CUs in the News

​Discover how credit unions across the Dakotas are making a difference through community partnerships, charitable giving, member events, and service initiatives that embody the spirit of people helping people.

CUs in the News: Credit Unions Making a Difference in Their Communities
One of the greatest strengths of the credit union movement is its commitment to people helping people. Across the Dakotas and beyond, credit unions continue to demonstrate that their impact extends far beyond financial services. Whether supporting local causes, honoring those who serve, collaborating with one another, or creating opportunities for community connection, these organizations are making a meaningful difference where they live and work.

Cooperation, Not Competition
The cooperative spirit of the credit union movement was on full display at the Global Friends Coalition Community Picnic, where representatives from Area Community Credit Union, University Federal Credit Union, and First Community Credit Union came together to promote the credit union difference.

As Chris Connolly of Area Community CU, Lacey Fetsch of University Federal Credit Union, and Sara Eck of First Community CU, gathered at the event, their message was simple but powerful: cooperation, not competition. By working together to support community initiatives and raise awareness about the value of credit unions, they exemplified one of the movement's founding principles and demonstrated how collaboration strengthens the communities they serve.

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Credit Unions Unite for a Meaningful Cause
Several area credit unions recently joined together in support of Crosses for Cameron, highlighting the collective impact that can be achieved when organizations rally around a shared cause.
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United Savings Credit Union, Town & Country Credit Union, First Community Credit Union, Fargo VA Federal Credit Union, Postal Family Federal Credit Union, and Magnifi Financial partnered to support the effort, demonstrating that when credit unions come together, they can amplify their impact and help make a difference for families and communities facing difficult circumstances. Their participation serves as a reminder that the credit union philosophy of people helping people is most powerful when organizations work together toward a common goal.

Aspen FCU Hosts Bark B-Q Community Event
Aspen Federal Credit Union recently brought members and community residents together through its Bark B-Q event, creating an opportunity for connection, fun, and community engagement.
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Events like these help strengthen relationships between credit unions and the people they serve while providing a welcoming environment for members, families, and pet lovers alike. By investing in community-centered experiences, Aspen FCU continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering meaningful connections beyond the walls of the credit union.

Hometown Credit Union Gives Back Close to Home
A summer tradition at Hometown Credit Union's Kulm branch turned into meaningful support for a local organization making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families.

Throughout the summer, employees participated in a casual Wednesday fundraiser, making donations in exchange for wearing jeans to work. Their efforts raised $275 for the Stronger Together Foundation, an organization that provides financial assistance and support to residents of Dickey and LaMoure counties battling cancer.
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The fundraiser may have started with a simple idea, but it reflects the spirit of community that defines credit unions. As Hometown Credit Union President and CEO Harold Hagen noted, small contributions can add up to make a meaningful impact. By supporting the Stronger Together Foundation, HCU employees helped provide assistance to local families facing some of life's toughest challenges while reinforcing the credit union's ongoing commitment to the communities it serves.

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​The Credit Union Difference in Action
From collaborative outreach efforts and charitable partnerships to community events and local fundraising initiatives, these stories reflect what makes credit unions unique. Every day, credit unions invest their time, resources, and energy into strengthening the communities they call home.
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We applaud these credit unions for living out the philosophy of people helping people and for continuing to make a positive impact across our region. These stories are a powerful reminder of the credit union difference and the meaningful role credit unions play in strengthening their communities every day.
 
Has your credit union recently hosted an event, supported a local cause, celebrated a milestone, or made an impact in your community? We'd love to share your story. Please reach out to Kaelixte Wagner, with your news, photos, and community highlights for consideration in a future CUs in the News feature.
 
Together, we can showcase the remarkable work credit unions are doing across the Dakotas and continue sharing the stories that make our movement so special.