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The Pulse

HomeTown Credit Union Honors Kim Westphal with A CU Builder Award

5/7/2025

 
Andrea Molnau presents Kim Westphal with a CU Builder Award
HomeTown Credit Union and the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation are proud to recognize Kim Westphal with a Credit Union Builder Award. The Credit Union Builder Award honors an individual’s dedication to the success, growth, and vitality of the not-for-profit financial movement in Minnesota. 

Kim Westphal has dedicated her career to HomeTown Credit Union, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to its growth and success. Starting as a teller while attending college, she quickly realized her passion for the credit union movement and steadily advanced through various leadership roles.
​Kim has overseen remarkable expansion, guiding HomeTown from two branches serving select employee groups to four branches serving community members across 26 counties.

She has played a pivotal role in strengthening HomeTown’s foundation, from implementing innovative lending programs to launching Minnesota’s first high-school based student-run branch. Her leadership has not only ensured financial stability but also fostered a culture of service and excellence within the credit union.

Kim’s impact extends far beyond the walls of HomeTown Credit Union. She has been a driving force behind numerous strategic initiatives that have shaped the credit union’s future, including major system conversions, branch expansions, and the founding of HomeTown Insurance Professionals. She has also been a champion of financial education, leading efforts that earned HomeTown recognition for its outreach and community support. Her involvement with credit union advocates, such as the Minnesota Credit Union Network, its Hiawatha Chapter, and the Governmental Affairs Conference, reflects her dedication to advancing the credit union movement. Through mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy, Kim has helped shape policies and best practices that benefit credit unions across the state.

Over 100 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders since the award's inception. The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s lobby as a tribute to those who have dedicated time and energy to building the credit union movement.

​With questions, contact Andrea Molnau, Executive Director of the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation.

Credit Unions Unite: Urge Congress to Protect Our Tax-Exempt Status

4/30/2025

 
As the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee begins to draft the tax bill, we need your voice. The taxation issue impacts ALL credit unions, regardless of asset size. Credit unions remain unique because of their structure and mission, not their assets.

​Credit Unions need to take action now. First, reach out to your legislators by responding to our GREAT alert: Let them know why credit unions matter and how this tax exemption helps real people every day.

Second - engage your members. This isn’t a conversation we should shy away from. In our most recent consumer poll, 79% of Minnesota consumers indicated they supported the Credit Union Tax exemption because of our not-for-profit status. Leverage the toolkit (login required) we’ve created to engage your teams and your members.

Mary Matheson, President & CEO of Wakota FCU, and Caitlin Brama, Farm Credit Employees FCU share why it is important for credit unions to be involved in advocacy.

Credit Unions Celebrate Excellence in Marketing, Outreach, Political Involvement at Celebration Booth

4/30/2025

 
​Congratulations to the credit unions who were recognized at the Celebration Booth in the Exhibit Hall during ACCELERATE 25 last week! Annual award winners got the ultimate red-carpet experience as they received their awards and shared their stories of giving back and spreading the word about the credit union advantage. We'll be sharing these stories throughout the summer and fall as credit unions celebrate 100 Years!
VIEW EVENT PHOTOS

Political Involvement Awards

GREAT (Highest Number of GREAT Members) – Mid Minnesota FCU​
GREAT (Highest Percentage of GREAT Members) – Mid Minnesota FCU
Highest Total Contributions Credit Union to Capital Club 
-Wings CU 
Payroll Deduction (Highest Total Contribution) 
–City & County CU
Payroll Deduction (Highest Percentage Participating)
 – United Employees CU
Payroll Deduction (Highest Number of Employees Contributing) – 
Minnco CU
​Highest Total Contributions from a Chapter for 2024
 – Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions

Minnesota Credit Union Marketing Awards

​Complete Campaign

​Less than $100 million
​Federated Employees Credit Union
Youth Month Grand Slam Offer
 
$100 million to $250 million
Northwoods Credit Union
Mastercard Debit Card Conversion Campaign
 
$500 million to $1 billion
Ideal Credit Union
Get to Know Ida, Ideal's New AI Assistant
 
More than $1 Billion
Royal Credit Union
60th Anniversary Campaign
Engagement & Outreach
​
​
Less than $100 million
Federated Employees Credit Union
Skip A Payment
 
