More than 300 credit union professionals and volunteersrepresenting 70 credit unions gathered for the annual meeting andconvention at the Minnesota Credit Union Network in Bloomington earlier thismonth.

Three incumbents and one new representative were elected tothree-year terms on the MnCUN board of directors:

• Karen Fleming of the $7.6 million H.B.I. Employees CU in St.Paul was re-elected to the 2,000 or fewer members' seat.
• Terri Maloney of the $18.2 million Catholic United Financial CUin St. Paul was elected to the 2,001-10,000 members'seat.
• Kelly McDonough of the $136 million First Alliance CU inRochester was re-elected to the seat for credit unions outside theTwin Cities metro area.
• Jeff Schwalen of the$918 million Hiway FCU in St. Paul wasre-elected to the seat for credit unions in the Twin Cities metroarea.

The MnCUN Board also re-elected table officers for anotherterm:

• Chairman Patrick Pierce of the $395 million City & CountyCU Union in St. Paul;
• Vice Chairman Chuck Albrecht of the $254 million Mid-MinnesotaFCU in Baxter; and
• Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Schwalen of the $918 million Hiway FCUin St. Paul.

This year's conference featured several prominent guests.

CUNA Senior Vice President and Deputy Counsel Mary Dunn gave anopening address during the business meeting and led a session thatprovided regulatory updates and advocacy advice.

CUNA Board Chair Pat Wesenberg also spoke, encouraging thecrowd during the business meeting to rally their credit unions andjoin in CUNA's Unite for Good initiative.

“Working together, we can reduce burden and foster excellencethroughout our industry,” said Wesenberg, president/ CEO of the$166 million Central City CU of Marshfield, Wis. “[Unite for Good]is a rallying cry for credit unions to spread the message thatcredit unions are the best financial partner.”

She also met with young credit union professionals who are partof MnCUN's networking group, the Crew. This networking session,“Coffee with the CEOs,” featured Wesenberg and Minnesota creditunion executives Mark Cummins, MnCUN president/CEO; Mary Hansen,administrator/COO of the $624 million Mayo Employees Federal CreditUnion; and Kyle Markland, president/CEO of the $1.6 billionAffinity Plus Federal Credit Union.

Conference attendees also heard from Minnesota Department ofCommerce Commissioner Mike Rothman and credit union experts JoeSullivan, Patrick McElhenie and Paul Withey.

Nearly 20 educational sessions were held throughout the twodays, as well as a trade show, receptions and fundraisers.