member Login

MINNESOTA CREDIT UNION NETWORK

  • Advocacy
    • Advocacy Programs >
      • GAC >
        • GAC Home Address Form
      • Impact 25
      • Hike the Hill
    • Grassroots Action Center >
      • GREAT
      • Grassroots Coordinator Program
      • Project Zip Code
    • Support CU Advocacy >
      • Advocacy Fund
    • Regulatory Affairs
    • Political Publications
  • Professional Development
    • Calendar >
      • Event Policies
    • GAC
    • Accelerate 25: Annual Conference >
      • Accelerate 25 Awards
      • ACCELERATE 25 | Attendee Information
      • Sponsors and Exhibitors
    • CEO Conference
    • Tristate Leadership Conference
    • Directors Conference
    • CU Connect
    • MnCUN Mobile App
    • Chapters
    • Committees >
      • Committee Applications
    • Trailblazers >
      • Trailblazers Application
    • Tristate Mentorship Match
    • The CREW >
      • CREW Spotlight
    • Women's Leadership Network
  • Member Resources
    • 100 Year Celebration
    • Member Benefits
    • CU Law
    • Online Member Tools
    • MN CU Employee Benefits Plan >
      • Benefits Plan | Requesting a Quote
      • Guardian Life
    • Compliance >
      • Compliance and Audit Services
      • Submit a Compliance Question
      • PolicyAid
      • Elder Financial Abuse Prevention
    • CU FORWARD
    • DEI >
      • CDFI Resources
    • News
    • Publications
    • The Pulse
    • Awareness Campaign >
      • Advantage Story Submission Form
    • Awards >
      • Professional and Director of the Year >
        • Professional of the Year Form
        • Director of the Year Form
      • Marketing Awards
      • National Awards
  • About
    • About MnCUN >
      • Contact Us
      • Our Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Partner With Us
    • About MN Credit Unions >
      • High Yield Pale Ale
      • Impact Report
    • CU Green
  • Jobs
  • Solutions
    • Partner with Us
    • TriState Product & Services
    • TruLync Medicare Advisors >
      • TruLync Medicare & Pilot Program Results
    • WINcentive Savings/PLS
    • Strategic Planning and Consulting
  • Foundation
    • De Novo Credit Unions
    • Contribute
    • Apply for a Grant >
      • Technology Assistance Grant Application
      • Financial Inclusion Grant Application
      • Financial Education Grant Application
    • Financial Education Resources
    • CU Builder >
      • CU Builder - Previous
    • Foundation Programs >
      • Enhanced FiCEP Program
    • CU4Kids
    • Scholarship Council
  • Advocacy
    • Advocacy Programs >
      • GAC >
        • GAC Home Address Form
      • Impact 25
      • Hike the Hill
    • Grassroots Action Center >
      • GREAT
      • Grassroots Coordinator Program
      • Project Zip Code
    • Support CU Advocacy >
      • Advocacy Fund
    • Regulatory Affairs
    • Political Publications
  • Professional Development
    • Calendar >
      • Event Policies
    • GAC
    • Accelerate 25: Annual Conference >
      • Accelerate 25 Awards
      • ACCELERATE 25 | Attendee Information
      • Sponsors and Exhibitors
    • CEO Conference
    • Tristate Leadership Conference
    • Directors Conference
    • CU Connect
    • MnCUN Mobile App
    • Chapters
    • Committees >
      • Committee Applications
    • Trailblazers >
      • Trailblazers Application
    • Tristate Mentorship Match
    • The CREW >
      • CREW Spotlight
    • Women's Leadership Network
  • Member Resources
    • 100 Year Celebration
    • Member Benefits
    • CU Law
    • Online Member Tools
    • MN CU Employee Benefits Plan >
      • Benefits Plan | Requesting a Quote
      • Guardian Life
    • Compliance >
      • Compliance and Audit Services
      • Submit a Compliance Question
      • PolicyAid
      • Elder Financial Abuse Prevention
    • CU FORWARD
    • DEI >
      • CDFI Resources
    • News
    • Publications
    • The Pulse
    • Awareness Campaign >
      • Advantage Story Submission Form
    • Awards >
      • Professional and Director of the Year >
        • Professional of the Year Form
        • Director of the Year Form
      • Marketing Awards
      • National Awards
  • About
    • About MnCUN >
      • Contact Us
      • Our Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Partner With Us
    • About MN Credit Unions >
      • High Yield Pale Ale
      • Impact Report
    • CU Green
  • Jobs
  • Solutions
    • Partner with Us
    • TriState Product & Services
    • TruLync Medicare Advisors >
      • TruLync Medicare & Pilot Program Results
    • WINcentive Savings/PLS
    • Strategic Planning and Consulting
  • Foundation
    • De Novo Credit Unions
    • Contribute
    • Apply for a Grant >
      • Technology Assistance Grant Application
      • Financial Inclusion Grant Application
      • Financial Education Grant Application
    • Financial Education Resources
    • CU Builder >
      • CU Builder - Previous
    • Foundation Programs >
      • Enhanced FiCEP Program
    • CU4Kids
    • Scholarship Council

