2025 marks the International Year of Cooperatives, and across the globe, co-ops are leaning into what makes our model powerful: shared purpose, community focus, and a commitment to helping people.
At the Minnesota Credit Union Network, we’re celebrating our 100th anniversary this year as well. And in the spirit of that milestone and Cooperative Principle #6: Cooperation Among Cooperatives—we decided to mark the occasion with a unique collaboration.
One that you can toast.
We’ve partnered with Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, a Minneapolis-based, member-owned brewery, to launch High Yield Pale Ale—a special-release beer brewed by a cooperative, for cooperatives.
It’s more than a catchy name. High Yield Pale Ale is a story in a glass—a symbol of what’s possible when co-ops cross sectors and combine their strengths. Credit unions and craft brewers might not seem like obvious collaborators, but we share a core belief: when people come together around shared values, good things happen.
Even better? A portion of proceeds from High Yield goes to the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation, supporting financial literacy and empowerment efforts across the state. Every pint helps fund education that changes lives.
The beer will be available throughout the year for credit union events, community celebrations, and more—offering a fresh, fun way to engage current and potential members, spread the cooperative message, and celebrate our movement.
In a time when consumers are looking for meaning behind the brands they support, this kind of partnership reinforces the credit union difference. Today’s consumers—especially younger generations—want to align with organizations that reflect their values, stand for something bigger than profit, and contribute positively to their communities. High Yield Pale Ale showcases how credit unions are living their principles out loud. This collaboration brings the cooperative identity to life in a fresh, tangible way. It’s Principle #6 in action: Cooperation Among Cooperatives, lifting each other up, advancing our missions, and finding creative ways to connect with our communities. And in doing so, it strengthens the credit union brand as modern, mission-driven, and authentically local.
So, Happy International Year of the Co-op. In Minnesota, we are raising a glass of High Yield Pale Ale. Cheers to celebrating new ways credit unions can collaborate and tell our story!
