ST. PAUL, Minn.– Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union hosted German community and government leaders here as they learned about 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. The Minnesota 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, the credit union reported.
He added that Affinity Plus is interested in providing financing to under-served markets in Minnesota.
Below, Brian Volkmann, Affinity Plus executive vice president/chief financial officer, discusses the credit union’s participation in a three-year partnership to develop climate-smart communities. Mara Humphrey, Minnesota Credit Union Network vice president of governmental affairs, listens during meeting.