​The Minnesota Credit Union Network continued to receive high ratings from credit unions statewide in the 2021 Performance Survey. As we work to ensure impactful service and programming, MnCUN has conducted an annual performance survey for the past twenty years to gauge its performance over the previous calendar year.

​According to member credit unions, the Network has maintained its level of excellence in service and value from year to year. Overall satisfaction has remained high, with 85% of survey respondents answering “extremely satisfied” or “satisfied” with the Network. 86% noted that MnCUN has improved or maintained its service to credit unions. Legislative advocacy, regulatory compliance, member communications, and training/education opportunities remain highly valued services provided by MnCUN.
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 “The Minnesota Credit Union Network staff and Board of Directors view the survey feedback as extremely vital as we strive to provide value to our members,” said MnCUN President & CEO Mark Cummins. “Thank you for your continued support and participation in the services the Network provides.” 

After over 40 years of service, Julie Lunde, Item Processor with TruLync, is retiring this week. Julie started in 1981 and has been through many changes not only in technology, but organizationally, with TruLync and the Minnesota Item Processing Corporation (MnIPC).

​​“On behalf of the Minnesota Credit Union Network and TruLync, I would like to thank Julie for her dedication and support over the years,” said TruLync Manager of Operations Ryan Fox.

​​Julie's tenure comes to an end after TruLync sold its item processing services to Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union last year. "Julie was essential in ensuring a seamless transition to Alloya for TruLync's clients,” said Fox.

​Tim Tacheny, the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s General Counsel, was recognized during an awards ceremony at the CUNA HR & Organizational Development Council Conference last week. The winners and their accomplishments will be featured in an upcoming issue of Credit Union Magazine.

​​Tim was the recipient of the Excellence in HR & Organizational Development Award in the Management Practices category for his role in developing the Minnesota Credit Union Employee Benefits Plan. Launched in 2019, Minnesota the Benefits Plan is an association health plan for Minnesota credit unions and credit union service organizations (CUSOs) to jointly offer health benefits to their employees. 19 employer groups participate in the plan with 900 employees and dependents covered.

"Because of Tim's expertise, credit unions and CUSOs benefit from the cooperative model to purchase and offer benefits to employees while reducing cost and risk volatility," said Mark Cummins, President & CEO of Minnesota Credit Union Network.

Also at the conference, Tim participated in a panel discussion on collaboration with Jill Casper, Vice President of Community Engagement at Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union and Jennifer McHugh, Vice President of Community Engagement at Royal Credit Union.

Last week, over 400 credit union professionals, board members, and exhibitors from across Minnesota gathered for ACCELERATE 22, the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s annual conference.

​​​​Held at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington, the conference featured guest speakers, educational sessions, networking opportunities, the MnCUN Business Meeting, the state’s largest credit union vendor exhibit hall, the Foundation Scholarship Council’s annual Silent Auction, and the annual CU4Kids Karaoke for Kids event.

United States Senator Tina Smith addressed attendees affirming her support  for credit unions and how credit unions provide affordable financial services and put members and communities first. Attendees also received public policy updates and more information about the strategic expansion of the national consumer awareness and consideration initiative.

Kat Perkins, speaker and entertainer, closed the conference with an inspiring experience about finding your passion, taking leadership, working with others, and living fearlessly.

During the annual business meeting, the election results were announced. Two incumbents were re-elected, and one new member, was elected to three-year terms on the MnCUN Board of Directors:

• Dave Boden, Hiway Federal Credit Union – At Large Category
• Debora Almirall, Minnesota Power Employees CU – 10,000 or Fewer Members Category
• Dana Garrett, North Memorial FCU – 10,000 or Fewer Members Category

Following the Business Meeting, Board table officers were elected. Mary Hansen of Mayo Employees Federal CU will serve as Chair, Brian Sherrick, of Ideal Credit Union will serve as Vice Chair, and Dave Boden of Hiway CU will serve as Secretary/Treasurer.

Minn. Credit Unions Honor Colleagues during Awards Breakfast
The Minnesota Credit Union Network presented the Outstanding Credit Union Director of the Year and Outstanding Credit Union Professional of the Year awards at a ceremony during the conference. The Director of the Year Award is given to a credit union board member who best represents the credit union spirit through dedication to, and belief in, the credit union movement. The Outstanding Credit Union Director of the Year Award honor was awarded to Jim Kaster, outgoing Board Chair of TopLine Federal Credit Union.

The Professional of the Year Award is given to a remarkable person who truly stands behind the “people helping people” credit union philosophy. This year, the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s honoree for Outstanding Credit Union Professional of the Year Award went to Dave Boden, President & CEO of Hiway Credit Union
 
“The Outstanding Professional and Director of the Year is the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s most prestigious awards and its recipients have distinguished themselves in their efforts to better their credit unions and promote credit union movement,” Mark Cummins, President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, the state’s trade association for credit unions.

ACCELERATE 23 will be back at the Radisson Blu April 13-14, 2023

​​Nearly 400 credit union employees, board members and exhibitors will participate in MnCUN's biggest event of the year, April 21 & 22 at the Radisson Blu MOA. These 2 days will feature guest speakers, educational sessions, networking, the state’s largest tradeshow and opportunities to support great causes. 

