Dakota CU News & Notes

​Marie Darling named Lender of the Month; AACUL welcomes new director of advocacy; free webinar on overdraft insights, and much more. 

Marie Darling

​Summit Registration Now Open
Registration for the Annual Summit is now open! This year’s event takes us to Grand Casino & Golf Resort just outside Sioux Falls, SD. Be sure to check out the expanded three-day agenda and new attractions! Register by April 12 for early bird pricing of just $409 per person. For your convenience, a block of rooms is reserved at Grand Casino & Golf Resort under Dakota Credit Union Summit. You must call the hotel directly at 712.777.7777 to receive the special group rate starting at just $124.95 per night.
 
BHFCU Business Lender Named SDDC Lender of the Month 
Black Hills Federal Credit Union’s (BHFCU) mission is to improve lives – and their more than 400 staff members bring that mission to life daily. That’s why it was no surprise when the South Dakota Development Corporation (SDDC) recognized Marie Darling, BHFCU Business Lender, as their Lender of the Month for January.
 
“As a relatively new member of the commercial lending space, I was very honored when I learned I’d been named Lender of the Month,” Marie said. “It’s pretty exciting to be recognized by an organization like the SDDC, which cheers for the success of our members just as hard as we do.”
 
The SDDC is a certified development company that helps facilitate the SBA 504 program. This program allows South Dakota business owners to make large purchases with lower down payments, often assisting them in moving from renting a space to buying and owning their own building. Simply put, BHFCU and the SDDC help business owners achieve their goals.
 
Marie was born and raised in Trier, Germany, and moved to the United States in 2002 after falling in love with her Army husband. She has been in financial services for nearly two decades, starting as a BHFCU teller in 2006. Marie discovered her calling in financial lending because she genuinely enjoys finding a solution for any borrower’s needs. As a Business Lender, Marie shares that she most enjoys building relationships with and working alongside her members to help their dreams come to fruition. For a similar reason, she looks forward to working with the SDDC.
 
“Every business loan is unique, and sometimes we do not have the perfect in-house solution for our member’s needs,” explained Marie. “That’s where the SDDC comes in – having them on our side allows us to offer a wider variety of options to help small business owners achieve their goals.”
 
When she’s not working for her community, Marie likes to spend her time in the wide-open spaces South Dakota offers. She and her husband own a small hobby ranch and strive to give their plethora of animals the best life. Most notably, Marie rescues and rehabilitates pigs.
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Congratulation, Marie, for the well-deserved recognition as the SDDC’s Lender of the Month!

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Austin DeBey

​AACUL Welcomes Austin DeBey as Director of Advocacy 
Austin DeBey is joining the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) in a newly developed position, Director of Advocacy, effective February 12th. DeBey is currently the Vice President of Advocacy Operations and Legislative Affairs at the GoWest Credit Union Association. He has ties to the Dakotas; his father, Galen DeBey, was a former president of the North Dakota Credit Union League.
 
Austin has a proven 19-year track record of providing strategic leadership, coordinating projects, and leveraging the collective strength of credit unions working for single-state and multi-state leagues. AACUL President Brad Miller shared, “Austin is experienced in developing and implementing advocacy strategies at both state and federal levels. He has developed a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by both leagues and credit unions.  He is extremely knowledgeable about the broader political and policy landscape of the credit union system.”
 
Career Opportunities at Hometown Credit Union
Hometown Credit Union currently has several career opportunities available! For consideration, please send cover letter and resume to: Hometown CU; ATTN Human Resources; PO Box 230; Ashley, ND 58413 or email to [email protected].
 
An Internal Auditor position is available at the Ashley, ND branch. A thorough knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules and regulations with sound judgement is required.  
 
A Senior Loan Officer is sought for the Kulm location. The chosen person will be member-focused and energetic with strong communications skills and solid decision-making abilities. Experience with agriculture, finance, or accounting and lending is preferred.
 
A Loan Processor is sought for the Kulm location. This individual will be responsible for reviewing loan applications, processing loans, and loan documentation. Attention to detail is a must. Salary negotiable based on experience.
 
A Member Service Representative is needed at the Kulm location. A courteous, efficient, and confidential manner is required for handling member transactions. Ability to use a computer and cash handling skills required.
 
Overdraft Overhaul: Insights into CFPB’s Proposal
On Jan 17, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published its proposed Rule, Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions. While the proposed rule currently exempts financial institutions under $10B in assets, it may potentially reshape overdraft practices for all community banks and credit unions. The CFPB has indicated that it will monitor the market response for all overdraft programs and is prepared to include community financial institutions. Join ADVANTAGE for an in-depth discussion on the proposed rule and how it may impact your financial institution on Wednesday, February 21, at 2:00 p.m. (CT). Register here. ADVANTAGE is a CSS provider; please contact George McDonald with any questions.
 
Credit Unions United Chapter Meeting with CPR Training
The Credit Unions United Chapter has scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday February 13th, at Sleep Inn - 2400 10th Street SW, Minot. Meet at 5:45 p.m. for pizza followed by 6:15 pm Heart Savers (CPR) Certification Training presented by Trinity Health Emergency Medical Training Center beginning at 6:15. Kindly RSVP to Jennifer Jerauld at Town and Country Credit Union 701-420-6762. The charge per person for this event will be $35 which includes dinner plus a portion of the CPR Certification.
 
SD Central Chapter Meeting
The SD Central Chapter has scheduled their meeting for Tuesday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m. at the Fire Pit Pizzeria, 460 Dakota Ave S. The program will be Robbery Training with Mark Johnson from the Huron Police Department. Kindly RSVP by Wednesday, February 14th to Sara Gogolin at [email protected].
 
Red River Chapter Fargo Force Night
The Red River Chapter of Credit Unions has planned a night with the Fargo Force on Thursday, March 7th at Scheels Arena. Join your peers and bring your family for a fun night – puck drops at 7:05. Your $20 ticket includes admission and all you can eat wrist band. Kindly RSVP to [email protected] by February 28.
 
SalesCU Training
2024 dates are available for SalesCU workshops; the next session begins March 12 with deadline to register
​March 1. 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, Chief Officer of Strategic Services at 701.250.3942.
 
Leadership Development
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. Scholarships are also available; complete the application form found here.
 
Share News
Submit your news to Shawn Brummer. Employee promotions, awards, new products or services, community involvement/recognition, job openings, all are welcome! 

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