DakCU News & Notes

Houge retiring after 41 years; FREE webinars; and more!

Dakotaland’s most seasoned family member, Lorna Houge is retiring after 41 years of dedicated service to Dakotaland on Friday, July 11, 2025. 
 
There will be an open house celebration for Lorna on Friday, July 11th at Huron Main from 9am-4pm.  If you are unable to attend, please feel free to reach out to Lorna prior to July 11th or mail a card to Lorna’s attention to Dakotaland FCU, 1371 Dakota Ave S, Huron SD 57350. 
 
When Lorna came on board, she recalls one of the best feelings was how she felt so welcomed and appreciated as a person and was not treated as just a number.  Lorna began her career as a Teller and was then promoted to Consumer Loan Officer.  When asked what has kept her at the credit union for so long, she replied “Getting to know each member that would walk through the doors is what has really kept me here.  The relationships that I have established is something I would never have gotten the opportunity without being here.”   
 
The biggest lessons Lorna has learned that she would like to pass along is to listen to each other’s needs and stories with an open mind, and to have compassion for all of life’s challenges.  Knowing when to speak and maintaining eye contact will help to determine the best way to help make each member’s dreams come true.  To learn from mistakes made and to keep a friendly smile in every situation.
 
Lorna is looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and all their activities, as well as exploring God’s beautiful world on more camping adventures. After over 4 decades of building relationships with her co-workers and members, there is no doubt Lorna will be missed by all those whose lives she has so greatly impacted. 

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Advantage by JMFA Webinar: Navigating Overdrafts in a Post-CFPB Environment
July 17, 2:00–3:00 PM CT
Join us for a timely compliance and strategy session on overdrafts, featuring Cheryl Lawson, EVP of Compliance Review, and John Cohron, CEO. With the CFPB’s overdraft rule repeal, staying proactive is still essential. Learn why transparency, reasonable fees, and strong program monitoring remain critical, especially during economic uncertainty. This webinar is ideal for executives, operations leaders, and compliance teams looking to improve overdraft performance while managing risk. Register today for insights and actionable strategies.
 
TruStage Webinar: Cyber Threats & Fraud
July 23, 1:00 – 2:30 PM CST
No matter the channel, fraudsters are crafty, knowing how to pressure people to make decisions on the spot by using innovative schemes. Their multi-channel approach looks for victims who find their stories convincing and will willingly click on links or share sensitive information, which can be used to initiate cyber threats and authorize many types of transactions. Join our experienced Risk Consultants as they share what's important to know, what to look for, how to take the right action steps, and remain vigilant. Register here.
 
Sales CU Webinar: How to Get Your Team to Finally Sell at Your Credit Union
Tuesday, July 29 at 11:00 AM CST | Thursday, July 31 at 2:00 PM CST
Join Nick Brown, Founder of SalesCU and speaker at this year’s DakCU New Ideas Conference, for a webinar on building a sales culture that empowers growth—not just sales. It’s not about pushing products or hitting quotas, but creating the right mindset, structure, and expectations. Designed for managers and leaders across branches, contact centers, lending, HR, and training, this session will explore common pitfalls, the gap between goals and performance, and how beliefs shape team behavior. Walk away with practical strategies to boost product penetration, member growth, and long-term success. Register here.
  
CU4Kids ATM Fundraising Webinar
July 31, 2025, at 1:00 PM CST
Join Credit Unions for Kids for a special webinar and discover how your credit union can easily raise meaningful funds through ATM fundraising one of our top priority activations for 2025 and beyond. Hear firsthand insights and success stories from industry leaders Darren Williams, President/CEO of Wescom Financial; Ron Amstutz, EVP of Desert Financial Credit Union; and Merry Pateuk, SVP of Industry Engagement at Velera. If your credit union’s ATMs are powered by Velera or Fiserv, you’re in luck both providers have generously agreed to waive their fee for increasing your ATM surcharge, making it easier than ever to start raising funds for your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital through Credit Unions for Kids. Register here.
 
