Dakota CU News & Notes

Bluestone names new VP; a post-election webinar; upcoming chapter events; and multiple career opportunities at Dakota credit unions.
 

Brittany Petersen

Bluestone FCU Names New VP
Brittany Petersen has been named the new vice president of Bluestone Federal Credit Union (Sioux Falls, SD). Petersen began her 12-year career in the credit union industry with Bluestone as a teller in 2012. Her desire to learn and willingness to work hard saw her grow into a role as a lender, then branch manager, then compliance and risk manager in 2020. She will officially move into the vice president role on Jan 1, 2025, alongside Alayna Johnson, Bluestone’s new president.
 
Originally from Akron, IA and then Sioux City, Petersen and her now husband, John, a Sioux City native, moved to Sioux Falls in 2006. In 2009, Brittany and John got married in Sioux Falls and recently celebrated their 15-year anniversary. She stays busy during the school year with her son’s football and basketball schedule, and all other times keeping up with her daughter, a busy toddler. Petersen and family enjoy being outdoors and camping.
 
Post Election Webinar
America’s Credit Unions advocacy team is hosting a post-election webinar on November 7 at 1:00 p.m. (CT). Hear election results analysis and what credit unions can expect both in the lame duck session and the 119th Congress. Chief Advocacy Officer Carrie Hunt will lead a discussion exploring challenges for Congress as it faces must-pass year-end bills to fund the government and military; power dynamics at play in 2025; and how America’s Credit Unions, Leagues, and credit unions can work to advance their advocacy agenda. Register now.
 
Central Chapter Meeting
The South Dakota Central Chapter will host their next meeting on Tuesday, November 19, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Dakotaland Conference Room. The program will include BSA Training and FinCen Filing led by Lisa Snedeker, Sarah Senska, and Amy Kleinschmit. Kindly RSVP to Lisa Snedeker by Tuesday, November 12.
 
Credit Unions United Food Drive
The Credit Unions United Chapter is collecting canned goods, non-perishables, household paper supplies or toiletries for Cornerstone Soup Kitchen, a local food pantry. Top needs include canned foods (pop tops preferred), peanut butter and jelly, beef jerky and nuts. All donations are appreciated, please pay attention to expiration dates. Items may be dropped off by November 20 at any participating Minot area credit union, including Affinity, Aspire, Minot Area Schools, North Star, and Town & Country.  
 
Red River Chapter Friendsgiving
The Red River Chapter will hold their annual “Friendsgiving” gathering on Tuesday, November 19, at Swing Barrel Brewing, 814 Center Ave. A, Moorhead MN 56560. Dinner will be catered by Jay’s Smoking BBQ for $20/per person. A food drive contest will be held in conjunction with this dinner and all credit unions are encouraged to participate. A $250 prize to a charity of choice will be awarded to the credit union who brings the most donations! Kindly RSVP to [email protected].
 
Small CU GAC Scholarships
America’s Credit Unions has just launched their 2025 Small CU GAC Scholarship Contest, where one or more lucky winners will again receive full scholarships to the 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference in D.C., March 2-6. The scholarship includes registration, airfare, hotels, and incidentals to the biggest event in our industry! To be eligible for the scholarship prize, participate in the America's Credit Union Small Credit Union Committee's Planning for Future Growth Project, which asks credit unions to share their current organizational chart with the strategies you've employed to fulfill your mission of serving members. Once all the submissions are collected at the end of the year, the Committee will pick the best one(s) and the winner(s) will receive the scholarship(s). All submissions will be turned into a comprehensive resource full of new strategies for your credit union to review and implement at your shops! Click here to participate. Deadline to submit is December 20. Questions? Contact Richard Mohr, America’s Credit Unions Director of Membership at (608) 231-4328.
 
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
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.
 
WyHy FCU Seeking a Lead Accounting Coordinator
WyHy FCU is a Wyoming credit union with approximately $380 million in assets. With branches in Cheyenne, Casper, Rock Springs, Lyman and Green River, WY, their footprint spans the entire state of Wyoming. WyHy is currently looking for the perfect individual to fill the role of Lead Accounting Coordinator, joining the Accounting Department in the Cheyenne Branch. Compensation DOE and includes a generous benefits package. To apply no later than November 15, 2024, visit the hiring portal at Work@WyHy. For more information contact HR Director Dorothy Moen at [email protected] or call 307-638-4229.
 
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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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! 

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