$100 million to $250 million
Associated Healthcare Credit Union
Engagement/Outreach Marketing Award Submission
 
$500 million to $1 Billion
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
Bring Hope To Those In Need
 
More than $1 Billion
City & County Credit Union
My Cause, My Credit Union
Design
​

​
Less than $100 million
​Federated Employees Credit Union
FECU 90th Logo

​$100 million to $250 million
Associated Healthcare Credit Union
Digital Marketing Advertising Award Submission
 
$500 million to $1 billion
Ideal Credit Union
Designing for the Future - Introducing Ida - Ideal's AI assistant
 
More than $1 Billion
City & County Credit Union
Think Pink
Video
​
​$100 million to $250 million
North Star Credit Union
Star Explores Her Roots
 
$500 million to $1 billion
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
Make Money Moments
 
More than $1 Billion
Royal Credit Union
Money Donuts Podcast Video Series
Digital Advertising
​
Less than $100 Million

Federated Employees Credit Union
Celebrate Everyday Social Media Campaign
 
$100 million to $250 million
Associated Healthcare Credit Union
Digital Marketing Advertising Award Submission
 
More than $1 billion
Wings Credit Union
Mortgage Loyalty Discount Offer

​Desjardins Adult & Youth Financial Education Awards

Adult Education
​

$50 - 250 million in assets 

FLi with NCCYou
​​
$250 million - $1 billion in assets 
HomeTown Helping Neighbors in Transition
​
More than $1 billion in assets         
TopLine Financial CU
Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC) Program and Financial Learning Center
Youth Education

$50 - 250 million in assets

North Star Credit Union
Star's Book on Saving Money
 
More than $1 billion in assets         
Blaze CU
Youth Financial Education and Twins Cities Financial Trailblazers

​Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award

​$50 - 250 million in assets
NorthRidge Community Credit Union Little Free Pantry
 
More than $1 billion in assets
Affinity Plus Federal CU
Credit Builder and Matched Savings Pilot Program

Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Member Service Award

​More than $1 billion in assets
TopLine Financial Credit Union
Rondo Community Land Trust Partnership

​Milestone Anniversaries

  • Accentra Credit Union – 95 Years of Member Service
  • Brainerd BN CU – 85 Years of Member Service
  • City & County Employees CU – 75 Years of Member Service
  • Latvian CU – 60 Years of Member Service
  • Mid Minnesota FCU- 55 Years of Member Service
  • Minnco CU – 90 Years of Member Service
  • Proctor CU –55 Years of Member Service
  • TopLine Financial CU – 90 Years of Member Service

MnCUN Says Farewell to Randi Sundsmo

4/30/2025

 
Randi Sundsmo
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!

Credit Union Professionals, Board Members Honored with Credit Union Builder Awards at Accelerate

4/30/2025

 
The Minnesota Credit Union Foundation (MnCUF) is pleased to announce the following recipients of the Credit Union Builder Award honored at 100th Anniversary Party held during ACCELERATE 25 last week.

The Credit Union Builder Award honors an individual’s dedication to the success, growth, and vitality of the not-for-profit financial movement in Minnesota. 
Red Wing Credit Union honored Shirley Perkins in recognition of 50 years of service to its Board of Directors. Shirley's service began in 1973 as a member of the Supervisory Committee and then joined the Board of Directors in 1993, serving as Board Secretary throughout her tenure until stepping away in 2025. Shirley was a guiding light for the credit union as it grew from $690 Thousand to $200 Million in assets.

The Twin Cities Chapter of Credit Unions is pleased to honor Dawn Dunkelberger and Grant Johnson in honor of their years of service to the chapter.
Dawn is the Vice President of Financial Services at North Memorial CU and has been a respected advocate for credit unions in Minnesota for 20 years. North Memorial and the Twin Cities Chapter applaud and commend Dawn for her work on the Chapter committee, and her work to drive meaningful content and connection as she steps down from chapter leadership.

Grant, CEO of Toro Credit Union, has served 32 years in the movement, 30 of them on the Twin Cities Chapter Board. From leading the annual golf tournament to helping rebrand the Chapter, Grant has been a driving force in our credit union community. As he prepares to retire this June, we thank him and wish him the very best.

MnCUF Board Chair and CEO of Centricity Credit Union honored Connie Carter. Connie is the CFO of Centricity CU and is being recognized for her leadership and dedication to Centricity and the credit union movement in Minnesota upon her upcoming well-earned retirement.

