Press

Minnesota Credit Union Network Elects Board, Welcomes 400 at Annual Meeting

ST. PAUL, MN (May 22, 2013) The Minnesota Credit Union Network (MnCUN) held its Annual Meeting & Convention on May 17-18 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington. More than 300 credit union professionals and volunteers, representing 70 credit unions, attended. The Annual Meeting tradeshow also hosted more than 134 people from 61 service organizations.

This year’s conference was filled with a variety of activities and featured several prominent guests. Credit Union National Association Senior Vice President and Deputy Counsel Mary Dunn gave an opening address during the Friday Business Meeting and led a session that provided valuable regulatory updates and advocacy advice. CUNA Board of Directors Chair Pat Wesenberg was also on hand, encouraging the crowd during the Business Meeting to rally their credit unions and join in CUNA’s Unite for Good initiative.

“Working together, we can reduce burden and foster excellence throughout our industry,” Wesenberg said. “[Unite for Good] is a rallying cry for credit unions to spread the message that credit unions are the best financial partner.”

She also took the time to meet with young credit union professionals in attendance at Annual Meeting who are part of MnCUN’s networking group, The Crew. This unique networking session, “Coffee with the CEOs,” featured Wesenberg and prominent Minnesota credit union executives Mark Cummins, MnCUN President & CEO, Mary Hansen, COO/Administrator of Mayo Employees Federal Credit Union, and Kyle Markland, President of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. Young professionals gleaned valuable insight from these seasoned veterans and learned about their paths to successful credit union careers.

Conference attendees also heard from Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and credit union experts Joe Sullivan, Patrick McElhenie and Dr. Paul Withey. Nearly 20 educational and informative sessions were held throughout the two days, as well as a tradeshow, receptions and fundraisers. The Family Involvement Council Silent Auction and Credit Unions for Kids blackjack tournament provided entertainment and an Awards Banquet on May 18 recognized the state’s top credit union advocates.

Along with the networking and education, another important component of this conference is the Business Meeting, which features an overview of credit union accomplishments over the past year, as well as committee reports and Board elections. This year three incumbents and one new representative were elected to three-year terms on the MnCUN Board of Directors:

  • Karen Fleming of HBI Employees Credit Union in St. Paul was reelected to the 2,000 or fewer members seat.
  • Terri Maloney of Catholic United Financial Credit Union in St. Paul was       elected to the 2,001 -10,000 members seat.
  • Kelly McDonough of First Alliance Credit Union in Rochester was reelected to the seat for credit unions outside the Twin Cities metro area.
  • Jeff Schwalen of Hiway Federal Credit Union in St. Paul was reelected to the seat for credit unions in the Twin Cities metro area.

The MnCUN Board also reelected the table officers below for another term:

  • Chairman Patrick Pierce of City & County Credit Union in St. Paul;
  • Vice Chairman Chuck Albrecht of Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union in Baxter; and
  • Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Schwalen of Hiway Federal Credit Union in St. Paul.

The Minnesota Credit Union Network is an organization representing the state’s 133 not-for-profit cooperative credit unions serving more than 1.5 million member-owners in Minnesota. For more information, visit www.mncun.org.

More News