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.

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. 

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!

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. 

​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."

​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.

By: TruStage and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Staff. This article is provided through MnCUN's partnership with TruStage.

TruStageTM, a leader in providing insurance and financial services to credit unions and their members, is proud to announce its new sponsorship agreement with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® (CMN Hospitals). As a part of the new agreement, TruStage will commit $392,500 to CMN Hospitals through Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), the charity of choice for the credit union industry. The dollars will be used to sponsor nine events across the country, aimed at raising funds and awareness for the treatment and care of children in local hospitals.

"We are honored to support the incredible work of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the credit union industry through Credit Unions for Kids," said, TruStage Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Tammy Schultz. "This contribution is a testament to our dedication to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. By sponsoring these nine events, we hope to help raise vital funds and awareness for children’s health—a critical concern for both TruStage and credit unions.”  

TruStage will help raise $7.5 million in 2025 through these nine events. More than 200 credit unions participate in these events and over 125 hospitals will benefit from the funds raised.

John Bratsakis, President and CEO of MD|DC Credit Union Association and Chair of the CU4Kids Advisory Board adds, “Our industry would not be able to put on events like the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Run and others, without the support of our long-term and trusted partner TruStage. We are very grateful for their long-term commitment and support.”

Credit Unions for Kids is a national collaboration between credit unions and CMN Hospitals that raises funds to support pediatric healthcare services. These donations fund life-saving treatments, research, medical equipment, and support programs for children.

The sponsorship of the nine upcoming events will provide critical financial support to hospitals in various regions of the country, directly benefiting children and families in need.

"We are extremely grateful for TruStage’s generous contribution," said Kristen Schavemaker, Chief Programs and Foundation Partnerships Officer at CMN Hospitals. "Their sponsorship plays a crucial role in advancing our mission to provide the best possible care for children in need. These events will make a real difference in the lives of millions of children across the nation."

​Over the last 25 years, TruStage has contributed close to $1.9 million to CMN Hospitals.

We can’t wait to see you at ACCELERATE 25 – our biggest event yet, and a celebration 100 years in the making! Registered attendees and exhibitor will receive more details via email later today. In the meantime, here are a few highlights:

🏆 Visit the Celebration Booth 
​Celebrate our award winners at Booth #215 in the Minnetonka Ballroom. Check the award schedule for your pickup/photo time! 
​
🎉 100th Anniversary Party – Tuesday Night 
Celebrate a century of credit union impact at our 1925-inspired party! The event includes Dinner stations, awards, live music by The Covers and is included with your registration. Dress in your best Roaring Twenties look! 


📱 Event App 

• Visit the app store on your phone and search “Minnesota Credit Union Network.” 
• Once downloaded, choose the “more” icon in the lower righthand corner of the app. 
• Select “Events” in the menu provided and choose “ACCELERATE 25.” 

​
📣 Get Social 
Join the conversation using #ACCELERATE25 and follow us:  
Facebook: @MinnesotaCreditUnions 
Instagram: @mncreditunions 

It’s being reported in several outlets this morning that the White House has fired NCUA Board members Todd Harper and Tonya Otsuka. MnCUN is working to ascertain the accuracy of the reporting and we’re also trying to determine the short- and long-term impacts of the move.

​At the very least, without a sufficient number of Board members to constitute a quorum, the NCUA will have extremely limited ability to shift policies until such time as new members are confirmed by the Senate.

​This will also undoubtedly be challenged in court, and it will likely be months, if not years, before we know the final results. We'll provide more information as it becomes available