DakCU News & Notes

Gardner to retire after 45 years; Join your state’s PAC golf outing this summer and help support our advocacy efforts; and more.

Envisant Free Webinar - Inside the World of Debit and ATMs: Trends, Security, and Success Strategies
June 25 at 1:00 p.m. CST
Debit and ATM services are cornerstones of the member experience — and they’re evolving quickly. Join Envisant and our partner for an expert-led panel covering today’s best practices, upcoming industry shifts, and the latest fraud defense techniques to keep your members and your institution protected. Register here.
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Voyage FCU Celebrates Retirement of Mike Gardner
We are excited to announce that Mike Gardner, after an incredible 45 years of dedicated service in the credit union industry, will be retiring on June 30th, 2025. Mike's contributions over the years have been immeasurable, and his passion for the credit union movement has positively impacted both his colleagues and the members he served. His leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence will be greatly missed.
 
Please join us in congratulating Mike on his well-deserved retirement and wishing him all the best in this new chapter of his life. We look forward to celebrating his remarkable career in the coming months.
 
If you’d like to send a card you can send it to:
Voyage FCU
Attn: Mike Gardner
5800 E 18th Street Suite 101
Sioux Falls, SD 57110
 
PAC Golf Outings
Support your state’s GAC committees by attending one of the upcoming golf outings. Both events are to generate funds for the corresponding state’s PAC. South Dakota’s Par for the PAC is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, at River Ridge Golf Course in Garretson, SD. The North Dakota event takes place on Thursday, September 18, at Memorial Park Country Club in Lamoure, ND. Please contact John Alexander (ND) or Chesney Garnos (SD) with any questions. Your support will help advance our advocacy efforts towards a more favorable legislative and regulatory environment for credit unions.  
 
Southeast 605 Chapter of Credit Unions Hosts 23rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament
The Southeast 605 Chapter of Credit Unions is holding their 23rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Thursday, June 26th, at Elmwood Golf Course in Sioux Falls. This event benefits Feeding South Dakota. Please register and remit payment here no later than June 1. For more information click here.

All proceeds support local charitable initiatives, making your day on the green even more meaningful.
 
Resources for small credit unions
Last month, America’s Credit Unions introduced several valuable resources for small credit unions, including the Small Credit Union Organizational Charts & Staffing Strategies Guide—an 84-page PDF featuring proven business strategies from small credit unions across the country. They also re-released the Small Credit Union Succession Planning Guide, now accompanied by a newly rebranded Workbook and Checklist, all available in the Small Credit Union Community. Don’t forget to explore these tools along with the widely-used Blueprints for Small Credit Union Success.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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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!