Affinity Plus hosts climate-smart municipalities meeting Oct. 11 at St. Paul branch
ST PAUL, MN (October 17, 2016) — Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union hosted German community and government leaders Oct. 11 to learn how credit unions can play a vital role in developing climate-smart communities.
The meeting at Affinity Plus’s corporate offices was part of three-year partnership among several Minnesota and German cities; the University of Minnesota; the Minnesota Department of Commerce; the Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN); and Eutectics.
Brian Volkmann, Affinity Plus executive vice president/chief financial officer, led the meeting and explained “we’re looking forward to understanding what Minnesota credit unions can do to make a difference.”
In July 2016, a Minnesota delegation that included Volkmann traveled to the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany to learn more about energy initiatives, funding mechanisms and the partnerships that connect it all. Last week’s meeting was part of a return visit by German leaders to study state-level efforts here.
During the meeting, Volkmann described Affinity Plus’ goal to launch products and services to members that support climate-smart communities.
Research continues, but ideas include mortgage products to allow members to add energy efficient upgrades; discounted auto loans for highly fuel efficient and electric vehicles; and consumer lending for renewable-energy upgrades.
He added that Affinity Plus is interested in providing financing to under-served markets in Minnesota.
Mara Humphrey, MNCUN vice president of governmental affairs, noted that credit unions’ not-for-profit status makes them ideal to participate in climate-focused efforts.
“Credit unions don’t have the same drive toward an end profit like other financial institutions,” Humphrey said. “We’re local businesses, member owned and focused, with the shared values of protecting the environment and investing in our communities. As an industry we are well positioned to collaborate with like-minded organizations on clean energy financing strategies.”
About Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930, Affinity Plus has 30 branches located throughout Minnesota and is owned by over 250,000 members. Affinity Plus has more than $4 billion in assets. Additional information is available at
www.affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.
About MNCUN
The Minnesota Credit Union Network is the statewide trade association that works to ensure the success, growth and vitality of Minnesota credit unions. With nearly $20 billion in assets, Minnesota credit unions are local, trusted financial cooperatives that serve more than 1.6 million members at almost 400 branch locations around the state. As not-for-profit institutions, credit unions give back to the communities they serve. For more information, visit www.mncun.org.
