: Ahead of the NCUA November board meeting, Chairman Todd M. Harper testified Tuesday November 14, at a hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.

Join the CREW Young Professionals for the "Coffee with the CREW" on Wednesday, December 6 at 9 a.m. This series focuses on providing credit union young professionals with continued opportunities for networking and collaborating to help further knowledge and professional growth within the industry.

​This meet-up will be facilitated by Tami Cybulski, Director of Human Resources and Learning and Development from Hiway CU. She will be speaking on, "How to advocate for yourself/budget for yourself." Tami will also touch on:

• How to start conversations with your supervisor/C Suite about budget requests
• How often and when is a good time to ask for room in the budget
• What resources can you provide on finding the right conferences for your role/title at your CU? 
• What suggestions do you have for conferences/people to follow outside of the CU world
• How to advocate for your own growth within your CU
• Tips for not getting discouraged when you are always told “no” or “not now”

Date: Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Time: 9:00 AM - 9:45 AM CST
Location: Video Conference/Webinar
Cost: Free

We will open up the webcams and audio lines for the group to join our facilitated discussion. All aspects of this session have been created with the intention of shared learning among facilitators and attendees. We will be asking attendees to actively participate before and throughout this session.

With questions, please contact Xiong Lee, MnCUN Director of Engagement.

The Early Bird Deadline for the MonDak Roundtable has been extended to noon on Friday, Dec. 1. The MonDak Roundtable will be hosted by the Minnesota, Montana and Dakotas Credit Union Associations at the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, January 17-18, 2024. 

​​The conference will include speakers on a variety of credit union topics; plus CEOs and Board volunteers will also have a chance to take advantage of networking and breakout sessions with their peer groups. Jean Chatzky, author, CEO and co-founder of HerMoney, will serve as keynote speaker. 

With questions, reach out to Andrea Molnau, VP Communications & Engagement.