​​​TruLync Medicare Advisors is expanding its statewide service to Minnesota credit unions by hiring two experienced and licensed insurance agents, Amy Banker and Tammy Kausch. 

The Minnesota Credit Union Network is gearing up for CU Forward Day 2024, the annual day of giving back and spreading kindness as part of the "people helping philosophy," taking place around the state next Monday, October 14.

Here is a preview of what some credit unions are planning for the day:

• ​Farm Credit Employees FCU, CU Collaborate and the Minnesota Credit Union Network staff members are bringing joy to patients and families at Gillette Children's hospital in the form of snacks, blankets, arts and crafts and Disney movies. 
• Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union will host free document shredding, offer free seasonal flu shots, and a donation drive supporting Rochester Flyers Special Olympics. 
• My Credit Union: hosting a food drive for community partners, including VEAP and Neighbors Inc in South St. Paul.
• Riverview Credit Union: providing lunch and treats to South Saint Paul Police and Fire Departments and donating canned goods and paper products to Neighbors Inc. of South Saint Paul.
• Federated Employees CU: making blankets and donating them to “Beds For Kids” and putting together baskets for the United Way silent auction.
• Employees from Blaze CU, Expedition CU, Minnesota Catholic CU, and TruStone Financial CU, will fill three shifts at Second Harvest Heartland preparing food items to be distributed at local food shelves.

​There is still time to participate! To register your credit union's participation, please fill out this form: Minnesota Credit Union Network (mncun.org) and visit the resources page for planning tools on the CU Forward Day Resource page (login required)!

Nearly 150 credit union professionals, board members and sponsors are attending LEAD 24 at Madden's on Gull Lake in Brainerd. Sessions throughout the event were designed for both credit union professionals and Board members plus formal and informal opportunities for networking with your colleagues. 

Speakers and sessions include:

• Banking on a Human Scale, George Hofheimer
  
• Board of Directors Hot Topics, John Manzer, FarWell
  
• The War on Talent is as Intense as Ever - Marcus Cotton, Cornerstone Resources
  
• The Future Needs of the Member, Michelle Hendrix, Mastercard 
  
• 2024 Election Update - Trey Hawkins, Americas Credit Unions and Ryan Smith, MnCUN
  
• Hope is a Verb - Amy Downs, Allegiance Credit Union

Additionally, the 2023-2024 Trailblazer Executive Readiness cohort presented their credit union case studies while the new cohort kicked off the 12-month program.  MnCUN’s Trailblazers Executive Readiness Training program is designed to accelerate executive level leadership skills and build credit union specific knowledge needed to succeed in our industry.

2024 Minnesota Credit Union Marketing Awards
The Minnesota Credit Union Network Marketing Awards acknowledges the outstanding programs credit unions have created to grow brand awareness and market to members and nonmembers alike. 

There is no cost to submit entries for Minnesota Credit Union Network-affiliated credit unions and submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, October 7, 2024. Winners will be announced by mid-December 2024. 
​Visit the Submission Portal to get started. Contact MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller with questions.​
​
​2024 Minnesota Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring, Desjardins Awards

The Minnesota Credit Union Network is accepting submissions for the state-level Dora Maxwell, Louise Herring, and Desjardins awards. Submissions are open through Monday, October 7 and winners will be announced by mid-December 2024. Visit the Awards Page for descriptions on each award category and visit the Submission Portal to get started. 

As a reminder, America’s Credit Unions has announced plans to temporarily suspend the national awards program in 2024. American's Credit Unions is enthusiastic about establishing fresh recognition opportunities in 2025 and will keep you informed as more details unfold. 

​​​For questions on the state-level programs, contact Julia Miller, MnCUN Director of Communications.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network Marketing Awards acknowledges the outstanding programs credit unions have created to grow brand awareness and market to members and nonmembers alike. 

There is no cost to submit entries for Minnesota Credit Union Network-affiliated credit unions and submissions are open through 11:59 p.m. Central Standard Time on Monday, October 7, 2024. Winners will be announced by mid-December 2024. 

​Visit the Submission Portal to get started. Contact MnCUN Director of Communications Julia Miller with questions.​

We're excited to welcome 7,000 credit union members for Credit Union Day at the Minnesota State Fair! 

To celebrate the credit union advantage, we will be hosting several meet-ups throughout the day. Stop by one for a group photo and testimonial opportunities. If you are at the Fair, just look for credit union members with the "Proud Credit Union Member" buttons:

• 9:30 AM: Entrance 16
• 11:00 AM: Ramp in Front of Grandstand
• 12:00 PM: KARE 11 Barn (arrive early!) 
• 4:30 PM: Corner of Judson/Nelson

​KARE 11 host Alexis Rogers has invited credit union members to fill the barn for the 12:30 p.m. - KARE 11 News at Noon live at the Barn show and will give Credit Union Day at the Fair a shout-out! Please arrive by noon!

Follow along on social @MnCreditUnions or the hashtag #CUDayMNStateFair, and see members share why Membership has its Advantages! 

The National Credit Union Administration has announced the retirement of Cherie Freed, regional director of the NCUA’s Western Region, effective August 24, 2024. 

​"Minnesota's Credit Unions thank Cherie for her distinguished service and dedication to strengthening the credit union system," said Minnesota Credit Union Network President & CEO Mara Humphrey. 

​Freed is retiring with over 37 years of service to the NCUA. Prior to being selected as regional director in 2016, she served as the associate regional director for the Western Region. She previously served as the director of supervision and as the loss-risk analysis officer in the NCUA’s Office of Examination and Insurance. Freed began her career in 1987 as an examiner in Phoenix. In 1991, she became a problem case officer and later a corporate examiner. Throughout her NCUA career, Freed received numerous awards and recognition, including Specialized Examiner of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, and the Chairman’s Outstanding Achievement Award for Career Achievement. 

John Kutchey, regional director for the NCUA’s Eastern Region, will oversee the Western Region until a new regional director is selected. Associate Regional Director Mike Ryan will serve as the Eastern Region’s acting regional director during this transition.​