COOK, Minn. — North Star Credit Union has been named the 2026 Minnesota’s Best Gold Winner for Best Financial Institution – Northern Minnesota, earning the top honor in the category through the annual statewide readers’ choice competition.

The Minnesota’s Best competition is driven by public nominations and voting, with businesses and organizations competing in more than 390 categories. According to Minnesota’s Best, nearly one million votes were cast by Minnesota Star Tribune readers in the 2026 competition.

Jennifer Stedt, CEO of North Star Credit Union, said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the support of members and communities across the region.

“We are incredibly honored to be named the Gold Winner for Best Financial Institution in Northern Minnesota,” Stedt said. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and knowing that people in the communities we serve took the time to vote for North Star makes this recognition particularly meaningful. It is also a reflection of our employees and the care and dedication they bring to serving our members every day.”

Minnesota’s Best is an audience-driven contest in which businesses are nominated by owners, managers, customers and fans before being vetted for eligibility. The public can then vote once per day during the voting period. Gold, Silver and Bronze winners are recognized in each category.

For North Star Credit Union, the award reflects its continued commitment to providing personalized financial services while investing in the communities it serves.

“Our goal has always been to make a positive difference in the financial lives of our members and in the communities we call home,” Stedt said. “We are grateful for the trust our members place in us, and we don’t take that trust for granted. This honor belongs to our entire North Star team and to the members who continue to support our credit union.”

North Star Credit Union has served Northern Minnesota since 1939 and currently has branch locations in Cook, Nashwauk, Mountain Iron and Duluth. The credit union provides a range of financial services while maintaining a strong focus on financial education and community involvement.

For more information about North Star Credit Union, visit northstarcreditunion.org.

North Star Credit Union is federally insured by NCUA.