Dupaco News

Dupaco's 77th Annual Board Election

Admin — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:45:00 GMT

That's a wrap! Thanks for voting.

Voting has ended. Here’s how the 2026 board election worked.
Each year, Dupaco members have the opportunity to participate in Dupaco's board elections. Dupaco’s trusted partner, Credit Union Executive Society (CUES), helped administer the election. Members were able to request a paper ballot or vote online.

Meet your elected candidates

Denise Dolan Andy Schroeder Robert Wethal

Dupaco's 77th Annual Membership Meeting

Admin — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Dupaco's 77th Annual Membership Meeting has ended

Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation awards sessions to fuel nonprofit growth

ekress@dupaco.com (Emily Kress) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:42:01 GMT

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Fifteen nonprofits across Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois will amplify their missions through Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation grant program, in partnership with The Innovation Lab. The program is designed to spark creative solutions and lasting impact.

The Gift of Innovation Grant recipients are:

Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Cedar Rapids
Central Iowa Shelter and Services, Des Moines, IA
CommUnity Crisis Services, Iowa City, IA
Dubuque Area Labor Management Council, Dubuque, IA
DVIP & RVAP (Domestic Violence Intervention Program), Iowa City
Embolden WI, Madison, WI
Families Forward, Des Moines
Galena Art & Recreation Center, Galena, IL
Moms Connect Dubuque, Dubuque
New Hope Village, Inc., Carroll, IA
Opening Doors, Dubuque
Red Basket Project, Dubuque
Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families, Cedar Rapids
Willkie House, Des Moines

This is the second year of this transformative program that fuels nonprofit growth through innovation support. Rather than a traditional monetary award, the grant provides innovation sessions to help nonprofits overcome resource constraints that may limit their potential. Sessions can help organizations work through challenges such as strategic planning, process development, financial sustainability, business model improvements and more.

This year’s program represents $67,000 in innovation support, delivered through tailored sessions that span one day, two days or 1 year. Sessions are conducted by Eric Dregne, Director of The Innovation Lab.

“It’s been exciting to work with the 2025 recipients of the Gift of Innovation program, to work through challenges that were holding them back,” said Eric Dregne, Innovation Lab director. “We cannot wait to get to work with the 2026 recipients to further impact the nonprofit sector and the people and communities they serve.”

“At Dupaco, we believe innovation is a catalyst for positive change. By equipping nonprofits with tools and strategies to think differently, we’re helping them unlock new ways to serve their communities,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union. “And when nonprofits thrive, the ripple effect strengthens families, neighborhoods and entire regions.”

The next Gift of Innovation grant cycle will open in fall 2026. Organizations that are interested in applying can watch www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give for updates.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.

Supporting workforce well-being: Dupaco leads the way in financial education

ekress@dupaco.com (Emily Kress) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:29:04 GMT

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Employers have traditionally offered their workforce benefits like healthcare insurance, retirement saving plans and paid time off. With consumers continuing to feel budget pinch points, a recent study by PNC (What Today’s Workers Value Most, Across Generations) found 68% of workers are financially stressed and spending four hours per week at work worrying about money. Partnering with a local credit union, employers are supporting their teams and adding a new, no-cost benefit their teams are requesting: financial wellness programs.

Dupaco Credit Union’s Community Outreach and Education team now partners with over 1,000 employers in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois to provide financial wellness programs with 1-on-1 coaching, on-site financial education classes and on-demand webinars—all at no cost to businesses or employees.

These programs are designed to help employees manage their personal finances more effectively— reducing financial stress and distractions while improving overall well-being and productivity.

“When money worries follow people to work, it impacts everything—from focus and safety to retention,” says Erin Engler, VP Community Outreach and Education at Dupaco Credit Union. “That’s why we bring financial education and coaching directly to the job site and back it up with Dupaco’s digital tools they can use anytime. We meet workers where they are and help them build habits that reduce stress and improve outcomes—for the employee and the employer.”

Engler leads Dupaco’s Community Outreach and Education department—a team of employees who travel to businesses across Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois providing no-cost on-site, online and on-demand support for companies and their employees.

In 2025, this team served select employer groups by providing 1,124 on-site visits and delivered 253 presentations on financial topics like budgeting, debt reduction strategies and credit improvement.

“We’re essentially a mobile version of Dupaco’s branches and Learning Labs. We’re bringing Dupaco to members and non-members at a place where it’s convenient to them: their employer,” said Engler.

