Minnesota’s Credit Unions Elect Board; Honor Colleagues at ACCELERATE 22 Annual Conference

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