DakCU News & Notes

Upcoming chapter meetings; webinars; events; and ways to stay connected and engaged across Dakota credit unions.

Credit Unions United Chapter Annual Meeting
The Credit Unions United Chapter will hold their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, at Trinity Hospital – Prairie Rose 3 (use Door 1, the main hospital entrance). Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:20 p.m. The Annual Meeting will start at 6:45 p.m., with round table discussions after. Discussion topics will include AI, real-time payments, cryptocurrency, digital services, and cybersecurity, offering a great opportunity to explore both the risks and rewards of emerging technologies. Please RSVP to Mandie Blikre at 701-857-5541 ext. 515 no later than noon on Tuesday, April 14.
 
SD Central Chapter of Credit Unions Annual Meeting
The SD Central Chapter of Credit Unions will hold their Volunteer Appreciation/Annual Meeting on April 21 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Huron Campus Center. The theme for the evening is Through the Decades. Dress in the style of your choice for a chance to win exciting prizes. Please RSVP to Tiffanie Kouf by April 15.
 
Red River Chapter Annual Meeting
The Red River Chapter Annual Meeting will take place on April 28 at Courts and Pints in Moorhead, MN, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The evening will feature a brief meeting followed by a fun night of pickleball, darts, and trivia starting at 7:00 p.m. There is no cost to attend, and host credit unions include First Community CU, Postal Family FCU, and CCE FCU. The chapter is also seeking candidates for two open board positions, with applications due by April 21. To RSVP or request more information, contact Korianne Mortensen by April 21.
 
Early Bird Discount for Summit Ending Next Friday – Register Now!
Register now for the 2026 DakCU Annual Summit: May 12–14 in Box Elder, SD. This year’s program brings together a dynamic mix of speakers covering credit union economics, board leadership, marketing strategy, and organizational development, designed to deliver practical insights you can take back to your credit union. Beyond the sessions, attendees can choose from a golf outing or a non-golfer excursion to Rushmore Cave, connect with peers at the annual awards banquet, and take part in the association’s annual business meeting. New this year, we’ll close out the Summit with Not Your Granny’s Bingo - a fresh, high-energy finale you won’t want to miss. Take advantage of the early bird discount, which saves you $50/person and is available through April 10. Find all the details, lodging information, and registration here.

Alloya Scholarship Opportunity to attend DakCU's Annual Summit
Alloya is offering a Christine M. Gross (CMG) Scholarship for the DakCU Annual Summit, taking place May 12–14. Eligible credit union employees may apply for support covering registration, lodging, and travel expenses. Applications are due April 3, and will be reviewed by the CMG Memorial Foundation board, with recipients notified via email. Scholarships are awarded on a reimbursement basis, so attendees must submit receipts after the event. Applicants are encouraged to clearly share why they are seeking the scholarship and what they hope to gain from the experience. Find more information and apply here.

The Baker Group: CU Strategies Q2 2026
Webinar - Thursday, April 9 | 10:30 AM CST
Join the Baker Group’s quarterly webinar designed for credit unions to stay informed on key industry trends, risk management strategies, and investment insights. This session will cover the economic outlook and Fed policy, regulatory hot topics, current investment recommendations, and guidance on managing interest rate risk and liquidity, helping your credit union stay proactive in a changing financial landscape. Register here.

ScreenSteps: Solving the Moment of Performance: How Credit Unions Are Using AI to Support Staff When It Matters Most
Webinar – Tuesday, April 28 | 12:00 PM CST
Join ScreenSteps for this webinar that explores how credit unions can better support employees during real-time member interactions to reduce errors, improve consistency, and enhance service. Attendees will learn about the three common outcomes of member interactions, why training and documentation alone fall short, and how new frameworks and AI-driven tools are helping teams respond with confidence. Real-world examples will highlight how credit unions are improving performance and reducing escalations when it matters most. Register here. 
 
Southeast 605 Chapter of Credit Unions Hosts 24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Get ready to tee off for a great cause! The Southeast 605 Chapter of Credit Unions is excited to host its 24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 25, at Elmwood Golf Course in Sioux Falls.
Golfers, sponsors, and supporters are invited to join a day filled with fun, friendly competition, and community spirit. All proceeds support local charitable initiatives, making your day on the green even more meaningful. For more information and to register click 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.
 
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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.

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