Blaze Annual Meeting + Celebration Hosts 3,100+ Attendees

Blaze Credit Union welcomed more than 3,100 registered guests to its 2026 Annual Meeting + Celebration on February 21 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie. Attendees participated in educational seminars, explored the Blaze Expo, shopped the UMN Alumni popup market, and everyone received $25 cash upon leaving. Blazers also donated 500 pounds of food to benefit the American Cancer Society—Hope Lodge Minneapolis.

The program began with a Salute to America featuring St. Paul veteran, Billy Peterson. Fan favorite and official anthem singer for the Minnesota Wild, John deCausmeaker, returned to sing the National Anthem. Dan Stoltz, Blaze CEO/President, welcomed attendees and shared accomplishments from 2025. Highlights included an independent brand study of Minnesota financial institutions where Blaze was the most recognized credit union brand and was the fourth most recognized financial overall, in addition to repeat awards from Forbes, Newsweek, and the Star Tribune.

With the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics underway, Stoltz celebrated Blaze Proud Partners and current Olympians Speedskater Greta Myers and Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber. Attendees viewed a special video message from Myers and a new commercial featuring Faber. Following the videos, Blaze’s Core Value of being Thoughtfully Compassionate took center stage with employees sharing their interactions with members. Stoltz then spoke about how Blaze plans to invest in technology, products, services, and branch locations to further the credit union’s Core Purpose of Better Lives.

Thomas Heinzen, Chair of the Board of Directors for Blaze, conducted the business meeting. He reinforced the board’s confidence in the credit union’s ability to deliver meaningful value for its members, communities, and employees. “What the credit union has accomplished in a relatively short time is remarkable. To sustain this momentum, Blaze will continue to act strategically, invest thoughtfully, and work relentlessly to strengthen services, enhance financial performance and deliver greater value to members for years to come.”

The day’s festivities concluded with an uplifting presentation from best-selling author, comedian, cancer survivor, and Paralympian, Josh Sundquist (pictured above with Dan Stoltz).