We’re excited to announce that starting next Monday, MnCUN will launch a refreshed and expanded version of the ACCELERATION newsletter now delivered weekly!

This new version replaces the PULSE and brings with it a bold, modern design that’s more visual and compelling. Each issue will surface the most relevant resources, updates, and opportunities that Minnesota’s credit unions need to know for the week ahead. 

​Here’s what you can expect:

• A Fresh Visual Design: Vibrant layout, more graphics, and intuitive navigation to help you find what matters most—fast.
• Timely, Actionable Content: Weekly updates on compliance, legislative and regulatory news, professional development, and MnCUN initiatives.
• Resources to Accelerate Your Credit Union: Get insights into MnCUN initiatives and discover tools and solutions to help your team thrive.
• Delivered Weekly: Every Monday at 3:00 p.m., straight to your inbox.

Stay connected:
To ensure you receive the new ACCELERATION newsletter, log in to the Member Portal, go to “Edit this Profile,” and select “Update my Preferences.” Be sure to check “Acceleration” under the Subscription section.

The Pulse archives will remain available on https://www.mncun.org/the-pulse for your reference.

Later this summer, we’ll also debut Elevate, a monthly newsletter designed to highlight and inspire the people of the credit union movement.

​We’re excited to bring you this new and improved communication experience. Thank you for staying engaged with MnCUN as we continue to evolve and support your credit union’s growth. Contact MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller with questions.

Since its launch on May 1, CU Law Partners has seen a surge in demand from credit unions across Minnesota. Currently working with approximately 13 credit unions — a number that continues to grow daily — the firm provides a wide range of legal services tailored to the needs of the credit union industry.

Areas of representation include: 

• ​State and federal regulatory compliance,
• internal loan documents and member agreements,
• commercial loan agreements,
• collections and bankruptcy matters,
• vendor contract due diligence and negotiation,
• employment and HR issues,
• and corporate business guidance.

In addition, CU Law Partners regularly offers free legal advisory opinions to help credit unions proactively manage risks and avoid more extensive legal proceedings.

Driven by its mission to help credit unions and their members prosper, CU Law Partners is rapidly expanding its team and reach to meet the needs of credit unions statewide. The firm’s fixed-fee structure has proven to be a key factor in keeping legal services both affordable and efficient, providing credit unions of all sizes with high-quality representation and clear, results-driven outcomes. The combination of legal expertise and a predictable pricing model ensures that credit unions can confidently manage legal matters without unpredictable costs.

CU Law Partners extends its gratitude to its current clients and looks forward to building new relationships with additional members of the Minnesota Credit Union Network. "We are committed to supporting credit unions of all asset sizes as they serve their members and communities," said Dan Le, Principal of CU Law Partners. "It has been exciting to see the momentum so far, and we are eager to continue delivering value to credit unions throughout the state."

Contact CU Law Partners to discover how they can assist your credit union in a variety of legal services - tailored to your needs and budget. Visit their contact page for more information: https://www.culawpartners.com/#contactsection.

Credit unions across Minnesota are invited to participate in the inaugural Minnesota Cooperative Summit: Cooperatively Building a Better World, taking place July 29–30, 2025, at the University of Minnesota Morris. This landmark event celebrates the International Year of Cooperatives and offers a unique opportunity for credit unions to engage with the broader cooperative community.

Why Credit Unions Should Attend 
​As a proud sponsor, the Minnesota Credit Union Network underscores the importance of this summit in fostering collaboration and innovation among cooperatives. Event highlights include:

• Keynote Address: Insights from Jerome Nikolai Warren, co-author of The Routledge Handbook of Cooperative Economics and Management, on the future of cooperative economics.
• Special Remarks: From former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie, current President of Global Minnesota and longtime advocate for cooperatives.
• Co-op Tours: Explore successful cooperative models in Morris on July 29.
• Interactive Sessions: Engage in breakout discussions on creative cooperative solutions for community issues.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow cooperators during receptions and meals.

Celebrating Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Broken Clock Cooperative Brewery will be serving Minnesota Credit Union’s High Yield Pale Ale at the closing reception, highlighting our partnership as an example of collaboration in our cooperative ecosystem.

Register Now
Thanks to sponsorships, registration costs are low, and scholarships are available. Attendees have access to free onsite childcare and optional bus transportation from the Twin Cities. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that aims to strengthen the cooperative movement in Minnesota. For more information and to register, visit www.mncooperativesummit.org.