According to PNC, only 29% of employers surveyed said they offer financial education; this is down from 36% in 2024 and 30% in 2023. The same study also found 81% of U.S. workers are more likely to stay with an employer that offers more financial wellness benefits and 61% of workers without access to financial education say they would use these benefits if offered.

Dupaco has been supporting area businesses and their employees with no-cost financial wellness programs for decades.

“Providing financial wellness programs is part of our DNA. Dupaco was formed in 1948 by employees of the Dubuque Packing Company to serve the financial needs of their co-workers and families. Dupaco employees would travel to the various meat packing plants to provide financial education and resources. We continue that same service today, traveling to employers and supporting their employees,” said Engler.

Regardless of company size or hours of operation, Dupaco’s Community Outreach and Education team offers no-cost financial wellness programs for employers. For more information, please visit https://www.dupaco.com/business/employee-benefit-program/.

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About Dupaco Community Credit Union

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.

Dupaco awards local creators with Key City Creative Center membership grants

ekress@dupaco.com (Emily Kress) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:56:04 GMT

Application open for Dupaco Foundation renewable college scholarships

ekress@dupaco.com (Emily Kress) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 08:16:21 GMT

First-time homebuyers get a boost: Dupaco offers FHLB Home$tart grants

ekress@dupaco.com (Emily Kress) — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:48:33 GMT

Dubuque, Iowa—Dupaco Credit Union is partnering with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines to help first-time homebuyers take the leap into homeownership through the Home$tart program. This initiative provides up to $15,000 in assistance, applied as a credit toward down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers beginning their homeownership journey.

First-time buyers represent a significant share of Dupaco’s mortgage lending: In 2025, over 54% of the financial cooperatives’ primary residence mortgages were made to first-time homebuyers. According to National Association of REALTORS, between July 2024 and June 2025 first-time homebuyers made up just 21% of all U.S. home purchases. This is the lowest share since NAR began tracking in 1981. Programs like Home$tart are critical to helping more families achieve the dream of owning a home.

“At Dupaco, we believe homeownership should be within reach for everyone,” said Laurie Von Ah, Senior Mortgage Lending Consultant at Dupaco. “The Home$tart program allows us to provide meaningful financial assistance and personalized guidance, so first-time buyers can feel confident and supported throughout the process.”

Affordable housing and homeownership are cornerstones of strong communities. Through innovative mortgage programs and personalized guidance, Dupaco helps first-time buyers take the leap into homeownership. This commitment goes beyond financing. It’s about removing barriers, creating pathways to generational wealth and building long-term stability for members and the communities they call home.

For more information about the Home$tart program and to apply, visit dupaco.com/firsthome.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

ABOUT FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF DES MOINES

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines is deeply committed to strengthening communities, serving 13 states and three U.S Pacific territories as a member-owned cooperative. We work together with over 1,200 member institutions to support affordable housing, economic development and community improvement. FHLB Des Moines is one of 11 regional Banks that make up the Federal Home Loan Bank System. Members include community and commercial banks, credit unions, insurance companies, thrifts and community development financial institutions. FHLB Des Moines is wholly owned by its members and receives no taxpayer funding. For additional information about FHLB Des Moines, please visit www.fhlbdm.com.

Dupaco’s fraud prevention efforts save members millions in 2025

ekress@dupaco.com (Emily Kress) — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:22:47 GMT

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Fraud attempts are on the rise, and scammers are becoming more sophisticated every day. For more than 77 years, Dupaco Credit Union has been committed to protecting its members and their money. Through expert monitoring, education and advanced technology, the ongoing effort is paying off: in 2025, Dupaco has already helped prevent nearly $7 million in potential losses, reinforcing its role as trusted partner in safeguarding members’ financial well-being.

Behind the scenes at Dupaco’s operations center in Dubuque’s Millwork District, the financial cooperative’s fraud team works tirelessly to ensure members accounts are protected from potential fraud losses. They collaborate with other financial institutions, partner with law enforcement, and complete regular training to ensure all Dupaco employees remain informed so they can be a leader in fraud prevention.

Dupaco also continues to invest in innovative technologies to help detect suspicious account activity. These systems are designed to recognize anomalies and inconsistencies—flagging any issues before they become problems.

“Fraud prevention is a shared effort. Everyone’s vigilance matters,” said Jill Gogel, vice president, fraud services at Dupaco. “Fraud attempts are rising everywhere. When members stay alert and we stay ahead of the trends, we create a strong line of defense—together.”