The Pulse

Bob Gerads Appointed to Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Board

5/13/2025

 
Picture
The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) has welcomed Bob Gerads, President & CEO of Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, to its Board of Directors. Gerads steps into the role previously held by Trina Hoff, who was recently elected to the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) Board of Directors.

MnCUF, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded in 1969 by the Minnesota Credit Union Network, is dedicated to empowering credit unions and the communities they serve.
​The Foundation supports financial well-being through grants, community partnerships, professional development, and disaster relief initiatives. Its work is guided by a seven-member board representing credit unions of all sizes and regions across Minnesota.

In addition to advancing the Foundation’s core pillars of financial education and professional growth, the Board also provides oversight to the Foundation Scholarship Council (FSC) and Minnesota Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids) committees.

Since joining Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union in February 2023, Gerads has led the organization with a focus on sustainable growth and community engagement. His previous leadership roles at Falcon National Bank and Central Minnesota Credit Union further reflect his commitment to driving growth, community engagement, and financial stewardship. Outside of his professional role, he is an active member of the Christian Business Men’s Connection and has volunteered in youth and high school sports for over 20 years—highlighting his passion for mentorship and community involvement.

​With his blend of industry experience, principled leadership, and dedication to service, Gerads is well-positioned to support and advance the Foundation’s mission. 

Thank You For Supporting the FSC Silent Auction!

5/13/2025

 
Picture
The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation’s Scholarship Council (FSC) hosted their annual Silent Auction at Accelerate 25, raising over $8,500! All proceeds from the Silent Auction will go towards funding the next round of credit union member scholarships. A BIG thank you goes to everyone who bid on items and to those credit unions and vendors who donated auction items or funds to the scholarship program. We couldn’t offer such an impactful scholarship program without your support! 

​Looking ahead, the scholarship application for the 2025-2026 school year will open in September. Check the FSC page for updates!

HomeTown Credit Union Honors Kim Westphal with A CU Builder Award

5/7/2025

 
Andrea Molnau presents Kim Westphal with a CU Builder Award
HomeTown Credit Union and the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation are proud to recognize Kim Westphal with a Credit Union Builder Award. 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. 

Kim Westphal has dedicated her career to HomeTown Credit Union, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its growth and success. Starting as a teller while attending college, she quickly realized her passion for the credit union movement and steadily advanced through various leadership roles.
​Kim has overseen remarkable expansion, guiding HomeTown from two branches serving select employee groups to four branches serving community members across 26 counties.

She has played a pivotal role in strengthening HomeTown’s foundation, from implementing innovative lending programs to launching Minnesota’s first high-school based student-run branch. Her leadership has not only ensured financial stability but also fostered a culture of service and excellence within the credit union.

