Minnesota’s 2022 Consumer Awareness & Consideration initiative made strides in boosting consumer awareness of credit unions. At a webinar last week, the analytics from the 2022 campaign, December consumer poll results, and 2023 updates were shared. ​

Our most recent, year-end Google Poll noted 61% of respondents in our target demographic indicated they are likely or very likely to join a credit union; an increase of over 7 points from the previous year. A full report is available on mncun.org/awareness-campaign. ​The webinar was recorded and MnCUN members can access both the video and the slide deck online. Please note a log in is required.

As we launch into our fifth year, the initiative continues to evolve to bring credit unions additional value and ROI for their marketing investment, and more ways to engage with the with the program. 2023 program updates include new subscription levels and pricing structure to ensure long term sustainability of the program. Check out the full list of benefits and match with the plan that works best for your credit union. Select your subscription level by completing the 2023 Awareness Contribution Form.

​With questions, please contact Andrea Molnau, VP Communications & Engagement at amolnau@mncun.org.

Membership with the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) ensures powerful credit union advocacy at both the state and national level. Your credit union has access to unparalleled compliance, training, peer networking and resources. 

​​Members of MnCUN and CUNA have the support of the only trade association that ensures credit union priorities are front and center with policymakers, so you can focus on the financial well-being of your members.

​Your 2023 Membership Resources are available on the Member Resources Page, including the Value of MnCUN Membership; Small Credit Union Benefits; and Special Funds information. 

Membership renewal information was emailed to CEOs in December with a due date of Jan. 31, 2023.

The Credit Union Consumer Awareness Initiative continues to evolve to bring credit unions additional value and ROI for their marketing investment, and more ways to engage with consumers. Confirm your Credit Union’s Participation in the 2023 Minnesota Consumer Consideration Initiative by completing the 2023 Awareness Contribution Form by January 27, 2023. 2023 program updates include: 

•  New subscription levels and pricing structure to ensure long term sustainability of the program,
•  Customizable credit union listing on the Your Money Further website to increase engagement,  presence, and tracking capabilities,
•  Fresh and evolving creative assets and content that can be leveraged in your credit union’s marketing programs, and
• Additional opportunities to engage locally with out of home and event strategies coordinated by MnCUN.
  ​

Check out the full list of benefits and match with the plan that works best for your credit union. In addition to the YMF Program Benefits, MN Credit Unions will benefit from additional deployment efforts, as a portion of their subscription will be used for statewide and local tactics. 

New annual pricing is now available. Thank you to Wings Financial Credit Union for generously sponsoring a Standard level subscription for all MnCUN member credit unions $100 million in assets and under. 

​With questions, visit mncun.org/awareness-campaign, review the 2023 FAQs, or contact MnCUN Vice President - Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau.

Minnesota’s 2022 Consumer Awareness & Consideration initiative has made strides in boosting consumer awareness of credit unions. Please join us for a webinar on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 10:00 a.m. to review the analytics from the 2022 campaign, hear our most recent poll results, and learn more about 2023 program implementation. The webinar is free although we ask that you please register.

​The session will be recorded. With questions, please contact Andrea Molnau, VP Communications & Engagement at amolnau@mncun.org. 

Below are several FAQ’s about the 2023 program: 

1) What is the difference between Standard and Premium versions of the program?
Standard access provides credit unions with a basic locator listing, access to Contributor HQ, and the benefit of paid and organic media efforts.

As a Premium participant, credit unions receive an enhanced customizable locator listing and landing page, marketing webinars, website insights and more opportunities to be featured with consumers in the credit union's geographic area. To see more details about what is included in each plan, please review the Benefits by Plan and 2023 Pricing documents.

Both Standard and Premium participants are considered “Preferred” participants, which include visual differentiation in locator list and higher ranking than non-participants.

2) If we don't participate in the Standard or Premium program, is our credit union still listed on YourMoneyFurther.com?
Yes, your credit union's name, address, phone number, and website address will be listed using NCUA data under the "More" tab. Being under the "More" list is less prominent to consumers, and it doesn't provide access to the full potential that a "Preferred" listing provides.

3) What are the programs key performance indicators/success measures?
We started our program by measuring success against the consumer consideration research baseline in 2019. We also have KPIs on paid media, organic media, website metrics and consumer traffic from YourMoneyFurther.com to credit unions' websites.

4) In the past Credit Union Awareness offered contribution recommendations, where credit unions could pledge based on their budget to become part of the program. Why has that changed?
Based on feedback from credit unions, we have expanded the program to help better complete the consumer journey more directly to participating credit unions. This change allowed for a more transparent and equitable pricing structure for everyone, moving away from a contribution/donation model to a participation and service delivery model.