​Over 100 individuals have been designated as Credit Union Builders since the award's inception. The names of the recipients and the contributing credit unions are permanently displayed in the Minnesota Credit Union Network’s lobby as a tribute to those who have dedicated time and energy to building the credit union movement.

Deadline for FiCEP Registration Ends Soon!

4/30/2025

 
The Enhanced Financial Counseling Certification Program (FiCEP) teaches credit union staff how to counsel members so they can budget better, smartly save, pay down debt and plan for the future. Obtaining the training and associated credentials allows your credit union to differentiate itself from other financial institutions and be more confident in helping members build a stronger financial future.

The deadline to register is May 9, 2025.

The cohort-style training consists of 8 tutorial webinars, exam preparation, proctored exam, and program development training - taking place between June through September, 2025. Upon completion, participants will receive the Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor (CCUFC) designation. Registration fees are per person and include all webinars, electronic format book (PDF), practice quizzes, a proctored exam, and the in-person workshop. 

Grant opportunities are available to assist with program cost. For the complete schedule visit Enchanced FiCEP Program | Minnesota Credit Union Foundation | mncun.org.

Please reach out to Andrea Molnau with questions.
Register Now

Minnesota Credit Unions Celebrate 100 Years at Accelerate 25 Conference

4/24/2025

 
Mara Humphrey presenting at the business meeting during Accelerate 25.Mara Humphrey presenting at the business meeting during Accelerate 25.
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. 

Cheers to 100 Years: High Yield Pale Ale Debuts at Accelerate 25

4/24/2025

 
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MnCUN is proud to officially launch High Yield Pale Ale, a special collaboration between the Minnesota Credit Union Network and Broken Clock Cooperative Brewing. This limited-edition craft beer was brewed right here in Minnesota, in honor of a century of people helping people.

​A cooperative brewing with a cooperative to celebrate a century of people helping people. We think that’s pretty poetic... and pretty tasty.

​Even better? Broken Clock is donating a portion of proceeds from High Yield sales to support the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation and financial literacy efforts statewide. So, every pint poured helps move our mission forward.

You’ll soon be able to bring High Yield Pale Ale to your own credit union gatherings, community events, or simply enjoy it with members who want to toast to the credit union difference.

​Interested in how to get High Yield Pale Ale in your hands—or on your tap list? Connect with Broken Clock Cooperative Brewing to learn more about distribution and availability. And watch the Pulse for additional details in the coming weeks!

2025 Outstanding Professional and Director of the Year Honored

4/24/2025

 
The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) proudly presented the Outstanding Credit Union Professional of the Year and Director of the Year at a ceremony held during the MnCUN ACCELERATE 25 Conference on April 22 at the Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, Minn. These two awards highlight leaders who pioneer and embody what it means to put first the community and financial well-being of Minnesotans. 
The Outstanding Professional of the Year is given to a remarkable person who truly stands behind the “people helping people” credit union philosophy. The 2025 Outstanding Professional of the Year is Randy Willert. 

​​Randy has been the President and CEO of Two Harbors Federal Credit Union (THFCU) since 2012 and has worked at various Credit Unions since 1985. 

​His expertise and dedication to credit unions has been on full display since he took the helm at THFCU. In 2012, THFCU was struggling with little community visibility. Randy oversaw a complete transformation, with Two Harbors Federal Credit Union becoming a flourishing member of our network, serving its members, supporting its community, and contributing to credit unions statewide.  

After receiving his award, Randy reflected on the work credit unions do, saying: "People helping people is not just a slogan -- its really what we do."
The Outstanding 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 Director of the Year is Daryl Mark. 

Daryl has served on the Red Wing Credit Union Board of Directors for 32 years and has served as Board Chair for 30 years​
​Under Daryl’s direction, the credit union has grown from 4,500 members and $18 million in assets to 9,500 members and $190 million in assets today. For 32 years, Daryl has provided steady, consistent governance, with a practical, member-centered vision for how our credit union functions. 

In accepting his award, Daryl kept the focus on credit union members, emphasizing: "Credit unions big, small and in between, let's remember the main thing, taking care of our members, one at a time."

​"We are proud to honor these great leaders, who have spent their careers contributing to Minnesota's credit unions and their members," Mara Humphrey, MnCUN President and CEO.
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