Dakota CU News & Notes

Bluestone FCU receives recognition for exceptional member service; Aspire CU opens their scholarship program; and looking for your Youth Month stories! 

Bluestone FCU Receives “Best of the Best” Designation
Bluestone FCU has received the “Best of the Best” designation from MemberXP for the category of “Transaction Experience.” The “Best of the Best” designation is awarded to credit unions that consistently provide exceptional levels of member service during a calendar year. This prestigious award is given to high-performing credit unions using MemberXP’s service evaluation platform. A credit union cannot apply for this award; it is independently granted by MemberXP based on specific criteria. For more information about MemberXP, click here.
 
Aspire CU Opens Scholarships for 2022
Aspire Credit Union in Minot, ND has announced their annual scholarship program for high school graduates is now open on their website. The $1,000 opportunity is available for graduating members of Aspire Credit Union who are continuing their education at a college or university. For the scholarship this year, Aspire CU is asking the submitters to review the seven cooperative principles and write a one-page essay about how their selected principle is good for the community the cooperative serves. Details are available here. Essays are due by May 2 and will be reviewed by an internal team at the credit union.
 
Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Webinars
Throughout the month of April, you can build your training library and receive one free webinar of your choice with the purchase of two webinars from Credit Union Webinar Network. Add any three regularly priced, live or on-demand webinars to your cart and automatically get one free at checkout. Click here to see what is available today!
  
Free Webinar Series for Small Credit Unions
There is a new, free webinar program for smaller credit unions from CUNA. In this series, you will be connected to business partners that are vetted and known to work well with smaller credit unions. Partnering with CUNA Strategic Services, the goal is to deliver direct to your offices presentations on services from small credit union-friendly vendors that can help you enhance your organizations and the services you offer members.
 
Each month, two small credit union-friendly providers will present how their offerings can enhance your service to members. This free series takes place every second Thursday of the month now to December. Register for the series here.
 
 Interest Rate Risk & Investment Strategies Seminar
Minnesota CU Network and The Baker Group are offering a seminar on Interest Rate Risk and Investment Strategies. Two years after the pandemic left financial institutions drowning in
excess liquidity at historically low interest rates, the industry faces a new challenge: Rising interest rates. The Fed has quickly pivoted from supporting the economy to fighting inflation and credit unions are now facing the first rising rate environment in years. Portfolio managers must be proactive in managing their investment portfolio and balance sheet in the face of rising rates and a flattening yield curve. This seminar on May 3rd in Minneapolis will examine these concerns and present actionable strategies to better prepare your institution for the uncertainty ahead. Click here to learn more or to register. This event is open to all credit unions throughout the country. 
 
Youth Month – Stories Wanted!
April is CU Youth Month, so be sure to share your #CUYouthMonth stories by emailing to Shawn Brummer. Pictures are also appreciated!
 
 Central Chapter Meeting
The Central Chapter has scheduled their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 19 at the Huron Event Center – 100 4th Street SW in Huron. Meet at 6:00 p.m. for dinner (choice of prime rib French dip or grilled chicken salad) followed by meeting and election of officers. Program will be Robbery Training with Special Agent Hank Prim, DCI. RSVP with meal choice to Chris McConnell 605.858.6374 by April 12th.
 
Red River Chapter Meeting
The Red River Chapter has planned their Annual Meeting for April 21st at HERD & HORNS - 1414 12TH AVE N in Fargo. Meet at 5:30 p.m. for “Taco Bar” of chicken & beef, rice, Mexican corn, chips and salsa, and a soft drink. Game Room will be unlocked and features billiards, darts, NASCAR racing simulator, giant Jenga, Big Buck Hunter, and a virtual mini putt game. This is a FREE event and a great networking opportunity! RSVP to [email protected].
 
North Central Chapter Meeting Scheduled
The North Central Chapter has scheduled their meeting for Tuesday, April 26 at the Sheyenne Senior Center – 100 1st Street North – Sheyenne, ND. Meet at 6:00 p.m. for social, followed by dinner (Roast Beef with all the fixings) and a presentation by Chief Knowski, Devils Lake Police Department; Sheriff Roed, Benson County; and Sheriff Lies, Eddy County, who will talk about the recent joint task force of the Special Law Enforcement Commission Deputation Agreement. RSVP to Rachel Anderson, Community Credit Union at 701-947-5011 no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 22.
 
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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!