Social: Have something to share about the event? We’ll be using #ACCELERATE22 on social media. Be sure to follow MnCUN on Facebook (@MinnesotaCreditUnions), Twitter (@mncreditunions), and Instagram (@mncreditunions).

Event App: Attendees will have exclusive access to the conference mobile app, which will include schedules, speaker and session details, attendee engagement and information about our supporting partners! This is also where we will post speaker presentations and surveys.  Download the app by visiting the app store and searching for the "Minnesota Credit Union Network."​

​Covid-19 Safety Guidelines
MnCUN is committed to the wellbeing of all attendees, guests, sponsors, speakers, and staff as we return to in person events. We will follow the current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Community Level Recommendations that are in effect at the time of the conference. The community level of COVID-19 in Hennepin County is low; therefore, the CDC recommendations are to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms. Attendees may choose to mask at any time, however at this point they will not be required. We do ask those with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19, not attend the event. 

Minnesota credit unions are engaging and advancing financial well-being for all Minnesotans of all ages during the month of April. Highlights include: 

•  ​Minnesota Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold visited Hiway's student run branch at Como Park High School to celebrate Financial Capability Month. Three students run the branch during their lunch hour. They talk with their peers and about the importance of saving, how to budget, monitoring spending, understanding credit and the tools available to help them manage their money.
• The Minnesota Credit Union Network hosted "Briefing on Building Economic Equity for Minnesota" that debuted on Facebook. The briefing included:
  • Credit Union Initiatives 
    • ​Fulda Area Credit Union – Culturally Connected Services
    • First Alliance Credit Union– Community Engagement Initiatives
    • Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union– Citizenship Loans and Bank Dora
    • Association for Black Economic Power/Village Financial Credit Union
      
      
  • Public Driven Initiatives: Rep. Agbaje – HF4269 First Generation Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance Fund
  • Coopera – A Snapshot of Shifting Minnesota Demographics​

Upcoming Opportunities
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NCUA and FDIC Host Webinar for Youth Workforce Practitioners & Financial Institutions on April 14
Register Now for Account Access and Financial Education for Youth Participating in Employment Programs (Part III): Factors and Tools that Influence Youth Financial Behavior

The National Credit Union Administration and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will co-host a webinar focused on credit union officials, bankers, and workforce providers who help young people (ages 16–24) toward financial stability on Thursday, April 14, beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern.

Register Now
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On Minnesota April 19, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Minnesota Jump$tart will welcome an engaging panel of educators and community partners for a conversation focused on financial education requirements in the K-12 curriculum. The conversation on the importance of financial education for Minnesota youth will be based on a remarkable student-led survey conducted in the winter of 2021, showing 74% of students surveyed would like to see it as a requirement in the curriculum.

More information and to register: Minnesota - Jump$tart Coalition (jumpstart.org)

Education and Engagement - Financial Capability for all Minnesotans
Thurs., April 28, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hosted by the Minnesota Department of Commerce: 
Topic: How lifelong education and the support of communities and cities can help close the wealth gap and provide more opportunities for all Minnesotans.  

Register Now

Continue to share your financial education initiatives and activities for the month of April with MnCUN, by emailing Director of Communications Julia Miller. ​

​Network Committees are seeking interested members for appointment. Applications to serve on Network committees will be accepted through tomorrow, Thursday, March 31, 2022. 

The Network Board Chair will appoint Committee members to serve for one year – from their appointment through the following year’s Annual Business Meeting, taking place during the ACCELERATE conference in April.​ 

​Awards Committee: facilitates statewide and national awards programs and judges other states’ award program entries. On the national level, the committee coordinates Minnesota’s entries for CUNA’s Dora Maxwell and Louise Herring Awards and the Desjardins Award for Financial Education. On the state level, the committee recognizes individuals through the Professional and Director of the Year Awards. Network Staff Liaison: Julia Miller

Political Involvement Committee (PIC): provides input and recommendations on legislative efforts at the state and federal level. Policy suggestions and regulatory roadblocks are brought to the attention of PIC to collectively formulate the Network’s positions on legislation. PIC is also responsible for political fundraising, and oversees the distribution of political contributions made to credit union-friendly candidates. Network Staff Liaison: Ryan Smith

Regulatory Review Committee: provides input and recommendations on proposed rules from various federal agencies that have the potential to impact credit unions. The committee meets regularly to review proposed rules that are out for comment and determines whether or not a response is necessary. Network Staff Liaison: Tim Tacheny

CREW Advisory Group: credit union staff, 40 and under, help brainstorm, plan and facilitate programming geared toward young professionals throughout the year. The group meets quarterly and is encouraged to participate in CREW-related programming, major MnCUN events and industry initiatives. Network Staff Liaison: Ben Hering

Any specific questions can be directed to the Network Staff Liaison listed for each committee. ​

The Minnesota Credit Union Network’s mission is to serve credit unions by supporting growth in market share through advocacy, awareness, leadership, regulatory relief, professional development and strategic partnerships. As we look back on 2021, your feedback and input guide the service extended back to you as your state trade association. 

​​Please provide to the Network staff and Board of Directors your response to our 2021 annual performance by Thursday, March 31. This survey will take 5-10 minutes of your time and we welcome all comments.