The Association for Black Economic Power (ABEP) proudly announces Arise Community Credit Union (Arise) will open on Juneteenth, June 19, 2025. This momentous occasion will be commemorated at the State Capitol Juneteenth event, inviting community members to unite in celebrating this significant day of freedom and economic empowerment.

Open to all, Arise Community Credit Union is dedicated to providing accessible banking services, equipping residents of Hennepin and Ramsey counties with the tools and resources essential for securing a stable financial future.

​"We eagerly anticipate the launch of Arise Community Credit Union on this meaningful occasion," said Francis Odhiambo, CEO of Arise. "Juneteenth embodies principles of freedom and opportunity, and we take pride in offering a financial institution that empowers our community members to achieve their aspirations."

While new members can officially begin opening accounts online on June 19th, a celebration will take place during the Anika Foundation’s Juneteenth event at the State Capitol grounds, June 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ABEP and Arise representatives will be on site to engage with attendees, provide details about the credit union's services, and celebrate together.

“This is a historic milestone that arrives during a century of credit union service in Minnesota,” said Mara Humphrey, President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network. “It’s a full-circle moment that honors our movement’s cooperative roots while lighting the path forward. We are thrilled for Arise and look forward to welcoming their new members into the credit union community.”

What makes this launch even more meaningful is the collective spirit behind it. Dozens of credit unions across Minnesota stepped up to serve as mentors, share technical expertise, and offer funding and encouragement. Their support was instrumental in helping turn a powerful idea into a functioning financial cooperative. Planning for a credit union partner celebration at the Arise headquarters is in the works. Watch for more details later this summer.

Learn more about the outstanding programs, new initiatives and well-deserved recognition received by your peers recently:​ 

• ​May Retirement Date Set for Toro Credit Union President/CEO Grant Johnson, 
• Royal Credit Union partnering with local non-profits for diaper drive, 
• Youth Hockey Teams Raise over $20,000 for Gillette Children's, 
• Seniors at Rock Ridge enjoy learning how to budget during Bite of Reality event, 
• ​Minnco Credit Union Raises Money for Gillette Children’s Hospital
• Amara Mackey (Ideal Credit Union) Named 2025 Women in Business Honoree by Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal

Got news of your own? Send stories, pitches, press releases and published articles to MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller.

At the Marketing, PR & Development Council Conference in Austin, TX, last week, Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) member credit unions, Affinity Plus FCU, Altra FCU, Blaze CU, Members Cooperative CU, North Star CU, Northridge Community CU, Royal CU and SouthPoint Financial CU, were recognized for their outstanding work in sharing the credit union advantage with their members and communities.

The most prestigious annual credit union marketing competition, the Diamond Awards recognize and reward creative excellence and outstanding results.

​Several MnCUN member credit unions, received the Category's Best distinction for the following submissions: 

• Leading the Way: Affinity Plus’ Innovative NIL Partnership with Gopher Sports Out of Home Creative
• NorthRidge Community Credit Union: NorthRidge Little Free Pantry
• Royal Credit Union: Money Donuts Podcast

"Congratulate to this year's winners of the Diamond Awards. Your creative excellence and outstanding results truly set the standard for our industry and highlight the innovative spirit and dedication that drive our credit unions forward," said MnCUN President & CEO Mara Humphrey.

Greater Community Credit Union ranked fifth and Two Harbors Federal Credit Union ranked 68th in S&P Global Market Intelligence's 2024 Top Bank and Credit Union Ranking.

S&P Global Market Intelligence based these ratings on "six weighted financial metrics: member growth (20%), shares and deposits per member (20%), net worth as a percentage of total assets (20%), return on average assets (20%), delinquent loans as a percentage of total loans (10%), and net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans (10%)." 

"Congratulations to Greater Community and Two Harbors for being recognized nationally and for being good financial stewards for their members," said Minnesota Credit Union Network President Mara Humphrey. “The recognition of these two credit unions speaks to the high standards that credit unions across Minnesota maintain every day and the partnership with the communities and members they serve.”

To be included in the ranking, a credit union must have reported at least $100 million in total assets and a net worth ratio of at least 7% as of Dec. 31, 2024. Based on this criteria, 1,798 credit unions qualified for the ranking.

