Dakota CU News & Notes

​Foundation Vacation Sweepstakes launch webinar scheduled for March 11; fundraiser planned for member of our Dakota credit union family; chapter events, and more. 

​Foundation Update & Vacation Sweepstakes Launch Webinar Planned
The Dakota Credit Union Foundation will be hosting a Zoom meeting on Monday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m. (CT). Foundation Board Chair, April Tompkins, will lead the event and provide a foundation update. In addition, she will officially launch the 2024 Vacation Sweepstakes, which proved to be a very successful fundraiser in 2023. Meeting invites have been sent to CEOs, branch managers, and marketing staff. If you would like to attend the meeting, contact Paige Langhoff for the Zoom link. The meeting will last approximately 30 minutes.

Fundraiser for Tyanna Weeks planned in Minot
Tyanna Weeks (daughter of Brianna Weeks, longtime employee of Aspire CU in Minot) was severely injured on January 31st in a head-on collision with an impaired driver. She sustained life-threatening injuries and has a long road ahead to recovery, including a series of facial reconstruction surgeries. She remains in the ICU and medical expenses are daunting. To assist the family, staff at Aspire organized several fundraisers. If you are so inclined, the GoFundMe page is available here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/tyanna-weeks. There is also a silent auction and
“Dine to Donate” event planned at Planet Pizza in Minot on Friday, March 22.
Find additional details on Tyanna’s story here.

Retirement Celebration for Melanie Stillwell
Western Cooperative Credit Union is planning an open house celebration for the upcoming retirement of Melanie Stillwell on Wednesday, March 27. The public is welcome to join them from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Main Branch in Williston, 1300 Bison Drive. Light refreshments and appetizers will be served.
 
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.
 
Aspire CU Seeking CFO
Aspire Credit Union in Minot, ND is seeking a Chief Financial Officer. This position is responsible for overseeing the accounting and finance functions of Aspire. As part of the management team, the CFO will participate in strategic planning, and development of credit union policies, procedures, and goals. Work may require job duties beyond the normal scope of the job. Aspire offers a phenomenal work environment focused on supporting members and giving back. Benefits include 401(k), health, dental, vision and life insurance, paid time off, in addition to an employee discount, flexible schedules, and more! For more detailed information, visit: https://aspire.creditunion/careers/. To apply for the CFO position, please submit your cover letter and resume to Kevin Vigested, CEO.
 
Summit Registration Open
Registration for the Annual Summit is open! This year’s event takes us to Grand Casino & Golf Resort just outside Sioux Falls, SD. Be sure to check out the expanded three-day agenda and new attractions! Register by April 12 for early bird pricing of just $409 per person. For your convenience, a block of rooms is reserved at Grand Casino & Golf Resort under Dakota Credit Union Summit. You must call the hotel directly at 712.777.7777 to receive the special group rate starting at just $124.95 per night.
 
Credit Unions United Chapter Meeting
The Credit Unions United Chapter has scheduled their next meeting for Tuesday, March 12th at the Clarion Hotel Convention Center, 2200 E Burdick Expy, Minot. Meet at 6:00 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30. Program will be Robbery Training. Kindly RSVP to Jennifer Jerauld at Town and Country Credit Union 701-420-6762.

SE 605 Chapter Golf & Networking Social 
 The Southeast 605 Chapter of Credit Unions invites you to their Golf & Networking Social on Thursday, March 14 at Golf Addition, 5301 West 57th Street, Sioux Falls. Event will be held from 5 - 7 p.m. - when you can enjoy appetizers, games, and networking time with your peers. Learn more about the chapter and how you can get involved! RSVP to [email protected] or [email protected]. 

North Central Chapter Meeting
The North Central Chapter has scheduled their next meeting for Thursday, March 14, at the KC Hall in Devils Lake. Meet at 5:30 for social, followed by dinner and business meeting. Program will be special guest speaker Kyle Ternes of Train ND on the topic of Customer Service. Please RSVP to Tiffani Crist at 701-665-1325.
 
Red River Chapter Meeting
The Red River Chapter of Credit Unions has scheduled their next meeting for Thursday, March 21 at Fargo Pizza Ranch – Meeting Room – 4480 23rd Ave S A, Fargo, ND 58104. The topic will be cyber security with Steve Bayer. Kindly RSVP to [email protected].
 
SalesCU Training
2024 dates are available for SalesCU workshops. 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 emerging leaders in the credit union industry, 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. Scholarships are also available; complete the application form found 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.
 
Share News
Submit your news to Shawn Brummer. Employee promotions, awards, new products or services, community involvement/recognition, job openings, all are welcome!