The Minnesota Credit Union Network again worked with Fluence Media and American Strategies in March 2024 to conduct our biennial public opinion poll. The poll is designed to better understand Minnesota consumers’ perceptions of financial institutions and gauge their attitudes and knowledge about the advantage of credit unions. The study tested both attitudinal trends and public affairs opinions.

Please join us for a webinar to hear key findings and look at the results, trends, and perceptions Minnesotans have about credit unions on Thursday, April 11 at 10:00 am. The webinar is free, but we ask that you please register.

Thank you to the credit unions that donated to the MnCUN Awareness Fund. We look forward to launching the Minnesota’s Credit Union Advantage Initiative this spring. As we shift the campaign back to a Minnesota-specific initiative, our objective for 2024 is to further grow credit union knowledge and interest across Minnesota by telling member stories, amplifying our values, and sharing insights about the advantage of being a Minnesota credit union member. The theme “Minnesota’s Credit Union Advantage” will illustrate that we’re not just different, but better.

The MnCUN Awareness Fund Committee recently met to approve the budget and tactical aspects of the initiative. Plans include:

• Creation of video and audio vignettes of how Minnesota Credit Unions are giving consumers an advantage.
• Launch new style content in Instagram Reels and on TikTok.
• Create a podcast to highlight “The Advantage.”
• Drive the Advantage narrative with earned media, amplified events, and minimal paid media.
• Cooperative regional events across Minnesota.
• Sponsored “Credit Union Day at the Minnesota State Fair” plus media sponsorship.

Credit union engagement opportunities in the initiative include a new Minnesota Credit Union Directory, access to updated Consumer Research, and social content to like and share. Credit unions who contributed to the fund will also receive the “Advantage” Asset toolkit; staff participation in regional events, and a promotional toolkit for our CU Day at the Fair.

Watch for additional information in the coming weeks. With questions, contact MnCUN Vice President - Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau.

MnCUN looks forward to developing the next initiative highlighting the “Credit Union Advantage” across Minnesota. Our objective for 2024 is to re-energize and amplify a Minnesota-based campaign to share the advantage credit unions bring Minnesota consumers.

​Join MnCUN to learn more about Minnesota's Credit Union Advantage initiative and the changes ahead for consumer awareness efforts in 2024 on Nov. 29th at 2:00 p.m. Content will include an overview of the new direction, tactical plans and funding model.

​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 is excited to share Minnesota’s new direction for 2024 credit union consumer awareness efforts and ask for your credit union’s support. As part of Network 2.0, we have been having conversations with our members across the state on how we can partner, including the best way to amplify credit union values across Minnesota together. We worked with the Awareness Fund Committee to outline a 2024 direction and strategy that MnCUN’s Board of Directors supported at their recent meeting.

Collaboratively, we look forward to developing the next initiative highlighting the “Credit Union Advantage” across Minnesota. Our objective for 2024 is to re-energize and amplify a MN-based campaign to share the advantage credit unions bring Minnesota consumers. To cooperatively finance this campaign, we are seeking pledges of financial support to the Minnesota Credit Union Awareness Fund. We have adjusted our suggested contributions to reflect the change in strategy and current economic uncertainty. While we encourage credit unions to donate at the suggested level, donations of all amounts or in-kind contributions are welcome. 

The national Your Money Further program is also evolving in 2024. CU Awareness recently announced a new partnership with Union Credit, and MnCUN’s current program licensing agreement will expire on 12/31/23. While all credit unions will continue to be listed on YourMoneyFurther.com, Minnesota credit unions who participated in the campaign previously will no longer be listed as “preferred” unless they subscribe directly with CU Awareness. We are proud of MnCUN’s leadership and contributions to CUNA’s national awareness efforts. 

​We are hosting a webinar on Nov. 29 at 2:00 p.m. to share additional details and ways your credit union can be involved in 2024. The webinar is free and will be recorded. We do ask that you please register. To learn more and pledge your support, visit mncun.org/awareness-campaign.

If you spot the iHeart vehicle while you are out and about this summer, post a photo on social tagging @mncreditunions. ​

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 [email protected].

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.