Dakota CU News & Notes

Exciting opportunities at North Star Community CU! Plus a Montana credit union is seeking a CEO, and cast your vote for ICU Day theme! 

Now Hiring at North Star Community CU!
North Star Community Credit Union (main branch in Maddock, ND) has some amazing opportunities for credit union professionals right now! The following positions are open:

• Marketing Manager                                                    TBD 
• Financial Services Representative                      Minot Air Force Base
• Member Services Representative                       Willow City
• Financial Services Representative                       Devils Lake
• Member Services Representatives                      Devils Lake
• Retail Branch Manager                                               Maddock

 
To apply, visit Recruitment (adp.com). Questions? Contact Yvonne Fossen, VP of Talent & Technology at 701.922.6204.
 
CEO Opportunity in Billings, MT
With the pending retirement of the current leader, Altana Federal Credit Union ($350M assets) located in Billings, Montana has started their quest for the next Chief Executive Officer. The board of directors is seeking an experienced executive to provide continued leadership, direction, and guidance of Altana Federal Credit Union activities, while overseeing the safety and soundness of the Credit Union’s financial structure. This individual must have a proven track record of excellence, a high level of integrity and trust, and excellent communication skills. The successful candidate must have the ability to work collaboratively with the board of directors in defining the strategic direction of the credit union. This position requires conducting business development activities and participating in community and business affairs to promote Altana Federal Credit Union’s visibility and growth. Knowledge and experience in commercial lending is a must. A minimum of three years of experience as a President/CEO, or five years of responsible senior leadership experience in a financial institution of equal or greater size is required. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or related field from an accredited college or university is required. For confidential consideration, please apply to [email protected]. Questions? Contact Tracy DuFresne, VP of Administration.
 
National Credit Union Foundation Announces New CFOO
The National Credit Union Foundation has announced the addition of André T. Parraway, CPA as the new Chief Financial and Operations Officer. As CFOO, Parraway will provide strategic financial leadership and direction to ensure the Foundation’s long–term financial well-being and growth. Parraway will guide and direct all aspects of the Foundation’s financial and day-to-day operations and strategies in conjunction with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, bringing financial and business expertise to strengthen all aspects of the Foundation’s operations and financial performance.
 
Credit Unions United Chapter Holding In-Person Meeting!
Credit Unions United Chapter will hold an in-person meeting on Tuesday, February 9. This event will be held at the Columbian Club (formerly Knights of Columbus) – 2601 N Broadway – Minot, and hosted by Gem Federal Credit Union and Minot Area Schools Federal Credit Union. Meet at 6:00 p.m. for Social followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and program at 7:00 p.m.—Robbery training – with Arron Moss of the Minot Police Dept.
Please note: The meeting will be adhering to all state and city guidelines to protect each of their chapter members. Please refrain from attending if you are feeling ill! Reserve your spot with Susan Bergman, GEM Federal Credit Union 701-852-3866.
 
April is Youth Month
CUNA has announced this year’s theme for National Credit Union Youth Month in April: “Be a credit union saver and your savings will never go extinct.” Kids love dinosaurs, and the Jurassic theme makes saving for the future fun and helps younger members appreciate the importance of putting money aside. This annual campaign is an opportunity to further engage with young members and show them that your credit union is there to help them throughout their financial journey. Find fun swag along with FREE graphics to promote your activities here. Be sure to check out our great selection of Pee Wee Penguin promotional products that can also be used to make those important contacts with your young savers! Visit the Igloo Mall or contact Deb Kruckenberg for more information about Pee Wee and Friends®.
 
Help Choose ICU Day Theme
World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is asking credit unions to provide input on the theme for International Credit Union (ICU) Day 2021, which we will celebrate together on Thursday, October 21. Click here to find our ICU Day 2021 Theme Survey. The more survey entries they receive back the better! The survey was developed by World Council and Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and asks about five potential themes for ICU Day 2021. Surveys will be accepted through February 18 and the theme will be announced in early March. Learn more about International Credit Union Day here.
 
Virtual Learning Opportunity from NDHFA
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) will host a virtual Homeownership Forum on February 11 and February 18. To provide its lending partners with this online learning opportunity, the agency partnered with Genworth Mortgage Insurance and Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC). For the first webinar, Genworth’s MaryKay Scully will lead an introduction to the new Uniform Residential Loan Application, commonly referred to as the 1003/65, and Steve Richman will present “There’s No Going Back,” on the evolution of the mortgage industry that’s lead to today’s multi-dimensional connectivity. Beryl Johnson of MGIC will be the trainer for the Feb. 18 workshop, sharing the secret to effective communications and helping attendees identify the thieves that rob us of time and prevent us from accomplishing the things that benefit us personally and professionally. Register online at www.ndhfa.org. One-day only is $20; both days $30. Registration closes February 10, 2021.
 
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.
 
National Credit Union Foundation Virtual Celebration
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) has announced sponsorship and viewing packages are now available for purchase for the 2021 Foundation Celebration. On March 2, 2021, a virtual event featuring Wegner Award winners of the past will take place. The Foundation will not be presenting the annual Herb Wegner Memorial Awards in 2021 as they will wait to honor new winners in person with family and friends. However, they are still looking forward to bringing the spirit and inspiration of the Wegner Dinner into your organization and home through the Foundation Celebration. The Celebration will be a fun “night out” for our movement to get dressed up, experience interviews with some past Wegner Award winners with help from emcee Andy Janning, support the National Credit Union Foundation and an opportunity to get re-energized with passion for the difference we make as credit unions. Reserve your spot here.
 
Free Small CU Webinar Series
Don’t forget the free CUNA-League System Small CU Webinar Series! This series provides actionable, relevant and operation-improving best practices while bringing free education to small credit unions on the most important issues they face. Each live webinar takes place on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. CT (1:00 p.m. MT) now through Spring 2021. While subjects are wide-ranging, each webinar will aim to answer many of the biggest questions facing small credit unions. *Please note: the Small CU Webinar Series is designed for credit unions $75M and under in assets.
Here are some upcoming dates and topics:

• February 9: Governance, risk and compliance
• February 16: DEI
• March 16: Student Lending
• March 23: Leadership, empowerment, and communication

Register here for the series. For additional information, including a complete lineup of upcoming topics, click here.
 
Help Us Stay Up to Date with Your Staff!
We have been cleaning house at the association and have removed many email contacts that have become inactive. 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, titles, and email addresses 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.
 
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Submit your news to Shawn Brummer. Employee promotions, awards, new products or services, community involvement/recognition, job openings, all are welcome!