Bank of North Dakota offers FREE Communications Workshop to Communications Teams
Bank of North Dakota is sponsoring a special education event for all North Dakota financial institution communications staff on Monday, August 11, from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. It will be held at the ND Heritage Center in Bismarck, ND. The workshop entitled “A Sense of Place and Storry,” will be led by Emmy Award Winning journalist and film producer John Hubbell. Hubbell will weave North Dakota themes throughout the day to inspire communicators to share their financial institution’s story so they create stories that resonate with your credit unions’ clientele.
 
Attendees are responsible for their own meals. There is no restriction as to the number of team members who may attend, but each person must register because seating is limited. Seats will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Janel Schmitz, BND Communications Manager at [email protected] or 701.328.5880 with questions. Register here.
  
Bankers Equipment Service Acquisition of Professional Computer Services (PCS)Effective July 1, Professional Computer Services (PCS) has officially merged with Bankers Equipment Service and will now operate under the Bankers Equipment Service name. With a legacy spanning 89 years, Bankers Equipment Service has built a strong reputation for delivering innovative products and services to financial institutions and casinos.

This merger unites two well-established and respected companies, both known for their commitment to exceptional customer service across the upper Midwest. Bankers Equipment Service has long served clients in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and the addition of PCS strengthens their reach and capabilities in these markets.

PCS technicians will continue to support existing PCS customers, ensuring a seamless transition. The combined organization remains focused on delivering the same high level of reliability, innovation, and customer care that clients have come to trust. With expanded resources and expertise, Bankers Equipment Service is well-positioned to offer even greater value and an enhanced portfolio of solutions to its customers.
 
Alloya Corporate FCU Hosts Credit Union Leadership Symposium
Alloya Corporate Federal Credit Union will host its 11th annual Credit Union Leadership Symposium on September 3–5 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston. The event will feature top-tier speakers, including industry experts and economist Elliot Eisenberg, plus an inspiring keynote from 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey captain Mike Eruzione. Attendees can expect valuable networking, engaging sessions, and memorable experiences like a Red Sox game at Fenway Park and Alloya’s popular Football Night. The corporate’s Annual Meeting will take place on September 4, with no separate registration required. Find event details and registration here.
  
TruStage Discovery 2025 Conference
Registration is open for the Discovery2025 Conference with TruStage. This annual virtual conference is your gateway to strategic industry insights you need to help navigate the evolving financial landscape and the diverse needs of members. The free event takes place on Thursday, August 7, 9:00 a.m. (CT) – 4:00 p.m. (CT). Join this valuable virtual conference to uncover actionable data and trends designed to empower your credit union to engage with members in digital, yet profoundly human-centered, ways. Click here to register and review the full agenda.
 
Jackson Lewis, P.C. – Your Trusted Partner in Employment Law
Jackson Lewis, P.C., a DakCU dues-supported benefit, specializes in labor and employment law to help employers proactively reduce workplace legal risk. With 1,000+ attorneys in 61 locations—including South Dakota—they provide practical, effective solutions backed by national expertise. For over 65 years, they’ve focused on top-tier client service, from preventive guidance to litigation defense. Learn more here.
 
SalesCU Training
2025 dates are now available for SalesCU workshops! SalesCU training offers practical and proven sales techniques and strategies that actually work in a credit union setting to bring affordable and convenient sales training to our Dakota credit unions. If you want to develop employees who know how to sell in a way that adds value to the member, and sales leaders who are empowered to drive results through developmental coaching and meaningful accountability, we have an award-winning solution for you! Additional information on upcoming sessions available here or contact George McDonald, Senior VP/Chief Officer Partnerships & Engagement at 701.250.3942.
 
Leadership Development
Our iLead@11 DakCU Emerging Leader Program is designed specifically for credit union professionals in the credit union industry interested in enhancing their careers for advancement. Based on the popular Leadership@11 program designed by Eleven Performance Group, it is an ongoing program that allows participants to start whenever they want and determine their own pace. For a limited time, reduced pricing of just $1,999 per person and scholarships are also available! Learn more here.
 
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