Dakota CU News & Notes

​Enjoy your long weekend! Plus, United Savings is adding team members, and JMFA is looking for your feedback on the challenges facing financial institutions today. 

DakCU Offices Closed on January 17
DakCU offices will be closed on Monday, January 17 in observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Staff will return messages as soon as possible on Tuesday. Enjoy your long weekend!
 
JMFA Marketing & Growth Survey – Share Your Insight!
There is a great deal of uncertainty regarding market conditions, regulatory expectations and how best to address consumer financial service needs. In addition to helping credit unions and community banks succeed with their overdraft program, JMFA provides guidance and solutions for other priorities and initiatives, as well.
 
Based on opportunities and disruptions in the industry, their team is compiling an overview of the challenges facing financial institutions today, as well as observations of what steps credit unions and community banks are planning for the new year. We invite you to share your insights by taking a short survey about your high-level growth goals for 2022.
 
For instance, will your existing branch footprint remain effective amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns and an increase in remote work? What’s your strategy for attracting new, younger account relationships? To acquire more earnings or improve service delivery, do you need help improving efficiencies? The results of the study will be shared when it is completed.
 
JMFA is a CUNA Strategic Services (CSS) alliance provider. Their team of expert consultants is continually evaluating new opportunities and studying challenges in the market that impact existing service strategies and outcomes. CSS provides credit unions and leagues innovative, industry-specific solutions that help drive membership growth and operational excellence at an attractive price. For more information about any of our CSS providers or if you have a specific need at your credit union, don’t hesitate to contact George McDonald, Chief Officer of Strategic Services.

New Requirements for GAC Attendees
Be sure to refer back to the DakCU GAC “one stop” page frequently for the latest on mask and vaccine requirements for indoor venues, including the Convention Center where the GAC will be held. The situation is fluid and we are paying close attention. As of now, anyone over age 12 must be fully vaccinated by February 15, 2022.
 
CUNA has agreed to remove any cancelation deadlines on registrations; however, the hotel deadline to cancel is January 31st.  If you are in the DakCU hotel block and want to cancel, please reach out to Debbie Kruckenberg at [email protected] for assistance.
 
United Savings CU Seeking New Team Members 
United Savings Credit Union currently has openings for full-time Member Services Representatives at their Main Office and Dilworth Office, as well as a Financial Services Representative for their Amber Valley office. These positions require highly motivated, detail-oriented individuals with a passion for helping people. Banking or lending experience preferred, but not required. Wages based on experience. Please submit your resume in confidence to United Savings Credit Union, Attn: Jan Welch, PO Box 2308, Fargo, ND 58108 or by email to [email protected] or [email protected]. Questions can be directed to Jan Welch at 701-356-1370 or Bonnie Mohr at 701-356-1364.
 
Central Chapter Meeting Scheduled
The Central Chapter has scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday, January 18 at Firepit Pizzeria – 460 Dakota Avenue South – Huron, SD. Meet at 6:00 p.m. for Social, followed by supper and meeting. Program: Basic Medical Knowledge for Everyone presented by Ashley Kingdon Reese with Independent Health Solutions. To make your reservation, contact Emily Forbush, Huron Area Education Federal Credit Union no later than January 12.
 
Maurie C. Byrne Chapter Meeting Planned
The Maurie C. Byrne Chapter has scheduled their first meeting and election of officers for the new year on Tuesday, January 18 at Hilton Garden Inn – 4301 James Ray Drive – Grand Forks, ND. Meet at 6:00 p.m. for social, with dinner, meeting and election to follow. Jeff Olson, President/CEO of Dakota Credit Union Association will be the guest speaker. RSVP to Lacey Fetsch at [email protected].
 
Dakota’s Sister Society Schedules January Meeting
The Dakota's Sister Society has scheduled their next meeting for January 19th at 2:00 p.m. via ZOOM, with the topic “Predatory Lending And Our Members.” The holidays can be frantic for folks and sometimes bad choices can be made when trying to buy gifts and prepare. How can we save our members? How can we educate them on predatory lending and how can we prevent them from going that route in the future? Dynamic speaker, Kerri Grimes Smith from Self-Help CU in North Carolina will be joining us to speak on this very topic. Everyone is welcome to attend! Kindly register in advance and contact Nanci Wilson with any questions.
 
MonDak Roundtable
Exclusively for credit union managers, CEOs, and volunteer board members from the Dakotas and Montana, our 2022 event will be held at the Flamingo Hotel – with a free optional post-conference event at the LINQ minus5° IceBar at the end of the day Wednesday. It’s your chance to mingle with your peers from the Dakotas and Montana. Complete information on presenters, sessions, discounted room rates and accommodations, and the post-conference event here.
 
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!