Kim’s impact extends far beyond the walls of HomeTown Credit Union. She has been a driving force behind numerous strategic initiatives that have shaped the credit union’s future, including major system conversions, branch expansions, and the founding of HomeTown Insurance Professionals. She has also been a champion of financial education, leading efforts that earned HomeTown recognition for its outreach and community support. Her involvement with credit union advocates, such as the Minnesota Credit Union Network, its Hiawatha Chapter, and the Governmental Affairs Conference, reflects her dedication to advancing the credit union movement. Through mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy, Kim has helped shape policies and best practices that benefit credit unions across the state.

Over 100 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.

​With questions, contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation.

Credit Union Professionals, Board Members Honored with Credit Union Builder Awards at Accelerate

4/30/2025

 
The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) is pleased to announce the following recipients of the Credit Union Builder Award honored at 100th Anniversary Party held during ACCELERATE 25 last week.

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. 
Red Wing Credit Union honored Shirley Perkins in recognition of 50 years of service to its Board of Directors. Shirley's service began in 1973 as a member of the Supervisory Committee and then joined the Board of Directors in 1993, serving as Board Secretary throughout her tenure until stepping away in 2025. Shirley was a guiding light for the credit union as it grew from $690 Thousand to $200 Million in assets.

The Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions is pleased to honor Dawn Dunkelberger and Grant Johnson in honor of their years of service to the chapter.
Dawn is the Vice President of Financial Services at North Memorial CU and has been a respected advocate for credit unions in Minnesota for 20 years. North Memorial and the Twin Cities Chapter applaud and commend Dawn for her work on the Chapter committee, and her work to drive meaningful content and connection as she steps down from chapter leadership.

Grant, CEO of Toro Credit Union, has served 32 years in the movement, 30 of them on the Twin Cities Chapter Board. From leading the annual golf tournament to helping rebrand the Chapter, Grant has been a driving force in our credit union community. As he prepares to retire this June, we thank him and wish him the very best.

MnCUF Board Chair and CEO of Centricity Credit Union honored Connie Carter. Connie is the CFO of Centricity CU and is being recognized for her leadership and dedication to Centricity and the credit union movement in Minnesota upon her upcoming well-earned retirement.

​Over 100 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.

Deadline for FiCEP Registration Ends Soon!

4/30/2025

 
The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions and be more confident in helping members build a stronger financial future.

The deadline to register is May 9, 2025.

The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June through September, 2025. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. Registration fees are per person and include all webinars, electronic format book (PDF), practice quizzes, a proctored exam, and the in-person workshop. 

Grant opportunities are available to assist with program cost. For the complete schedule visit Enchanced FiCEP Program | Minnesota Credit Union Foundation | mncun.org.

Please reach out to Andrea Molnau with questions.
Register Now

Last Call for Donations for the FSC Silent Auction at ACCELERATE

4/16/2025

 
The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Council (FSC) is requesting your support for our annual Silent Auction fundraiser to benefit our scholarship program!

​​​Our annual Silent Auction will be held April 22 & 23, 2025 at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake. As a signature event of the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s ACCELERATE conference, hundreds of credit union employees and their affiliates will bid on auction items. All money generated from this fundraiser goes directly to students through scholarships. Our goal is to raise $15,000! Visit the FSC Page for more details.

We hope you will consider a donation of either a silent auction item, or a monetary/cash donation to help make our goal a reality! Your support is greatly appreciated, and any donation you make is an investment in the youth of Minnesota.

