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Crash Network Ripens into The Cooperative Trust with Generous Support from CUNA Mutual Group

Filene Research Institute
For more information, contact:
George Hofheimer: georgeh@filene.org | 608.231.8550

MADISON, WI – The Crash Network, which has brought young credit union professionals along to “crash” the GAC and state league conventions across the country since 2010, is growing up. A three-year title sponsorship commitment from CUNA Mutual Group is allowing the network to evolve into The Cooperative Trust, a more permanent network that encourages growth for, and change by, young credit union professionals.

The Cooperative Trust is the new incarnation of the Crash Network, which grew out of the Filene Research Institute’s goal to help more young adult professionals get involved in the credit union system. The new Cooperative Trust network and website will formally launch on January 25, 2012. It weaves four complementary activities into a group charged with strengthening the credit union system from the bottom up.

An online community (www.trust.coop) connects Cooperative Trust members. With 294 currently active members, The Cooperative Trust aims to mobilize more than 1,000 industrious members by the end of 2014.
Mentorships between Cooperative Trust members and experienced professionals enable young professional growth and skill development.
Industry projects reinforce a key aspect of The Cooperative Trust: Community members must commit to projects around the young adult challenge in the credit union system.
Meet-ups are held on a national, regional and local basis. These initiatives, alternatively called “crashes”, will extend The Cooperative Trust community and build momentum for the projects with face-to-face contact.

“We’re excited to help support this community of young leaders,” said Bob Trunzo, Chief Operating Officer, CUNA Mutual Group. “Supporting and mentoring young professionals is key not only to their success but the credit union movement’s success as well. The Cooperative Trust has the potential to make a real difference in the credit union communities it touches.”

“This sponsorship comes at the perfect time,” says Brent Dixon, founder of The Crash Network and an applied research advisor at the Filene Research Institute. “Not only does it allow us to keep the lights on, but it will help us keep the community together and hammer their ideas into projects that rejuvenate the credit union system.”

CUNA Mutual Group offered its support as a way to support the next generation of credit union leaders. In addition to the sponsorship, CUNA Mutual employees will mentor community members, speak at meet-ups, help evaluate community-member projects, and be active in the online community. The Cooperative Trust community will also help to advise CUNA Mutual Group on products and market development topics.

About Filene: The non-profit Filene Research Institute is a consumer finance think tank serving the North American credit union system of $1.3 trillion in assets and more than 100 million members. Filene publishes objective research and fosters consumer-focused financial innovation. The Institute collaborates with leading researchers and academic institutions worldwide.

About CUNA Mutual Group: CUNA Mutual Group insurance, retirement and investment products provide financial security and protection to credit unions and their members worldwide. With more than 75 years of true market commitment, CUNA Mutual’s vision is unwavering: To be a trusted business partner who delivers service excellence through customer-focused products and market-driven insight. More information on the company is available on the company’s Web site at www.cunamutual.com.

CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name of CUNA Mutual Insurance Society, its affiliates and subsidiaries, including CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. Product availability and features may vary by jurisdiction and are subject to actual policy language. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wisconsin.