DakCU News & Notes

Holiday hours; upcoming events; scholarships; and 2026 training.

DakCU Holiday Schedule
Dakota Credit Union Association offices will be closed on Thursday, December 25, and Thursday, January 1. Tuesday, December 23 will be the final Memo publication of the year; we will return on Tuesday, January 6, with all the news and updates you need to know! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!
 
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.
 
DakCU Awards
Each year, Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) recognizes outstanding leadership and engagement within our Dakota credit union community by presenting prestigious honors at the Awards Banquet during the Annual DakCU Summit. Credit unions may be recognized for outstanding work in areas of marketing and social impact. Individuals are eligible for categories including Professional of the Year, Emerging Leader, Volunteer of the Year, and our highest achievement, the Hall of Fame Award Distinguished Service Award. One credit union chapter is selected as Chapter of the Year, and finally, the Arnold Paulson Scholarship is awarded to one individual to attend the DakCU Summit. Deadline for nominations is January 9, 2026. Click here for additional information and the awards packet.

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.
 
In Case You Missed It
DakCU is committed to providing valuable trainings and webinars that truly benefit our member credit unions. To help you stay connected with everything happening at DakCU, we’re launching a new monthly email in January 2026 called "In Case You Missed It" — a quick, convenient roundup of all upcoming DakCU events, webinars, trainings, and announcements.

Q1 Jackson Lewis Webinar: Labor & Employment Law Update
February 5 | 2:00 p.m. CST
Chad Richter, Principal at Jackson Lewis, will present a 60-minute webinar on the most significant labor and employment law developments of 2026 and their impact on your credit union. Chad will review recent changes and share best practices for minimizing risk. Topics will include essential policies every business should have in their handbook, updates on wage and hour regulations, and strategies for managing leave and absence issues in the workplace. Join Chad and other credit unions as we explore these important developments. No registration required—just save the date! Be sure to add this free webinar to your calendar so you don’t miss it. Join the webinar 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!