DakCU News & Notes

Chapter meetings; awards; scholarships; training; and career opportunities.

Central Chapter of Credit Unions Meeting
The Central Chapter has scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday, January 20th in the Dakotaland Conference Room (south) and via Zoom. Meet at 6:00 p.m. The topic is Common Legal Issues Credit Unions Deal With and Chris Christianson from Black Hills FCU is the speaker. Please RSVP to Shelby Gondzar by January 13. 

Credit Unions United Chapter Meeting
The Credit Unions United Chapter has scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday, January 20th at Trinity Hospital (Prairie Rose 3 Use Door 1, the main hospital entrance). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with dinner at 6:15 p.m. and Speaker Ronelle Mehlhoff, North Star Community Credit Union Training and Development. The topic is "One Size Doesn’t Fit All”  - that is why it is essential to learn how we each think and feel! You will leave with tools in place to effectively communicate with others. Please RSVP to Jennifer Jerauld no later than Tuesday, January 13.
 
Trailblazers of the West Chapter Kickoff Mixer
Staff are invited to join the launch of Trailblazers of the West, a new credit union chapter in the Black Hills. The event will take place on Wednesday, January 21 at 5:00 p.m. at the Black Hills Federal Credit Union Corporate Office (2700 N. Plaza Drive, Rapid City). Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the board, learn about the chapter’s mission, and connect with credit union professionals from across the region. RSVP here.
 
Final Call to Honor Your Credit Union through DakCU Awards
This is your last opportunity to recognize the outstanding leadership and impact within your credit union. Each year, the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) honors exceptional credit unions and individuals at the Awards Banquet during the Annual DakCU Summit, and nominations close TOMORROW, January 9, 2026. If your credit union, chapter, or a colleague has made a meaningful difference through leadership, engagement, marketing, or community impact, now is the time to act. Once the deadline passes, nominations will not be accepted. Click here for additional information and the awards packet.
 
Aspire Credit Union is Hiring
Aspire Credit Union is seeking a Member Service Representative Manager. The Member Service Representative (MSR) Manager oversees the daily operations of the member service team to ensure efficient, professional, and high-quality member interactions. This position is responsible for leading, coaching, and developing MSRs to achieve performance goals in sales, service, and operational excellence. To learn more or apply, visit https://aspire.creditunion/careers/.

Alloya GAC Scholarship Opportunity
Alloya has announced the availability of a Christine M. Gross (CMG) Scholarship for the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC), being held from March 1-5, 2026. If you are an emerging industry leader under the age of 40, apply now for this scholarship! The award can be utilized to cover registration fees, hotel accommodations and travel expenses.
 
Please submit your application by January 16, 2026. Applications will be reviewed by the CMG Memorial Foundation board approximately one month before the event. All applicants will be notified via email with the results of the selection process.

Credit Union for Kids Crew Opportunity
Credit Union for Kids (CU4Kids) is excited to announce that the CU4Kids Crew is returning to Elevate 2026 for a second year. Designed for emerging leaders who are decision-makers and influencers not just traditional conference attendees the Crew brings together young professionals passionate about growing their networks and advocating for CU4Kids and Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals within their credit unions, leagues, or vendor organizations. We’ll select 15 winners to attend Elevate with most expenses covered, including flights and hotel.

This year’s CU4Kids Crew is proudly sponsored by Acumen Financial Advantage, building on their #brightfutures4kids initiative and ongoing support of CU4Kids and CMN. Applications open Monday, January 5, and close February 6, with selections made in February by a committee that includes CU4Kids Advisory Board members and Acumen representatives. Eligibility details and the application can be found here.

SalesCU Training
SalesCU training offers practical and proven sales techniques and strategies that work in a credit union environment, delivering affordable and convenient training to our Dakota credit unions. Develop employees who sell with purpose and leaders who coach for results with our award-winning program. Start planning for the year ahead—2026 SalesCU training dates are now open for registration. Information on upcoming sessions available here or contact George McDonald, Interim President/CEO at 701.250.3942.
 
Help Us Stay Up to Date with Your Staff
Please help us to make sure that your employees are receiving the Memo and are in our database for other important information. We strive to bring you the latest important information related to advocacy, compliance, networking and educational opportunities, and more. Is everyone at your credit union receiving this information? Be sure we have the names, title, and email address of any new employees. The more information your staff has, the better for all of us!  Email Annie Elhard to be added to our distribution list or sign up directly here on our website.
 
In the Spotlight
Do you know someone at your credit union or another credit union, either employee or volunteer, who has an interesting story?  Nominate them for the CU Professionals Spotlight by emailing their name and a brief explanation of why they are “Spotlight” material to Annie Elhard.

Share News
Submit your news to Annie Elhard. Employee promotions, awards, new products or services, community involvement/recognition, job openings, all are welcome!