Collaboration Corner
A Message from the President
What a first half of 2026 it has been! I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together at InterLutions and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many credit unions. Every day, we see the important role employee benefits play in helping organizations attract and retain talented employees. It is especially rewarding to partner with clients that value this work and share our commitment to helping people and strengthening the communities they serve.
We recently added a new page to our website featuring some of the encouraging feedback we have received from our credit unions and partners. I invite you to take a look and see what they are saying about their experience with InterLutions.
As we look toward the second half of 2026 and into 2027, there is a lot to be excited about. You asked for additional support with HR compliance, and we listened. We are working on new solutions designed to help streamline HR operations and provide organizations with access to a robust, state-of-the-art HR compliance portal. We look forward to sharing more details soon.
We are also excited to join our great friend and partner, Barb Lowman, President of CUNA Strategic Services, for a panel discussion about how credit unions are turning "People Helping People" into a powerful strategy for employee benefits. I hope you will join us for what promises to be a great conversation. Register here.
There is plenty more to explore in this issue, including our new benefits blog, updates on our growing service team, and even a few details about my upcoming sabbatical. Keep reading for more news, insights, and updates from InterLutions.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your trust, and the opportunity to support the important work you do every day. We are excited about what is ahead and look forward to continuing this journey together.
Jesse Kohl
President of InterLutions
Beyond Benefits & Compliance
Your new resource for straightforward answers to benefits, compliance, and HR questions.
Join Amy Pals and Kelly Balodis, Client Service Managers at InterLutions, as they launch Beyond Benefits & Compliance, a new blog featuring articles and short videos designed to make complex HR, benefits, and compliance topics easier to understand. Through practical insights and real-world conversations, they will explore the challenges employers face every day, from open enrollment and regulatory requirements to employee education and engagement.
Watch the first episode to learn what is ahead and discover the topics Amy and Kelly will be covering in future installments. If there is an HR, benefits, or compliance topic you would like to see covered, share your suggestions with the InterLutions team at [email protected].
When Loyalty Gets in the Way of Leadership
What happens when loyalty starts to outweigh leadership? In his latest article, Sam Boore, Director of Operations, shares valuable perspectives on building healthy leadership cultures that encourage accountability, innovation, and long-term success. Discover how organizations can foster accountability, growth, and stronger decision making while maintaining a culture of trust.
The Benefits Buzz
Industry news and articles making the rounds.
Helping Employees Understand Rising Healthcare Costs
U.S. employers expect a 9% increase in healthcare costs in 2026. Review the key cost drivers and seven ways to communicate these realities to employees.
Read the Article
5 Ways to Stay Cool Under Summer Pressure
Summer can feel anything but relaxing. Five practical strategies help employees manage seasonal stress before it manages them.
Learn More
Mental Health Minute: August 2026
Five ways to manage summer stress, plus how to protect mental health through better sleep during the longer, warmer days of summer.
Read Now
Wellness in the News: August 2026
A roundup of the latest federal health policy updates and encouraging national mental health trends employers should know about this month.
Dive Into the Topic
What Credit Unions are Saying About I-Care
See what our newest clients are saying.
"The right pricing, service, and people made it a no-brainer."
– David Powers, CFO, Landmark Credit Union
"They understand credit unions."
– Jamie Hinrichs, CEO, Hastings Federal Credit Union
"The I-Care team has been great to work with."
– Lisa Gilligan, President/CEO, N.E.W. Credit Union
Explore More Client Testimonials
Can't Miss Industry Events
InterLutions is ready to hit the road and join our partners at these standout industry events.
These gatherings are more than just conferences, they are where ideas spark, connections grow, and the future of credit unions takes shape.
- August 19 | Par for a Purpose | Pleasant Hill, IA
InterLutions is excited to take part in Affinity Credit Union's Par for a Purpose golf outing, supporting an event dedicated to giving back and strengthening our communities. - August 27 | The CU Advantage: Engaged Teams, Bold Innovation | Webinar
Rising healthcare costs do not have to mean shrinking options. Join leaders from CSS and InterLutions as they explore how credit unions can leverage collaboration, employee education, and innovative benefits strategies to control costs, strengthen workforce planning, and compete for top talent. - September 16 – 18 | Iowa Credit Union League Annual Convention | Des Moines, IA
InterLutions is proud to participate in this industry event, connecting with credit union leaders and partners while supporting opportunities that strengthen and advance the financial services community. - October 6 – 9 | 2026 MAXX | Denver, CO
InterLutions is honored to be part of MAXX 2026, engaging with credit union professionals and showcasing solutions that help organizations innovate, grow, and better serve their members. - October 13 – 15 | Momentum 2026 | Madison, WI
InterLutions is proud to join Momentum 2026 as a Platinum Sponsor, supporting Corporate Central's mission of bringing credit union professionals together to share ideas, build relationships, and explore new opportunities.