Gogel provides these tips as a few ways to stay proactive in the fight against fraud on financial accounts:

Monitor your accounts online regularly.
Review your credit report regularly. Dupaco members can use Bright Track, the credit union’s free tool within their Shine online or mobile banking to keep tabs on their credit report and spending trends.
Set up eNotifiers to receive alerts for things like account activity, balance and debit card usage. At Dupaco, these can be delivered by text, email or both—your choice.
Use strong, unique passphrases. Then, be sure to update them often.
Sign up for two-step login verification for your online accounts, then verify your contact information with your financial institution to ensure your verification codes are reaching you.
Utilize the passcode or biometric options on your personal phone and other devices.
And most importantly—trust your gut. If something feels off, or you think you may have been targeted by a fraudster, don’t hesitate to reach out.

For more fraud prevention resources visit dupaco.com/protection.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Dupaco honored with Mastercard® “Doing Well by Doing Good” award

ekress@dupaco.com (Emily Kress) — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:12:04 GMT

Dubuque, Iowa – Dupaco Community Credit Union has been recognized by Mastercard® with the prestigious Doing Well by Doing Good Award as part of the 6th Annual Mastercard Community Institution Segment Awards. This honor celebrates Dupaco’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

Mastercard established these awards to recognize outstanding community financial institutions that exemplify the spirit of giving back. The Doing Well by Doing Good Award acknowledges organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service, philanthropy and charitable efforts.

“Receiving this award from Mastercard is a tremendous honor because it reflects Dupaco’s deep commitment to helping members build a life worth loving and creating a brighter community for all,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Community Credit Union. “Through our community impact efforts, we strive to create pathways to economic well-being for individuals and strengthen the communities we serve.”
Dupaco’s community impact approach is rooted in addressing critical challenges such as housing, workforce development, and small business growth. These efforts are amplified by the Dupaco Foundation, which also invests in individuals and nonprofit organizations working to make a meaningful difference.

Mastercard® praised Dupaco for its meaningful contributions, stating that the credit union’s dedication to community initiatives serves as an inspiring example of what it means to “Do Well by Doing Good.”
For more information about Dupaco’s community impact efforts, visit dupaco.com/ways-we-give.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 176,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.

Dupaco empowers members with Bright Track Financial Wellness Hub

ekress@dupaco.com (Emily Kress) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:04:43 GMT

DUBUQUE, Iowa— For more than 77 years, Dupaco Credit Union has helped its members build a life worth loving—through education, personalized service and deep commitment to innovation. The financial cooperative’s commitment to well-being continues with its evolved Bright Track Financial Wellness Hub. What began as a credit monitoring tool for its members in 2016, has now grown into an innovative, all-in-one digital resource that empowers members to take control of their finances with confidence, clarity and ease.

Dupaco’s Bright Track Financial Wellness Hub is a no-cost, member-exclusive tool available through the credit union’s Shine online and mobile banking platforms. It’s designed to simplify money management, offering personalized insights, real-time alerts and smart tracking features that help members save, spend and plan more effectively.

“We know life doesn’t always happen inside a branch,” said Kevin Lex, digital banking product manager at Dupaco. “Bright Track gives members the power to manage their finances anytime, anywhere—with tools that are intuitive, personalized and free.”

Lex said the online and mobile banking tool was designed to help members stay informed to make smarter decisions without stress or complexity.

Key features of Dupaco’s Bright Track Financial Wellness Hub:

Real-time alerts for account activity, sign-ins, merchant refunds and more
Subscription tracking to spot overlapping services, price changes, and post-trial charges
Personalized tips to help members stretch every dollar
Credit score monitoring with alerts for changes or anomalies
Calendar view of upcoming payments and deposits to avoid surprises

“In today’s subscription-driven economy, it’s easy to lose track of the subscriptions we’re paying for,” says Lex. “Bright Track now helps members monitor those charges—spotting duplicate or hidden subscription fees before they add up. Ironically, most consumers have to subscribe to this type of service just to get this type of insight. At Dupaco, it’s a no-cost benefit that helps our members save more and stress less.”

In 2024, 60,233 Dupaco members used the credit union’s Bright Track credit monitoring tool to take charge of their credit. Over 81.54% improved or maintained their credit score range through consistent use.

Now, as the product has evolved into a comprehensive Financial Wellness Hub, the innovative tool is part of Dupaco’s broader strategy to deliver meaningful value through digital tools that support financial wellness. Whether members are saving for the holidays, managing subscriptions or planning for their future, Bright Track Financial Wellness Hub helps make every dollar count.

“We’re constantly evolving to meet our members where they are,” added Lex. “Bright Track Financial Wellness Hub is just one example of how we’re using technology to make financial wellness more accessible, intuitive and impactful.”

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 176,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.