We're pleased to share the new MnCUN Events Calendar! From here, you can see MnCUN major events, professional development and networking opportunities, events supporting the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation and its committees and community events.

Events can by filtered by date or event type: 

​You can navigate back and forward by month or “Today.” There are two options to view the calendar - as a "Month Grid" or "Event List."

Do you have a fundraiser or event you want to share with the Minnesota Credit Union community?
We are introducing a new self-service option to get your event posted to the MnCUN Event Calendar.
​Login in required to complete the submission form and allow for 2 business days for approval. 

We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the second annual Tristate Collaborative Leadership Conference, bringing together credit union professionals from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana for two days of inspiration, learning, and connection.

​Last year’s inaugural event was a hit—this year promises even more! Join us for a robust agenda focused on leadership, innovation, and collaboration in the credit union movement.

​2025 Agenda Highlights Include:

1. Opening Keynote: Financial Well-Being & Effective Leadership 
2. Breakout Sessions: Topics on mentorship, advocacy, digital transformation, global credit union engagement, and more
3. Interactive Workshops: Roundtables, authentic networking, and real-world leadership tools
4. Networking Reception and Mentorship Celebration Coffee Hour

Date: Aug 05 1:00 PM - Aug 06, 2025 3:45 PM
Location: JW Mariott Mall of America
2141 Lindau Lane
Bloomington, MN 55425
Cost: $449 | Early Bird - July 7
$499 | Regular - Registration deadline: July 29
​
​Whether you’re leading a team, mentoring the next generation, or just beginning your journey, this conference will spark new ideas and empower your growth. We can’t wait to see you in August as we continue to build a collaborative credit union leadership community across our three great states.

A century ago, Minnesotans came together with a bold idea: what if financial institutions were built not for profit, but for people and started our first credit union. That idea has stood the test of time—and here we are, stronger than ever, still rooted in cooperation, still growing, still serving. 

As we mark this occasion, we invite credit unions to gather, share and celebrate Minnesota’s credit union history.  The 100th anniversary of the first state-chartered credit union in Minnesota is an opportunity to demonstrate our bold, community-focused spirit to members and non-member alike.

Join us! The Minnesota Credit Union Network is pleased to offer resources and opportunities to engage in the celebration all year long:

This week we thank Randi Sundsmo, the dedicated Executive Assistant at the Minnesota Credit Union Network, for her service as she starts a new role.

​Since joining us in 2022, Randi has been an invaluable member of our team, bringing her exceptional organizational skills and positive energy to every task. Her contributions have significantly enhanced our operations and fostered a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Randi's departure marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career as she transitions to a role at a credit union. While we will miss her presence and the unique spark she brought to our team, we are thrilled for her as she embarks on this new journey.

​As we say goodbye for now, we extend our deepest gratitude to Randi for her hard work and dedication over the past few years. Good luck, Randi, and thank you for everything!

The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) celebrated a landmark event signifying a century of service and community impact for Minnesota Credit Unions, the ACCELERATE 25 Conference. Packed with engaging guest speakers, educational sessions, and networking, it was the state’s largest trade show with professional development opportunities for credit union board members and employees. The last three days included speeches from elected officials, credit union leadership, and statewide financial experts. 

​Congressman Brad Finstad joined the conference as a strong supporter and member of a credit union. Congressman Finstad reflected on the community-based model under which credit unions operate, emphasizing “you’re in our communities, you’re a part of our communities, you understand the communities that you serve, and the value that you provide is great.”

​Congressman Finstad mentioned that for this reason and others, his family is proud to be a member of their local credit union. 

MnCUN is excited to share the launch of two services it is providing: CU Law Partners, affordable and expert legal representation to meet the demands of credit unions, and TruLync Medicare Advisors, a service to help members navigate Medicare and save on their annual premiums. 

Also, during the business meeting, the results of the 2025 MnCUN Board of Directors were announced. Aaron DeJong, Red Wing Credit Union, and Dana Garrett, North Memorial Federal Credit Union, were re-elected and Trina Hoff, Northern Communities Credit Union, was elected to a full term after being appointed to fill the remainder of Deb Almirall's term after she retired.

​Finally, the conference celebrated 100 years of credit unions in Minnesota with a 1925-themed anniversary party. Attendees sported their finest roaring 20’s themed outfits and celebrated a century of the credit union advantage in Minnesota.