​Access the full list of 2024 Top Bank and Credit Union Rankings – National.

Learn more about the outstanding programs, new initiatives and well-deserved recognition received by your peers recently:​

• Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union raises funds for local Special Olympics program
• Red Wing Credit Union earns ninth consecutive professional services award
• Accentra Credit Union announces leadership transition
• ​NorthRidge Community Credit Union Shares Impact that Childcare has on Business​

8 MnCUN member credit unions are among the credit unions nationwide to be recognized as 2025 Diamond Award recipients:

• Affinity Plus FCU
• Altra FCU
• Members Cooperative CU
• Blaze CU
• North Star CU
• NorthRidge Community CU
• SouthPoint Financial CU
• Royal CU

The specific categories in which these credit unions were recognized and the coveted Best of Show Award will all be announced on Tuesday, March 25 at the 2025 Marketing, PR & Development Conference in Austin, TX. 

Melissa Cox, Marketing Manager, North Star Credit Union and Ashley Kjenaas, Marketing Manager, NorthRidge Community Credit Union will present a session titled, "The Rural Cluster" and will explore how to maximize impact through smart audience segmentation, hyper-localized messaging, and cost-effective marketing channels.

​Got news of your own? Send stories, pitches, press releases and published articles to MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller.

Learn more about the outstanding programs, new initiatives and well-deserved recognition received by your peers recently:​

• Mara Humphrey, MnCUN President & CEO: A century of trust (and hairstyles). A future of possibilities, 
  
• Expedition Credit Union Names New President/CEO, 
  
• First Alliance Credit Union Expands Field of Membership in SE MN, 
  
• Blaze Credit Union Partners With University of Minnesota Alumni Association, 
  
• Alloya Announces Fee Waiver for All Members and 
  
• Affinity Plus Takes the Plunge to Support Special Olympics Minnesota.

​Got news of your own? Send stories, pitches, press releases and published articles to MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller.

Congratulations to the Minnesota Credit Union leaders who have been appointed to America’s Credit Unions committees:

•  Justin Burleson, Blaze CU, Industry Relations, Economics & Share Insurance Committee, 
  
• Steve Ewers, Members Cooperative CU, World Affairs Committee, 
  
• Jay Gostonczik, SouthPoint Financial CU, Advocacy Policy Committee, 
  
• Greg Higgins, Wings Financial CU, Emerging Issues Committee,
  
• Dave Larson, Affinity Plus FCU, National CU Roundtable Committee, 
  
• Peter Olsen, Ideal CU, Volunteer Leadership Committee,
• Pat Pierce, City & County CU, Advocacy Policy Committee,
• Simone Suri, Members Cooperative CU, Operations Committee, and
• Frank Weidner, Wings Financial CU, Advocacy Policy Committee.

 
All committees will have two-year staggered terms; in 2025, members will be invited for an initial one or two year term..Thank you to all for representing Minnesota credit unions at the national level!

Learn more about the outstanding programs, new initiatives and well-deserved recognition received by your peers recently:​

• Olsen Named Minnesota Power Employees CU President/CEO,
  
• NorthRidge Community Credit Union Proud to Support Free Pantries,
• Blaze Foundation Seventh Annual Curling Fundraising Event Sets a New Record By Raising More Than $150,000,
• First Alliance Credit Union honors Firehouse Roots with Training Program,
• Ideal CU Partners with Fintech Coviance to Accelerate Home Equity Loan Process,
• Affinity Plus Opens New Shakopee Branch to Serve Growing Membership,
• Credit Union Financial Education Network Makes National Push for Financial Education,
• Reed Named Mid Minnesota FCU Chief Revenue Officer, and
• Veridian Credit Union announces recipients of $90k in Giving Tuesday donations.

Got news of your own? Send stories, pitches, press releases and published articles to MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller.

The National Credit Union Foundation recently announced the following Minnesotans received a CUDE designation:

• Gena Anderson, First Alliance CU
• Jenna Taubel, First Alliance CU
• Ki-Anya Richey, North Memorial FCU

The DE Program helps credit union leaders understand and leverage credit unions’ unique business model to serve members and communities in new and better ways. While many trainings focus on the “what” and the “how” of credit union service and operations, the DE Program continues to focus on the “why”.