Bolstering Our Advocacy Efforts!

​Chesney Garnos: SD GAC’s Par for the PAC golf event raises over $11,000 for advocacy efforts; plus, book a Payroll Deduction presentation at your CU for 2024. 

by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs

Par for the PAC
In our ongoing efforts to ramp up our advocacy work, the South Dakota Governmental Affairs Committee and our DakCU Advocacy Team have been hard at working teeing up special events that bring together credit union leaders and legislators for a good cause. Speaking of those special events, last week we hosted our first-ever advocacy golf event in South Dakota called “Par for the PAC” at the Lead Country Club. It was a fantastic opportunity to build key relationships with government officials and credit union members and partners – but most importantly, it was a ton of fun! After a lunch sponsored by KASASA, 12 teams made up of credit union leaders and government officials hit the greens. Thanks to our Beverage Sponsor, Alloya, everyone enjoyed a complimentary drink to cool off while on the course.

The SD GAC hosted a 50-50 raffle and even set up a hole-in-one challenge with a whopping $10,000 prize on the line! By the end of the day, we raised over $11,000 – with $5,000 of the funds going towards our state PAC (DakCUPAC) and another $6,000 for the Roger Heacock Scholarship Fund, which helps credit union members attend key advocacy events.

While golf was a highlight, the social event that evening was my favorite part of the day! Dave and staff at Cheyenne Crossing Catering Services outdid themselves with an incredible taco bar spread, appetizers, and desserts. During the social, we also had the opportunity to hear introductions from eight legislators from across the state and staffers from both Senator Mike Rounds and Representative Dusty Johnson’s offices. And the cherry on top? A special appearance and update by Jody Gillaspie from the Division of Consumer Protection with the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
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A huge shout-out to the entire Dakota Credit Union Association team for their incredible support. I'd also like to extend a special thanks to Dawn Van Ash (Oahe FCU), Lisa Snedeker (Dakotaland FCU), and Jerry Schmidt (Black Hills FCU) for their volunteer efforts and support on the day of the event.
 
Last but certainly not least, a MAJOR shoutout to the current sitting SD GAC members for making this event one for the record:

• Chairperson, Joey Rotert, Black Hills FCU
• Vice Chairperson/CULAC Trustee, Chad Moller, Dakotaland FCU
• Member, Floyd Rummel III, Northern Hills FCU
• Member, Jeff Schmidt, Voyage FCU
• Member, Guy Trenhaile, Healthcare Plus FCU
• Member, Jay Kruse, Norstar FCU
• Member, Cassie Pannone, Northern Hills FCU
• Member, Jarrod Reisner, Black Hills FCU
• Member, Jaymason Bramblee, Oahe FCU
• Member, Hannah Taylor, Highmark FCU

Here's to many more successful swings at advocacy for our community!

Payroll Deduction
Also last week, I had the opportunity to connect with our credit union members in the beautiful Black Hills after wrapping up a meeting with a staffer from U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson's office in Sioux Falls. I journeyed across the state and arrived in Rapid City late Tuesday night, filling my drive time with an audiobook called The Teacher by Freida McFadden (If you have any book recommendations, please send them my way!)

The next morning, I woke up bright and early so I could join Highmark Credit Union's morning meeting and deliver a presentation on our Payroll Deduction Program. This program is a fantastic way for credit union employees to contribute consistently, with donations deducted directly from their paychecks—set it up once, and you're all set for year-round giving! If you are interested in having a Payroll Deduction Presentation at your CU, reach out today!

Chesney presents DakCU's Payroll Deduction Program to staff at Highmark Credit Union.