Dakota CU News & Notes

​Tomorrow is the final day to register for Summit! Plus NCUA grant round opens in May; FICO accepting applications for Inclusion Accelerator Program; and much more! 

DakCU Mobile App Ready for Summit!
Just in time for our Annual Summit taking place on May 9 – 10 in Fargo, Dakota Credit Union Association wants to remind you to download (or refresh) your DakCU Mobile App.  If you have utilized DakCU Mobile in the past, be sure to update your app through the Apple & Google Play stores to see recent changes. When you first log in, using the same credentials as our www.dakcu.org website, you will receive a six-digit verification code sent to your DakCU registered email address - that you will need to enter into the app. Then, as long as you don’t log out, you will not have to enter another verification code. Be sure to allow push notifications, especially during Summit – for important event information and announcements. Contact Lindsey Hefta, Director of Marketing, if you have questions about the app.
 
Freedom Community CU Seeking PT Staff Member
Freedom Community Credit Union in Fargo is seeking a part-time person for their South Location. Hours will be Tuesday – Friday. Looking for a “go-getter” and self-starter; this position has room for advancement. Duties include teller, assisting with loans, assisting CEO, filing, scanning, and other tasks as assigned. Accounting background is a plus; marketing experience, particularly in digital marketing, would also be a plus. This job requires one to wear many hats, to be flexible and dependable. To apply, please contact Mary Hagen, CEO at 701.551.1902. Pay DOE.  
 
NCUA Opening 2023 CDRLF Grant Round
The National Credit Union Administration has announced that credit unions eligible for Community Development Revolving Loan Fund grants in 2023 can apply between May 1 and June 30, 2023. Grant requirements, application instructions, and other important information are available on the grants program page of NCUA.gov. Grant applications must be submitted online through the NCUA’s CyberGrants portal. Credit unions with other questions about CDRLF grants may contact the NCUA’s Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion at CUREAPPS@ncua.gov.

NCUA will also host a FREE webinar on April 26 starting at 1:00 p.m. (CT) to discuss the grant round and other topics of interest. Participants will be able to log in and view the webinar on their computers or mobile devices using the registration link. They should allow pop-ups from this website. The Webinar will include: a description of the initiatives and application guidelines for the 2023 grant round; NCUA’s Small Credit Union and MDI Support Program; and online courses and other materials available on the NCUA’s Learning Management System. Register here.

FICO Inclusion Accelerator Program
FICO has announced they are now accepting applications for the 2023 FICO® Inclusion Accelerator Program for Credit Unions. The program is designed to directly support credit unions who wish to responsibly expand lending to underserved segments of their membership, including members who have little or no credit histories, and those who have positive financial histories that aren’t reflected in their credit reports, putting them at a disadvantage to obtain the loan products and rates they want. This is a limited opportunity; interested credit unions may request an application by emailing Sharon Tilley, Inclusion Accelerator program manager, at sharontilley@fico.com.
 
NCUA Simplified CECL Tool Review – FREE webinar
The National Credit Union Administration will host a webinar on Wednesday, May 3, starting at 11:30 a.m. (CT) explaining the agency’s Simplified CECL Tool, created to help small credit unions implement the Current Expected Credit Losses accounting standard. Chris McGrath, acting chief accountant with the NCUA’s Office of Examination and Insurance, will demonstrate the Simplified CECL Tool and discuss topics including: The tool’s methodology; Net charge-off rates; and Examiners’ expectations. Register here.
 
Upcoming DakCU Webinars
DakCU has several upcoming informational webinars planned. Details and registration available at links below:

• IRA Webinar with latest IRA updates; May 3 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CT
• CMG Helping Small CUs Thrive – May 17, 11:00 a.m. CT – FREE
• Health Savings Accounts – June 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CT 

 
Summit Registration Deadline – April 21
Tomorrow, April 21st is the final day to register for the 2023 Summit. Don’t miss our signature event that has something for EVERYONE interested in expanding their industry skills and knowledge. Plan to join us on May 9 – 10 at Delta Hotels by Marriott in Fargo. Find event information register here.
 
Red River Chapter Annual Meeting
The Red River Chapter will hold their Annual Meeting on April 27 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Herd & Horns, 1414 12th Ave N, Fargo. A complimentary taco bar will be served, compliments of the Chapter! 
 
Red River Chapter BSA Training
The Red River Chapter will hold BSA Training with Amy Kleinschmit, Chief Compliance Officer, Dakota Credit Union Association. Meet on Monday May 8th at 5:30 p.m. at the NDSU McGovern Alumni Center, Atrium Room, 1241 N. University Dr. Fargo. Dinner will be served for $14 per person. Kindly RSVP by April 24th to korianne@unitedsavingscu.org.
 
SalesCU Training – Next Session Begins May 16
DakCU has partnered with SalesCU for 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 leaders who are empowered to drive results through developmental coaching and meaningful accountability, we have a solution for you! The next session begins on May 16. Additional information and registration is available here or contact George McDonald, Chief Officer of Strategic Services at 701.250.3942.
 
Ongoing Educational Opportunities
Be sure to check back often for professional development training to see all current virtual training sessions that DakCU offers in partnership with OnCourse Learning, CU Webinar Network, and CUNA. On our website, click the “Member Resources” link, and then select “Professional Development” link, and click “Training,” to see what is available. Don’t hesitate to contact Paige Langhoff if you need assistance registering for any of these courses or are looking for a particular topic or type of training. 
 
Leadership Development – Work at Your Own Pace
Our iLead@11 DakCU Emerging Leader Program is designed specifically for emerging leaders in the credit union industry, 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 to the program! Scholarships are available now through our relationship with Alloya Corporate. Contact George McDonald, Chief Officer of Strategic Services for more information.
 
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!