5) How do I include my credit union this year?
Check out the full list of benefits and match with the plan that works best for your credit union. Select your subscription level by completing the 2023 Awareness Contribution Form. You Please note registration and payments must be complete by January 27, 2023. Thank you to Wings Financial Credit Union for generously sponsoring a Standard level subscription for all MnCUN member credit unions $100 million in assets and under. 

​With additional questions, visit mncun.org/awareness-campaign or contact MnCUN Vice President - Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau.

2023 will mark Minnesota’s fifth year supporting the Credit Union Consumer Awareness Initiative. The program continues to evolve to bring credit unions additional value and ROI for their marketing investment, and more ways to engage with consumers. We listened to your feedback and are shifting from awareness & consideration to consideration & action - resulting in increased membership opportunities and market share. To continue this momentum, 2023 program updates include:

•  New subscription levels and pricing structure to ensure long term sustainability of the program
•  Customizable credit union listing on the Your Money Further website to increase engagement, presence, and   tracking capabilities
•  Fresh and evolving creative assets and content that can be leveraged in your credit union’s marketing programs
•  Additional opportunities to engage locally with out of home and event strategies coordinated by MnCUN

Check out the full list of benefits and match with the plan that works best for your credit union. In addition to the YMF Program Benefits, MN Credit Unions will benefit from additional deployment efforts, as a portion of their subscription will be used for statewide and local tactics. 

New annual pricing is now available. Thank you to Wings Financial Credit Union for generously sponsoring a Standard level subscription for all MnCUN member credit unions $100 million in assets and under. 

​Select your subscription level by completing the 2023 Awareness Contribution Form. Please note registration and payments must be complete by January 27, 2023. 

With questions, visit mncun.org/awareness-campaign or contact MnCUN Vice President - Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau.

2023 will mark Minnesota’s fifth year supporting the Credit Union Consumer Awareness Initiative. The program continues to evolve to bring credit unions additional value and ROI for their marketing investment, and more ways to engage with consumers. We listened to your feedback and are shifting from awareness & consideration to consideration & action - resulting in increased membership opportunities and market share. To continue this momentum, 2023 program updates include: 

• New subscription levels and pricing structure to ensure long term sustainability of the program,
• Customizable credit union listing on the Your Money Further website to increase engagement, presence, and tracking capabilities,
• Fresh and evolving creative assets and content that can be leveraged in your credit union’s marketing programs, and
• Additional opportunities to engage locally with out of home and event strategies coordinated by MnCUN.

Find out more by reviewing the 2023 Minnesota Awareness Preview webinar recording. (Note: MnCUN login required) or visit mncun.org/awareness-campaign.

Check out the full list of benefits and match with the plan that works best for your credit union. In addition to the YMF Program Benefits, MN Credit Unions will benefit from additional deployment efforts, as a portion of their subscription will be used for statewide and local tactics. 

New annual pricing is now available. Thank you to Wings Financial Credit Union for generously sponsoring a Standard level subscription for all MnCUN member credit unions $100 million in assets and under. 

Select your subscription level by completing the 2023 Awareness Contribution Form. Please note registration and payments must be complete by January 27, 2023. 

​With questions about credit union awareness initiatives, contact MnCUN Vice President - Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau.

Minnesota was the first state to launch the national Credit Union Consumer Awareness Initiative in 2019 and since then, has seen both increased average membership growth and consumer familiarity of credit unions. The campaign’s digital-first strategy positions research-proven messages to put credit unions at the center of consumer consideration when needing a financial service.

​​In 2022, the YourMoneyFurther initiative shifted to a consideration-and-conversion strategy, upgraded to a more vibrant brand, and expanded opportunities for credit unions to capture qualified leads. Based on the success of the program and feedback from credit unions, the 2023 initiative plans to connect consumers more directly and measurably to participating credit unions, while continuing to create consideration and awareness overall. This change is also allowing for a change in pricing structure, moving away from a contribution/donation model to a participation and service delivery model.

Join MnCUN and CU Awareness on Monday, Oct. 31 at 1:00 p.m. to hear an update on the Minnesota initiative and learn more about the changes ahead. We will be joined by Christopher Lorence of CUNA Awareness, and Blois Olson of Fluence Media. Content will include current results of 2022 strategies, and an overview of plans and new pricing options for 2023.

​The webinar is free and will be recorded. We do ask that you please register. With questions, contact Andrea Molnau by email or 651-288-5527.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network, in conjunction with the Regulatory Review committee, weighed in with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on the importance of the FHLB system.

​FHFA announced in August the "FHLBank System at 100: Focusing on the Future" initiative - two public listening sessions and a series of regional roundtable discussions through which the FHFA will engage the Federal Home Loan Bank System's stakeholders to position the System for the future.

​​​The comment letter highlighted the important role the FHLB system provides for liquidity and the secondary mortgage market.