Dakota CU News & Notes

​Dakotaland staffer celebrates 40 years of service! Plus FREE upcoming webinars, career opportunities, and other announcements. 

​Dakotaland staffer celebrates 40 Years of credit union service
Lorna Houge, Loan Officer at Dakotaland FCU (Huron, SD), celebrated a big milestone this week as she has completed 40 years of dedicated service at Dakotaland! Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Goehner and Chief of Lending, Bryan Smith, awarded Lorna a well-deserved certificate of service at a gathering of her Dakotaland family at the Main Branch in Huron earlier this week.
 
Lorna shared that when she first started working at the credit union in 1984, they did not use computers but rather recorded the loans by handwriting or typing each document, using a simple calculator to determine the payments. Once they obtained their first computer later that year, the loan officers had to go back and enter each loan. Times have certainly changed!
 
Lorna’s advice to those starting out in the industry, “Keep a friendly smile and helpful attitude with your co-workers and the members who walk through our door. We all have our challenges with our daily lives. I am glad for the graciousness of all who showed me and others compassion in our life situations, which I know is not always easy. It’s important to keep an open mind when dealing with others in their daily situations and as I say this, I am reminding myself as well. It’s true. We learn and grow each day from each other.” Congratulations, Lorna, on your dedication and accomplishments!

CUAid Activated for Hurricane Victims
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) has activated CUAid for Hurricane victims. While CUAid is always open for donations, right now, our friends in the southeast portion of the U.S. need our support.
​Click here to donate now.

DakCU Seeking Chief Accounting Officer & Controller
With the upcoming retirement of Karla Clark, Dakota Credit Union Association is seeking our next Chief Accounting Officer and Controller. The CAOC is responsible for the fiscal management, internal operations, and human resources of our association. A degree in accounting or equivalent work-related experience is required, as well as proven managerial and supervisory experience, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail. Click here for more information. 
 
Dakota West CU Seeking CEO
Dakota West Credit Union based in Watford City, ND, is seeking its next CEO, as the incumbent will be retiring in June of 2025. With eight locations across western North Dakota, we proudly manage $310 million in assets and serve 7,200 members. Our mission is to build trusted relationships and create member value. We deliver on our vision by providing essential financial services in the communities we serve that promote agriculture and commerce while improving the quality of our members’ lives. Each of our branches, team members and members themselves help grow Dakota West with an exceptional commitment to these values. Click here for additional information and job description. Interested candidates should apply no later than October 31, 2024.
 
Avanti FCU Seeking CEO
Due to the upcoming retirement of Judy Wolff, Avanti Federal Credit Union in Watertown, South Dakota is seeking a Chief Executive Officer/Manager. Established in 1953, Avanti Federal Credit Union serves approximately 2,800 members and holds assets of $31 million. The CEO will plan, direct, and control all credit union activities in accordance with credit union plans, policies, directives, and activities as established by the Board of Directors. This position is responsible for ensuring financial stability and member satisfaction commensurate with the best interest of the members, the employees, and the credit union, while providing strategic direction, vision, and management in all functional areas. Click here for additional information; interested candidates must apply by November 1, 2024.
 
Employment and Labor Law webinar!
Join us on Thursday, October 31, at 12:00 p.m. (CT) for a look at the latest updates surrounding employment and labor law. This past year has been an active one for updating rules and regulations affecting employers today, and your association is proactively offering insight and a closer look at what some of those regulations mean. This complimentary webinar featuring Chad Richter of Jackson Lewis, P.C. is part of the valuable dues supported services DakCU is offering to assist in answering the many questions credit union leaders and HR staff have in the Dakotas. Register here and please contact George McDonald with any questions. 
 
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE!
Credit Union Webinar Network is celebrating International Credit Union Day by giving you a free webinar for every two regularly-priced webinars you purchase in the same order! Now through October 31st, you can claim your free webinar: Select any three live or on-demand webinars (no bundles); Add them to your cart; and Checkout! One will automatically be free. The Buy 2 Get 1 Free special is only valid on regularly priced live or on-demand webinars purchased from September through October 31st, 2024 and cannot be applied to previous orders. Live+On-Demand (Bundle), Sale Webinars, Subscription Tokens, Courses, Packages, and Full Series purchases are not applicable. Click here to begin!
 
FREE Webinar: Fraud in the Payment Industry
Join a complimentary webinar from Envisant focused on the pressing issue of fraud within the payment industry. MaryAnne Colucci, Senior Director of Fraud & Risk at Envisant, will delve into current fraud trends and provide valuable insights into best practices for credit unions to effectively combat these threats. You will also learn strategies for effectively communicating with credit union members who may be concerned about fraud risks. The webinar takes place on Tuesday, November 19, at 1:00 p.m. CT. and you can sign up here.
 
Credit Unions United Chapter Halloween Social
Minot credit unions are invited to join their chapter peers for the annual Credit Unions United Chapter Progressive Halloween Social on Tuesday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. Prizes will be awarded! RSVP to Jennifer Jerauld.

FREE Holiday Signs
DakCU has an assortment of messages for upcoming 2024-2025 federal holidays FREE for your use on your credit union branch doors, websites, and social media. The signs can be downloaded here. If you need a different size and/or format, don’t hesitate to contact Lindsey Hefta at 701.250.3968.
 
SWAP Contributors – FREE Job Postings on Try a Credit Union!
Contributing SWAP members have access to FREE job postings on the Try A Credit Union website! To have a job posted, contact Lindsey Hefta with your job description and she will be happy to assist you. The successful results we are seeing with our state-wide awareness program (SWAP) means we are increasing credit union awareness and consideration of credit unions as a better financial services option for consumers all across the Dakotas! It’s not too late to get on board for 2024. Contact Lindsey to find out how SWAP can reach more consumers in your area.
 
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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