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Capital Credit Union Announces Business Services Vice President Anthony Bruhn

Capital Credit Union Names Anthony Bruhn as New Vice President of Business Services

In a significant move aimed at bolstering its commercial lending and business support capabilities, Capital Credit Union has announced the appointment of Anthony Bruhn as its new Vice President of Business Services. This strategic hire underscores the institution's commitment to expanding its footprint in the business banking sector, particularly in the Midwest region where the credit union has established a strong presence. Bruhn, a seasoned financial professional with over two decades of experience in banking and credit union operations, steps into this role at a time when small and medium-sized enterprises are increasingly seeking tailored financial solutions amid economic uncertainties.

Capital Credit Union, headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, has long been a pillar of community-focused banking in the region. Founded in 1936 as a cooperative financial institution, it originally served employees of the local telephone company but has since grown into a full-service credit union with assets exceeding $2 billion. Today, it operates multiple branches across North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, offering a wide array of services including personal banking, mortgages, auto loans, and increasingly, comprehensive business services. The credit union's business division provides everything from commercial loans and lines of credit to treasury management and payroll services, catering to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners who form the backbone of the local economy.

Bruhn's appointment comes as Capital Credit Union seeks to enhance its business services portfolio, responding to the evolving needs of its members. In his new position, Bruhn will oversee the strategic direction of the business services team, focusing on developing innovative lending products, fostering relationships with local businesses, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. His leadership is expected to drive growth in commercial lending, which has become a key revenue stream for credit unions nationwide as they compete with traditional banks. According to industry analysts, credit unions like Capital have seen a surge in business memberships, with commercial loan portfolios growing by double digits in recent years, thanks to their member-owned structure that often translates to lower fees and more personalized service.

Anthony Bruhn brings a wealth of expertise to this role, having built a distinguished career in the financial services industry. A native of the Midwest, Bruhn holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of North Dakota, where he specialized in finance and economics. He further honed his skills with certifications such as the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) and has completed advanced training in commercial lending through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). Prior to joining Capital Credit Union, Bruhn spent 15 years at Wells Fargo, where he rose through the ranks from a commercial loan officer to a regional business banking manager. In that capacity, he managed a portfolio worth over $500 million, specializing in agricultural lending and small business financing—areas that align perfectly with Capital's member base, which includes many rural and agribusiness clients.

During his tenure at Wells Fargo, Bruhn was instrumental in several high-profile initiatives. For instance, he led a team that developed customized financing solutions for family-owned farms during the 2019 farm crisis, helping dozens of operations secure emergency funding and restructure debts. His efforts earned him recognition as a top performer in the bank's Midwest division, and he was frequently invited to speak at industry conferences on topics like risk management in volatile markets. Bruhn's transition to the credit union sector began five years ago when he joined a smaller cooperative in Minnesota as a senior business development officer. There, he spearheaded a digital transformation project that integrated online loan applications and virtual consultations, resulting in a 30% increase in business loan originations within the first year.

What drew Bruhn to Capital Credit Union, he explains, is the institution's deep-rooted commitment to its members and the community. "Credit unions are uniquely positioned to make a real difference in people's lives and businesses," Bruhn said in a statement released by the credit union. "I'm excited to join a team that prioritizes relationships over transactions. At Capital, we have the opportunity to empower local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to thrive, whether that's through flexible lending options or advisory services that help them navigate economic challenges." His vision for the business services division includes expanding outreach to underserved sectors, such as women-owned businesses and startups in emerging industries like renewable energy, which is gaining traction in North Dakota's oil-dependent economy.

Capital Credit Union's leadership has expressed high enthusiasm for Bruhn's addition to the executive team. President and CEO of Capital Credit Union, Vance Reinbold, praised Bruhn's track record and alignment with the credit union's values. "Anthony's extensive experience in commercial banking, combined with his passion for community development, makes him the ideal leader for our Business Services team," Reinbold stated. "As we continue to grow, his expertise will be invaluable in helping our business members achieve their goals and contribute to the economic vitality of our regions." Reinbold highlighted how Bruhn's appointment fits into the credit union's broader strategic plan, which includes investing in technology to streamline business banking processes and expanding educational resources for members, such as workshops on financial planning and succession strategies for family businesses.

This announcement is particularly timely given the current economic landscape. With inflation pressures easing but interest rates remaining elevated, businesses are looking for reliable partners to manage cash flow and fund expansions. Credit unions, exempt from many of the taxes that burden traditional banks, can often offer more competitive rates, making them an attractive alternative. In North Dakota alone, where agriculture and energy sectors dominate, institutions like Capital play a crucial role in stabilizing local economies. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Capital Credit Union disbursed millions in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, helping hundreds of businesses retain employees and stay afloat. Bruhn's background in crisis lending will undoubtedly strengthen the credit union's ability to respond to future challenges, such as supply chain disruptions or shifts in commodity prices.

Beyond his professional achievements, Bruhn is known for his community involvement, which resonates with Capital's cooperative ethos. He has served on the boards of several non-profits, including the North Dakota Farmers Union and a local chamber of commerce, where he advocated for policies supporting small businesses. In his personal time, Bruhn enjoys mentoring young professionals through programs at his alma mater and participating in outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, reflecting the work-life balance he promotes in his teams.

Looking ahead, Bruhn plans to hit the ground running by conducting a comprehensive review of the business services operations and engaging directly with members through town hall meetings and site visits. "My goal is to build on Capital's strong foundation and innovate in ways that deliver measurable value," he added. This could involve partnerships with fintech companies to introduce mobile apps for business banking or tailored advisory services for sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, which are expanding in the region.

The appointment of Anthony Bruhn marks a new chapter for Capital Credit Union, signaling its ambition to become a leading provider of business financial services in the Upper Midwest. As the credit union navigates an increasingly competitive landscape, Bruhn's leadership is poised to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and reinforce the member-centric approach that has defined Capital for nearly nine decades. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how this move influences the credit union's market share and contributes to the broader narrative of credit unions as vital players in economic development.

In summary, this executive hire not only brings fresh expertise to Capital Credit Union but also embodies the spirit of collaboration and community support that sets credit unions apart. With Bruhn at the helm of Business Services, members can expect enhanced support, innovative solutions, and a continued focus on helping businesses succeed in an ever-changing world. As North Dakota and its neighboring states continue to evolve economically, leaders like Bruhn will be key to ensuring that local institutions remain resilient and responsive to the needs of their communities. (Word count: 1,048)

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