Contributions:

​Cash donations: Please submit with a contribution form to the address below. Checks should be made payable to: Minnesota Credit Union Foundation; with “FSC” in the memo line or donate online.
Foundation Scholarship Council
Minnesota Credit Union Foundation
555 Wabasha St N, Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55102
​
Item donations: Please submit with a contribution form as soon as possible for our records. The item can be sent to either the address below no later than Wednesday, April 16, 2025, or deliver in person at the FSC Silent Auction booth any time Tuesday morning, April 22, 2025.
Minnesota Credit Union Network
Attn: Xiong Lee
55 Wabasha Street N, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55102

Minnco CU Employee Wins Top Fundraiser Award for the CU4Kids Chain of Hearts Fundraiser

4/2/2025

 
Picture
The Minnco Chain of Hearts campaign raised over $45,000 and Kelly Bahr, raised over $3,500 benefiting the Children's Miracle Network. 

Bahr, an teller at Minnco's North Branch location, spearheaded the "Team Christopher" fundraiser for the son of a friend, Christopher Ryan Schlemmer, born with ultra-rare metabolic genetic condition called PMM2-CDG, a condition that affected him head to toe. Christopher received care at Gillette Children's Hospital. 

"Despite the physical and mental challenges, he faced, Christopher was smart, mischievous, cheeky, funny and he always knew he would get his way. He was also known for his amazing hair and love for Pete the Cat," Kelly Bahr said.
Sadly, Christopher was admitted into the hospital in early January with Influenza A. In a matter of days, he also came down with pneumonia and meningitis and passed away at 11 years old. 

​​"The hearts campaign is something I’m very passionate about and this is where MY WHY became OUR WHY. With the permission of the Schlemmer Family we here at the Minnco in North Branch raised funds for our Hearts Campaign as TEAM CHRISTOPHER and we were able to raise as a branch alone over $10,000 in 3 weeks," Bahr said. 

Picture
​The Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping kids by raising funds for hospitals and programs across North America. In Minnesota and western Wisconsin, funds raised by Children’s Miracle Network benefit Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, Minnesota. Gillette provides specialized health care for children who have disabilities and complex medical conditions, helping them improve their health, achieve greater well-being, and enjoy life.

Registration is Open for the 2025 Enhanced FiCEP Financial Counseling Certification Program

4/2/2025

 
The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions, and help members build a stronger financial future. 

​
The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June - September. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. The program is provided in partnership between America's Credit Unions Center for Professional Development, CU Difference, and a collaboration with the Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana Credit Union Foundations.
​
​Visit mncun.org/enhanced-ficep-program to learn more. The deadline to register is Friday, May 9.
Register Now

Explore Clean Energy Lending with Inclusiv

3/26/2025

 
Join MnCUN and Inclusiv for an interactive webinar where we’ll explore why clean energy lending matters for both communities and your credit union. It’s a great chance to see how clean energy projects align with your mission, provide value for your members, and promote sustainable growth.

What to Expect:
  • Discover the "why" behind clean energy lending 
  • Understand why credit unions should care and how they can make an impact 
  • Learn how to get involved in clean energy projects 
  • Participate in a live Q&A with Inclusiv Staff

Whether you're just curious or ready to take action, this session will offer valuable insights and practical takeaways!
The webinar is free to attend but we ask that you please register. 
Register Now
<<Previous

    The Pulse

    The Pulse is MnCUN's newsletter that keeps credit union professionals and board members updated on current news and information. 

    ​The publication is delivered to credit unions weekly and offers timely and relevant credit union news, compliance updates and political information.

    You can subscribe to the Pulse by updating your subscriptions in the Member Portal

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    November 2023
    October 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020

    Categories

    All
    Awareness
    Chapters
    COVID 19
    COVID-19
    Credit Unions In The News
    DEI
    Foundation
    Governmental Affairs
    Network News
    Products & Solutions
    Professional Development
    Regulatory & Compliance

    RSS Feed

Partner with Us
Contact Us
Request login credentials
About MnCUN
​
About Credit Unions
America's Credit Unions
Picture
Copyright Minnesota Credit Union Network.  All Rights Reserved.


555 Wabasha Street North, Suite 200 | Saint Paul, MN 55102
[email protected] | Privacy Notice

If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website email [email protected] for assistance.


Picture