Join your colleagues for the Minnesota Credit Union Network's ACCELERATE 23– our Annual Conference. The event is April 13-14 at the Radisson Blu MOA, Bloomington. MnCUN's biggest event of the year - these 2 days will feature guest speakers, educational sessions, the Annual Business meeting, networking, the state’s largest tradeshow, and opportunities to support great causes. 

We are excited to announce the following General and Break-out Session speakers:

•  Laura Boyd, CEO Leadership Delta: “The Future of Work: Retaining our Talent”
• Casey O'Brien, 5 time cancer survivor, former Minnesota Gopher football player, speaker: “The Three Keys to Overcoming Adversity”
• Nick Westergaard, Marketing Strategist: “Get Scrappy: Smarter Digital Marketing for Credit Unions Big and Small”
• Ken Otsuka , Senior Consultant in the Risk & Compliance Solutions Department, CUNA Mutual Group: “Cybersecurity”
• David Reed, Attorney, author, consultant and nationally recognized trainer: "Financial Complexity and Good Governance: How Do Directors Face the New Reality?” and “Board Challenge: Building a Deeper Bench”
• Emma Hayes, Chief Culture Officer at State Employees Credit Union: “Strategy and Culture Connection”
• Tom Slefinger, Senior Vice President, Institutional Fixed Income Sales, Alloya Investment Services: “Maximizing Income in a Post-Pandemic World”

Registration is now open. Receive $50 off the regular registration rate if you register by Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

For more information, schedule at a glance, lodging details and more, visit our Accelerate 23 page online. With questions, contact MnCUN Vice President of Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau.

Ben Hering, Minnesota Credit Union Network's Director of Engagement, is leaving his position after 5 years of service for a role at CU Compare. 

We are excited for his next endeavor and thank him for his contributions to the Minnesota credit movement! 

Ben led the coordination of CU Forward Day and the WINcentive Savings Program and worked with the Association for Black Economic Power launch the state’s only Black-led credit union.

​​The Minnesota Credit Union Network is accepting applications for the Director of Engagement position. Interested applicants can apply at the Minnesota Credit Unions Jobs Board.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network Board of Directors and the Minnesota Credit Union Employee Benefits Plan Board of Trustees recently issued calls for candidates to serve on their respective boards.

2023 Minnesota Credit Union Network Board Election 
Three seats are up for election in 2023: two in the at-large category (3-year term), and one in the 10,000 or fewer credit union members category (3-year terms). 

The current Board of Directors is comprised of the following individuals (an asterisk indicates that the seat is up for election):

• Dave Boden: At-Large
• Mary Hansen: At-Large
• Brian Sherrick: At-Large*
• Tom Smith: At-Large
• Dan Stoltz: At-Large* (termed-off)
• Dana Garrett: Fewer than 10,000 members
• Julia Havens: Fewer than 10,000 members
• Debora Almirall: Fewer than 10,000 members
• Randy Willert: Fewer than 10,000 members*

The election process is outlined in the Network bylaws, Network Election Policy and 2023 Election Rules, and was initiated with the appointment of the Election Committee.

​The Minnesota Credit Union Network Election Committee, appointed by Mary Hansen, Chair of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, has the responsibility of overseeing the 2023 Network Board of Directors election process. The election will be conducted exclusively by mail ballot and the results will be announced at the Annual Business Meeting held during ACCELERATE 23, April 13 & 14.

​MN CU Employee Benefits Plan Board of Trustees
Two seats are up for election in 2023, both for three-year terms. The current Board of Trustees is comprised of the following individuals (an asterisk indicates that the seat is up for election):

• Mark Cummins, Appointed by Plan Sponsor, MnCUN
• John Ferstl, Appointed by Plan Sponsor, MnCUN  
• Brian Sherrick, Ideal Credit Union, Representative of MnCUN Board
• Aaron DeJong, Red Wing Credit Union Elected
• Mary Matheson, Elected
• Jon Morrill, Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Elected* (Declaration Received)
• Jay Gostonczik, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union, Elected* (Declaration Received)

Other Declared Candidates:
Charlie Yenni, Northern States Power - St. Paul Credit Union

The election process is outlined in the Plan, Election Policy and 2023 Election Rules and is initiated by this call for candidates.
The components and time frames are as follows:

1. Solicitation of candidates: emailed January 20, 2023.
2. Closing date for receiving candidacy declarations: February 24, 2023.
3. Distribution of candidate bios and ballots (if a contested election): March 1, 2023
4. Ballots must be received by MnCUN no later than 4:30 p.m. CDT on March 24. 

​
The election results will be announced by March 31.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network is now accepting nominations for its most prestigious awards. Now is your chance to nominate a colleague for the 2023 Outstanding Professional of the Year or Outstanding Director (formerly Volunteer) of the Year.

​The winners of these awards will be recognized with a video tribute during the Minnesota Credit Union Network's annual conference - the ACCELERATE 23 Conference, which will take place April 13 &14 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America in Bloomington.

• Outstanding Professional of the Year recognizes the notable service of one outstanding credit union professional who has selflessly given time, effort and talent to the support and promotion of the credit union mission and who has gone above and beyond to improve the credit union culture in Minnesota.
• ​Outstanding Director (formerly Volunteer) of the Year is given to one extraordinary credit union board member who best exemplifies the credit union spirit through dedication to, and belief in, the credit union movement. Grounds for nomination include involvement in the credit union movement at local and state levels and participation in other activities that support the credit union mission.
  ​

Nominations for the awards must be received by the Network by Tuesday, Feb., 28 by 5 p.m. Complete information and online nomination forms can be found on the MnCUN website.