Connect, learn, and be inspired at Momentum 2026.
InterLutions is proud to support Momentum as a Platinum Sponsor. Hosted by Corporate Central, this annual event brings together credit union professionals to learn from peers, explore emerging trends, and discover practical solutions for today's workforce challenges. We look forward to connecting with attendees October 13 through 15 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Partner Spotlight
Spotlight on CUNA Strategic Services (CSS).
InterLutions is proud of our long-standing alliance with CUNA Strategic Services (CSS), a trusted industry-leader dedicated to connecting credit unions with best-in-class solutions that strengthen our cooperative movement. CSS's deep engagement across the credit union movement, combined with their commitment to identifying and promoting high-value solutions, make them an exceptional partner to help credit unions navigate today's workforce and employee benefits challenges.
Together, InterLutions and CSS bring collaborative health plans, HR compliance resources, wellness initiatives, and employee education programs to credit unions nationwide, helping organizations deliver stronger benefits while managing costs more effectively.
We are excited to partner with CSS on an upcoming panel discussion on August 27, where industry leaders will explore how credit unions are turning the "People Helping People" philosophy into a powerful employee benefits strategy. We invite credit union leaders, HR professionals, and executives to join the conversation and learn how collaboration is helping credit unions build healthier, more engaged workplaces.
The CU Advantage: Engaged Teams, Bold Innovation | Thursday, August 27, 2:00 p.m. CT | Webinar
Your Credit Union Can Become an I-Care Ambassador
Help local businesses access better, more affordable health plans.
Local businesses are struggling with rising insurance costs and limited coverage. Your credit union can be the solution.
Thank you, Co-op Credit Union!
By partnering with InterLutions and the I-Care Health Plan, you can help business members access smarter, more affordable benefits. Together, you can find plans that balance cost and coverage, helping businesses save money while giving employees better care, lower copays, and wider network access.
Why join as an I-Care Ambassador?
- Ready-to-use marketing materials and digital content
- Turnkey launch strategies
- Ongoing market updates
- Full training and support
Give your business members the benefits they need to attract and retain top talent, while strengthening your community.
Support your members. Make an impact. Get started with I-Care today.
Collaboration Corner
Thank you to our valuable partners. We couldn't do it without you!
Get to Know Your CUSO Team
Jesse is pressing pause for a sunshine-filled sabbatical!
This month, we are catching up with Jesse Kohl, President of InterLutions, as he prepares for a well-earned sabbatical. We asked Jesse to share his thoughts on unplugging, succession planning, and what makes InterLutions such a great place to work.
Q: You are heading out on sabbatical soon. What are you most looking forward to?
A: My son and I take an annual baseball trip to watch the Brewers play at an opposing team's ballpark. We have made it to ten stadiums so far, and this year we are heading to San Francisco to watch the Brewers beat the Giants at Oracle Park!
Q: Why do Corporate Central and InterLutions offer sabbaticals?
A: Sabbaticals can be life-changing events for several reasons. We offer a sabbatical benefit because we believe employees do their best work when they have the opportunity to truly unplug, recharge, and return with fresh energy and perspective. Sabbaticals also reinforce the importance of thoughtful succession planning, giving teams the chance to grow, step into new responsibilities, and strengthen continuity. Most importantly, it recognizes that life outside of work matters and that taking time to invest in yourself will have a positive impact both personally and professionally.
Q: What is your ideal "no meetings, no emails" kind of day, or week, or… month?
A: It feels almost too good to be true, but soon it will be real: I will be fully unplugged from work. I love my job, this company, our team, and my credit union friends, but I am excited to discover what truly disconnecting feels like. First, it means more time with family: dinners out, cheering on my kids at baseball, basketball, and football games, playing music or games together, and taking family walks with the dogs. Those simple moments are the ones that matter most. Some days may start with coffee and a book, podcast, or crossword puzzle on the back deck. Others might include a spontaneous trip to the Dells, a movie with my youngest son, or a little time with the guitar and piano. And with no morning meeting waiting for me, I may even cap off the day with a barrel-aged stout or a small glass of rye bourbon!
Jesse's son with local, celebrity and attorney, David Gruber, at the Toronto airport after a Brewers-Blue Jays game in 2025.
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