Collaboration Corner
A Message from the President
It’s an exciting time at InterLutions, and I am thrilled to share several meaningful updates that highlight our continued growth, our team’s dedication, and our focus on delivering value to the credit union industry.
To start, please join me in congratulating Sam Boore on his promotion to Director of Operations. Sam has been a driving force behind our growth and success, and in his expanded leadership role, he will guide the strategy, performance, and continued improvement of our services and sales teams.
I am also proud to recognize Kelly Balodis, our Client Services Manager, for earning her SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) designation. This certification enhances our already strong HR capabilities and reinforces the value we bring to credit unions seeking innovative employee benefits strategies.
Lastly, I am excited to announce a strategic partnership to deliver a new layer of consultative services to our product suite—focused on executive retention, benefits prefunding, and charitable donation accounts (CDAs). These solutions stem from conversations with credit union leaders who are seeking smarter, more strategic ways to invest in their people and their mission. Together we can help credit unions build stronger leadership teams, maximize financial performance, and deepen their community impact.
Each of these developments underscores our mission: to empower credit unions with forward-thinking benefit solutions that support their greatest asset—their people. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in InterLutions.
Jesse Kohl
President of InterLutions
Resources and Updates
Helping you support, educate, and protect your greatest asset – your people.
Is stress silently sabotaging your team?
Sam Boore explores how chronic stress can quietly undermine both our well-being and workplace performance. The article is packed with research, practical strategies, and real-life takeaways—including a 7-day “cortisol reset” to help you rebalance.
Read the article on CUInsight
What Credit Unions are Saying About I-Care
See what our newest clients are saying.
“We love how easy I-Care was to setup and track our employees’ insurance options.”
- Colleen Woggon, CEO, Oakdale Credit Union
“The partnership with their team is exceptional.”
- Michele Steien, Chief Talent Officer, Co-op Credit Union
“Flexibility of plan design made I-Care the best option for us.”
- Terri Green, VP HR, Fox Communities Credit Union
Can't Miss Industry Events
Join InterLutions to support our partners and clients at these important upcoming events:
- August 14 | Leveraging Collaboration to Improve Employee Wellness: Factors that should be part of your credit union's employee benefit plan
During this August 14 webinar, Barb Lowman, President of CUNA Strategic Services, will visit with InterLutions to discuss how a collaborative approach to employee wellness can strengthen your credit union. - August 22 | Shapiro Summit 2025
Our team will join the CA and NV Credit Union Leagues in Anaheim, CA to sponsor and attend their annual event for credit unions under $300 million in assets. - September 10 | HR Solutions for Credit Unions: Compliance, Consulting & Tech in 30 Minutes
This webinar is designed specifically for credit union executives and human resource departments. Learn about strategies your team can employ to streamline operations, stay compliant, and deliver exceptional employee experiences. - September 17 | Iowa Credit Union Convention
InterLutions is excited to see our clients and friends in Dubuque! - October 13 | GoWest Credit Union Association MAXX
The InterLutions team will be exhibiting, sponsoring, and hosting hiking and dinner receptions at this conference in Portland, OR!
The Benefits Buzz
Industry news and articles making the rounds.
Employers prioritize wellness benefits in 2025, despite rising costs.
Despite challenges such as rising health care costs, an uncertain global economy and ongoing world events, employers remain deeply committed to employee well-being in 2025, according to the latest Employer Well-being Strategy Survey from Business Group on Health. The survey found that 93% of large employers plan to maintain or expand their well-being offerings, with 20% planning to increase them.
Read the Article
New LIMRA research bullish on broker role.
Growing complexity within the employee benefits space, along with various economic developments, will offer benefit brokers and advisers tremendous growth opportunities in the future, new LIMRA research suggests.
Read the Article
What Exactly Are ‘Mini-COBRA’ Laws?
COBRA was enacted in 1986 to give workers who are separating from their employment — whether voluntarily or involuntarily — the option of continuing their employer-provided health insurance coverage temporarily at group rates by paying the full premiums.
Read the Article
Partner Spotlight
Thank you, WESTconsin Credit Union in Menomonie, WI.
Your Credit Union Can Become an I-Care Ambassador
Help local businesses access better, more affordable health plans.
The Need:
One credit union saw a growing demand from small business members for affordable, high-quality health plans. One local business with 10 employees asked for help—facing rising premiums, limited coverage, and increasing out-of-pocket costs for their employees.
The Solution:
The credit union partnered with InterLutions and leveraged the I-Care Health Plan to evaluate multiple carriers and plan designs. Together, they found the perfect fit—balancing cost and coverage.
The Outcome:
The business saved over 20% in insurance costs. Employees benefited from better plans, lower copays, and broader network access.
What’s I-Care?
A collaborative health plan solution for small businesses, self-employed individuals, and others with limited access to quality coverage. I-Care uses data and technology to deliver smarter, more affordable options.
Why Become an I-Care Ambassador?
As an Ambassador, your credit union can offer competitive employee benefits to business members—helping them attract and retain top talent. You will receive:
- Marketing materials and digital content
- Turnkey launch strategies
- Ongoing market updates
- Full training and support
Support your members. Strengthen your community.
Ask us how to get started with I-Care.
Get to Know Your CUSO Team
Cheers to Kelly Balodis, SHRM-CP!
Kelly Balodis, Client Services Manager, recently earned her SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) credential! This globally recognized certification showcases Kelly’s deep HR expertise and unwavering commitment to helping credit unions care for their most valuable asset—their people. Whether it’s navigating compliance or developing employee engagement strategies, Kelly is now even more equipped to support our credit union partners with confidence and care.
Read the full press release
Sam Boore Steps into Director Role
Big congratulations to Sam Boore, who has been promoted to Director of Operations! Since joining InterLutions in 2024, Sam has made a tremendous impact on the growth of our I-Care employee benefits program. Now in his expanded leadership role, he’s charting the course for even greater service, strategy, and solution development to benefit credit unions nationwide.
Read the full press release
At InterLutions, our strength is our people—and we’re proud to celebrate the achievements of team members like Kelly and Sam who are driving our mission forward.
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