Dakota CU News & Notes

​Levo names new VP of Information Systems; a FREE teller station for the asking; upcoming chapter events; and other announcements you don’t want to miss! 

Eyabane Patasse

​Holiday Schedule – Closed Monday
Dakota Credit Union Association offices will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observation of Labor Day, to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. Please have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
 
Levo CU Names Patasse as VP Information Systems
Levo Credit Union has named Eyabane Patasse as Vice President of Information Systems. Patasse has over 25 years of experience working in information systems, including global and domestic expertise in IT strategy, network automation, and technology consulting. He has a Bachelor Degree in Information Systems and Business Administration, a Master’s in IT, and multiple certifications. Patasse oversees systems and data as well as information technology at Levo. He volunteers with multiple non-profit organizations, including Junior Achievement, and loves to play soccer in his spare time.
 
National CU Foundation Announces New Executive Director
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation), the national charitable arm of the credit union movement, has announced that Lauren Culp will begin as the new Executive Director in December. Culp, who currently serves as President and CEO of CUInsight, will succeed current Executive Director Gigi Hyland, who announced her retirement in March and will serve until December 31, 2024.
 
Culp, who has led CUInsight since 2019, has strong experience in strategic leadership and executive management with a deep understanding of revenue growth, financial sustainability, and industry collaboration. Prior to CUInsight, Culp held leadership positions at Filene Research Institute, and began her career at True North Federal Credit Union, in Juneau, Alaska.

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FREE Teller Station!
M-O FCU is closing their one-person office in the local federal building at the end of September and is offering the existing teller station FREE to a good home! Item measures approximately 11' side to side (129” across to be exact). Includes cubbies/privacy walls. First come first serve – you haul! Located in Huron, SD. Contact Tiffanie Kouf with any questions at [email protected] or (605) 353-9977. Photos below.

Five Critical Overdraft Issues
Credit unions face mounting pressure to balance delivering exceptional service and safeguarding financial stability. With the anticipation of the CFPB's rule on overdrafts and growing market competition, the stakes have never been higher. Hear from leading experts to gain insights into some of the pivotal questions shaping overdraft services during this free webinar on Tuesday, September 17 at 2:00 p.m. (CT). Are overdrafts going away? How can my CU refine its overdraft strategy while prioritizing safety and soundness? Is lowering our overdraft fee enough? How can we develop a break-even analysis related to overdrafts? What market pressures could influence the future of overdrafts? If you are seeking answers, register here today compliments of ADVANTAGE.

CSS Webinar Series: When Cyber Criminals Attack
This monthly webinar series from CSS takes on the hot topics in the industry and connects you with alliance providers who can help you safeguard your credit union against threats and bridge the gaps that prevent your credit union from growing and thriving. Join a free webinar brought to you by CUNA Strategic Services, TraceSecurity and Venminder with featured Speakers: Barb Lowman, CSS; TraceSecurity, and Venminder. This month’s episode will discuss the topic of protecting your credit union from cyberthreats and criminals. With cyberattacks on financial institutions on the rise, and new data breaches being reported across many different industries regularly, now is the time to think about how you can proactively address this critical growing concern. The webinar takes place on Thursday, September 26, at 2:00 p.m. (CT). Can’t attend? Sign up to receive a link to the recorded version. Register here.  
 
Compliance 101: An Essential Guide for New Compliance Officers
School is officially in session! This comprehensive, four-hour virtual training course from ViClarity, DakCU’s compliance solution, is designed for aspiring or new compliance officers seeking to build a solid foundation. Whether you’re just starting to learn the regulatory ropes, need a refresher, or are transitioning from another role in the credit union, ViClarity's team of experts will equip you with essential knowledge, enhance your decision-making skills, and provide strategies for effective leadership. Register by September 6 for early bird pricing of just $299 – after September 6 price increases to $349. Limited spots available! Sign up today!
 
Central Chapter Meeting
The Central Chapter has scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday, September 17, at GiGi’s in Huron. Meet at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and a presentation on cybersecurity by Nick Podhradsky with SBS Cybersecurity. Kindly RSVP by September 9 to [email protected] or 605-352-1311.
 
Credit Unions United Pints & Politics
The Credit Unions United Chapter is hosting their 2024 Pints & Politics event on Tuesday, September 17, at the ND State Fairgrounds upper atrium – 2005 Burdick Expressway, East Minot. Meet at 6:00 p.m. for social to include heavy apps! RSVP to the e-invite or to Jennifer Jerauld by September 6.
 
North Central Chapter Pints and Politics
The North Central Chapter is holding their 2024 Pints & Politics event on Thursday September 26 at Neathery- Simenson VFW Post 756, 314 3rd Ave, Devils Lake, ND. Meet at 5:30 p.m. for social and dinner, followed by a short business meeting. RSVP to the e-invite or to Tiffani Crist  by September 19.
 
New Ideas Conference
Join us on September 24-25 in Bismarck for DakCU’s 2024 New Ideas Conference! This event is flowing with the latest information you need to propel your credit union towards even greater success and engagement! We guarantee you will leave excited, invigorated, and inspired with new concepts, as well as actionable steps and key takeaways that you can implement at your organization immediately. Register by Thursday, August 15, for just $329 per person and save $50! Deadline to register is Friday, September 13. REGISTER NOW!
 
Check Out the FinHealth Hub!
The National Credit Union Foundation’s FinHealth Hub houses many resources on financial well-being! You can find a plethora of information and sign up for FREE Hub access here. Be sure to check out the upcoming free webinars this year on financial well-being topics!
 
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.
 
SalesCU Training
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 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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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.
 
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