 Please note that only nominations completed using the online forms will be accepted. Contact Julia Miller, MnCUN Director of Communications with questions.

​The Minnesota Credit Union Network thanks the first 10 credit union members of 2023! Dues renewal and information were sent via email to credit union CEOs/managers in early December, with a deadline of Monday, Jan. 31.
​
​Additional information about annual dues or membership with the Minnesota Credit Union Network can be found on the Members Resources page.

1. Riverview Credit Union​ ​
   
2.  FIRST PACE Credit Union
3.  City & County Credit Union
4.  Minnesota Power Employees Credit Union
5. Northern States Power - St. Paul Credit Union
6. Two Harbors Federal Credit Union
7.  Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
8. Minnesota Catholic Credit Union
9. Northern Communities Credit Union
10. Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union and Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union

With any questions about your membership, please do not hesitate to contact MnCUN President and CEO Mark Cummins or Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer Mara Humphrey.

Join your colleagues for the Minnesota Credit Union Network's major annual conference, ACCELERATE 23. The event is April 13-14 at the Radisson Blu MOA, Bloomington. MnCUN's biggest event of the year - these 2 days will feature guest speakers, educational sessions, the Annual Business meeting, networking, the state’s largest tradeshow, and opportunities to support great causes. 

​Registration is now open. Receive $50 off the regular registration rate if you register by Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. 

For more information, schedule at a glance, lodging details and more, visit our ACCELERATE 23 page online. With questions, contact MnCUN Vice President of Communications and Engagement Andrea Molnau or Director of Engagement Ben Hering.  ​

Engage in professional development and networking opportunities

• IMPACT 23: CU Day at the Capitol, Jan. 25, RiverCentre St. Paul,
• CUNA GAC, Feb. 26- March 2, Washington DC
• ​ACCELERATE 23, April 13-14, Radisson Blu MOA, Bloomington
• CEO Conference, June 21-23, St. James Hotel, Red Wing
• LEAD 23, Sept. 13-15, Madden’s Resort, Brainerd
• Hike the Hill, Sept. 26 -28, Washington D.C.
• Data Activation Series: January 23, April 23, May 23, June 23 and September 23
• New P2P Subscription
  

​
Make sure to check out the additional opportunities for you and your staff on the Professional Development webpage and MnCUN Event Calendar.

Dan graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in Applied Economics and received his law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in 1993.​

He currently serves as an appointed member on the Board of Public Defense and Mixed Blood Theater and a Director for the Vietnamese of Minnesota.  Dan immigrated to the United States with his family in 1975 from Vietnam and is fluent in Vietnamese and English and proficient in French. Dan also served as Treasurer of the Ramsey County Bar Association from 2003-2007 and was a Minnesota State Bar Association Delegate to General Assembly.     ​

​The Minnesota Credit Union Network is pleased to announce the recipients of their annual Minnesota Credit Union Marketing Awards. Winners were honored at a ceremony at Holman's Table in Saint Paul on December 20. The Award program recognize outstanding efforts in the areas of design, digital advertising, engagement & outreach, video, and complete campaigns.

​​“Minnesota credit unions are doing remarkable things to grow brand awareness and market to members and nonmembers alike,” said MnCUN Vice President of Communications & Engagement Andrea Molnau. “The statewide awards program was very competitive this year! We would like to congratulate the winners and thank all of credit unions who submitted creative and innovative projects.”

Complete Campaign
Less than $100 million: North Star Credit Union, "1.99% Vehicle Loans"
$100 million to $250 million: Associated Healthcare Credit Union, "St. Catherine Partnership"
$250 to $500 million: Unity One Credit Union, "Live Outside Your Bills"
$500 Million to $1 billion, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union, "Top Secret - Refer a Friend"
More than $1 billion: Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, "Life Math is Complicated. We Make it Easier."

Design
Less than $100 million: North Star Credit Union, "Mining for Good Rates"
$100 million to $250 million: Associated Healthcare Credit Union, "Branding Update"
$250 to $500 million: Unity One Credit Union, "95th Anniversary"
$500 Million to $1 billion: TopLine Financial Credit Union, "National Insurance Month"
More than $1 billion, TruStone Financial Credit Union, "Brand Personality"

Digital Advertising
Less than $100 million: North Star Credit Union, "New Branch: Grand Opening & Shopping Spree"
$100 million to $250 million: Associated Healthcare Credit Union, "Digital Refresh"
$500 Million to $1 billion: TopLine Financial Credit Union, "5 Days of TopLine Giveaway"
More than $1 billion: SPIRE Credit Union "HomeAdvantage YETI Cooler Giveaway Campaign"

Engagement & Outreach
Less than $100 million: North Star Credit Union, "Family Fun Day"
$100 million to $250 million: Associated Healthcare Credit Union "PCs for People"
$250 million to $500 million - "Inaugural Fall Classic Charity Cornhole Tournament," MY Credit Union
$500 Million to $1 billion: TopLine Financial Credit Union, "TopLine Donation Drives"
More than $1 billion: City & County Credit Union, "Tip Tuesday, Financial Education Series"

Video
Less than $100 million: NorthRidge Community Credit Union, "Local Dough Video Series"
$250 million to $500 million - "Inaugural Fall Classic Charity Cornhole Tournament," MY Credit Union
$500 million to $1 billion, " TopLine Financial Credit Union, "Community Giveback"
More than $1 billion, Wings Financial Credit Union, "Member of Opportunity Commercials"

The over 60 applications were evaluated by volunteer judges:
LeAnn Case, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, The Servion Group
John Coleman, Marketing Communications Manager, MD/DC Credit Union Association
Lindsey Hefta, Director of Marketing, Dakota Credit Union Association