DakCU News & Notes

​Upcoming webinars, chapter meetings, and events to keep you informed, connected, and engaged across Dakota credit unions.

The Baker Group: CU Strategies Q2 2026
Webinar - TODAY 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. 

Early Bird Discount for Summit CLOSES TOMORROW!
Register now for the 2026 Annual Summit, taking place from May 12–14 at The Box, Box Elder, SD. This year, we're returning with a revised three-day format that promises even more value and flexibility. You won't want to miss our incredible lineup of speakers, covering topics from credit union economics and board training to marketing and leadership development. We'll also offer a golf outing, our popular awards banquet, and, of course, our annual business meeting. Take advantage of the early bird discount, which saves you $50 per person and is available through TOMORROW April 10. Find all the details, lodging information, and registration here.​

Maurie C Byrne Chapter Meeting
The Maurie C Byrne chapter will hold their next meeting on Tuesday, April 14 at the Eagles in East Grand Forks (227 10th St NW, East Grand Forks, MN). The social will begin from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., with dinner to follow. Enjoy a taco bar featuring tortillas or “taco in a bag” with Doritos, homemade salsa, sour cream, and your choice of chicken or beef, along with a fruit salad, all for $13.50 per person. The presenter for the evening will be the Grand Forks Sheriff’s Association, who will lead a discussion on employee trauma and recent sheriff-related scams. Please RSVP to Lonny Nygren at 701-775-0593 by the end of the day TODAY April 9, 2026.
 
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. featuring baked chicken breast, mashed potatoes and gravy, and vegetables. The Annual Meeting will start at 6:45 p.m., with round table discussions beginning at 7:00 p.m. 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. To reserve your credit union’s spot, please contact Mandie Blikre at Affinity First Federal Credit Union at 701-857-5541 ext. 515  no later than Tuesday, April 14 at noon.
 
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.
 
North Central Chapter Meeting
The North Central Chapter will hold its next meeting on April 23, at the KC Hall in Devils Lake. The social will start at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will start at 6:00 p.m. The business meeting to follow. The guest speaker is Julie Baumgarn of Lake Region Human Service Center with the topic being balancing home/work stress, mental health. Please RSVP to Tiffani Christ by April 17.
 
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, 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, please email Korianne by April 21.

Creative Planning: HR Risk Trends in 2026: What Credit Unions Need to Be Ready For 
Webinar – Thursday, April 23 | 2:00 PM CST
Join Creative Planning for this webinar that will provide a timely and practical look at the evolving workplace challenges facing credit unions today. This session will explore emerging risks tied to the increasing use of AI in the workplace, growing expectations around pay transparency, expanding federal and state leave requirements, and heightened standards for documentation and compliance. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how these trends are shaping HR practices and what proactive steps their organizations can take to stay ahead. With a focus on real-world application and risk mitigation, this session is designed to equip credit union leaders and HR professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate change confidently. No registration required but be sure to put this link on your calendar. 

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. 
 
SBS CyberSecurity: Internal Penetration Testing — Inside an Attacker’s Playbook
Webinar – Wednesday, April 29 | 3:00 PM CST
What really happens after an attacker gets inside your network and how would you know? This session will explore what real attackers do once they gain initial access and whether your current internal penetration testing would actually reveal those actions. Using real-world penetration testing scenarios, there will be discussion on how attackers pivot through networks, abuse credentials, and bypass common security controls and what internal penetration testing uncovers that vulnerability scans often miss. 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.
 
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.

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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!