Dakota CU News & Notes

GEM Federal CU serves up cool treats to city employees, BND names new president and launches new loan program for livestock producers; and a webinar for the Interchange MAP campaign. 

​GEM Federal CU Serves up Cool Treats!
GEM Federal Credit Union in Minot, ND participated in the annual picnic for Minot city workers once again this year.  The credit union has been involved with this event for more than 15 years!   This year, credit union staff served 121 banana splits to “Magic City” employees.  “It was a great turn out and a fantastic time,” reported Sue Bergman, Member Development Manager for GEM.  

Loan Programs for Livestock Producers
The North Dakota Industrial Commission has approved two new Bank of North Dakota (BND) loan programs to help the state’s livestock producers cover expenses related to the extreme drought conditions in the state.  Producers must work with their local lender to determine if the programs are appropriate for their situation and make application through them.  The Livestock Drought Loan Program will cover ag-related costs incurred as a result of the 2021 drought. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2022.  There is $150 million dedicated for the two programs and loans will be made on a first-come basis. More detailed information is available here or contact Janel Schmitz, BND Communications Manager at 328.5880. 
 
Todd Steinwand named President of Bank of North Dakota
The Industrial Commission named Interim Bank of North Dakota (BND) President Todd Steinwand as President of the Bank at its meeting on July 27, 2021.  Prior to acting as interim President, he served as BND’s Chief Business Development Officer.  He succeeds Eric Hardmeyer, who held the position for 21 years, the longest-serving president in the Bank’s 102-year history.  Steinwand grew up in Ellendale, North Dakota and graduated from the University of Jamestown with bachelor’s degrees in business administration and history-political Science.  Prior to BND, Steinwand spent 33 years at Wells Fargo in various banking and leadership positions before being recruited to BND in 2015 as the Senior Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer.
 
MAP Campaign Webinar
CUNA will be a hosting a webinar to cover our next MAP campaign: Protecting Consumers Through Interchange.  This MAP webinar will take place on Tuesday, August 10 at 2:30 pm CT.  Some in Congress are discussing changes to the interchange payments system that could limit interchange revenue while also putting credit union members at risk.  This free webinar is open to all MAP credit unions and will cover the state of play on Capitol Hill and why it’s critical your credit union takes part in this campaign.  Register here.
 
Join Us FORE Fun!
The deadline is rapidly approaching for the Dakota Credit Union Foundation’s 5th Annual Golf Scramble, which will be held on Thursday, August 26, at the Apple Creek Country Club in Bismarck, ND.  Please consider sending a team to our golf tournament or purchasing a sponsorship this year – a team of four is $500; individual golfers are $135.  Price includes green fees and golf cart, lunch, and dinner after the event, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, ND.  Register here and contact Kayla Pulvermacher with any questions. The deadline to register is Friday, August 13.
 
Mark Your Calendars for October 21
International Credit Union Day (ICU Day) is Thursday, October 21.  Each year, we come together to celebrate ICU Day to raise awareness about what it means for members around the world to have a credit union as their financial partner.  This year's ICU Day theme, “Building financial health for a brighter tomorrow,” reflects the way credit unions contribute to a brighter future by working to improve members' financial well-being.  It is at the heart of the mission and structure of credit unions.  International Credit Union Day is brought to you by Credit Union National Association and World Council of Credit Unions.  Click here to be notified as soon as more ICU Day information and collateral is available.
 
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 Shawn Brummer 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 Shawn Brummer.
 
Share News
Submit your news to Shawn Brummer. Employee promotions, awards, new products or services, community involvement/recognition, job openings, all are welcome!