Minnesota's Credit Unions Elect Board and Honor Colleagues at ACCELERATE 24

Last week, nearly 500 credit union professionals, board members, and exhibitors gathered at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake for ACCELERATE 24. The theme for Minnesota Credit Union Network's annual conference is "Driving Innovation and Growth for Credit Unions," and speakers included Economist Elliot Eisenberg from GraphsandLaughs and International Speaker and Violinist Diane Allen, a TEDx/TED Speaker and Thought Leader who speaks on increasing the meaning, joy and fulfillment in one's work and life by Accessing the Flow State.

​During the annual business meeting, the election results were announced. Three seats were up for election: two in the at-large category and one in the 10,000 or fewer credit union members category:

• Mary Matheson of Wakota, was elected to the 10,000 or fewer member seats, and
• Dave Larson and Jay Gostonczik, were elected to three-year terms in the at-large category.      

MnCUN Board Chair Dave Boden announced he will be stepping down as Board Chair after the Annual Meeting and stepping down from the Board later this year. Boden was recognized with a gavel award for concluding his term as Board Chair. 
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Two Board Members concluded their service on the Board: Mary Hansen and Julia Havens are terming off the Board after twelve years of service. 

Dave Boden, Mary Hansen, Julia Havens were presented with framed painting of Minnesota’s state flower, the lady slipper. Part of a one-of-a-kind state flower collection, these prints are displayed at the Credit Union House on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The rarity of this print represents the unique perspective, insight and wisdom they have brought to the MnCUN Board. 
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Additionally, the Board passed an official Proclamation of Appreciation for their service and dedication to Minnesota’s Credit Unions. 

​Following the Business Meeting, Board table officers were elected. Dana Garrett, North Memorial Federal CU will serve as Chair, Steve Ewers of Member’s Cooperative Credit Union will serve as Vice Chair, and Dave Larson, of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union 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 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 Brian Volkmann, CFO and Executive Vice President of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union.

​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 Lou Bruno, Board Chair of City & County Credit Union.
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“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,” Mara Humphrey, President and CEO of the Minnesota Credit Union Network.

​Video tributes of each of the award winners are available on the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s website.