Dakota CU News & Notes

​Aspire announces new staff members; Shetler receives promotion at Capital CU; Red River chapter plans RedHawks night; and more. 

Brad Shetler

Aspire CU Welcomes New Staff
Aspire Credit Union welcomes two new team members to support their operations department in the Broadway location. Amee Rasmusson joined the team in early May as a Member Experience Coordinator, bringing in a large skillset to support members. Rasmusson has been an active member with Aspire for over 28 years, opening her first account as an infant. Now with a son of her own, she is eager to begin supporting members as she has been supported in the past. “I am excited to get to know the members at Aspire,” Rasmusson said, “I am most looking forward to helping them with their needs and finding creative ways to find supportive solutions.”
 
Jacalynn Ostlund started mid-May and hit the ground running as a teller. Already excelling in her position, she joins the credit union with a vast background in customer service. Ostlund has aspirations to grow as a professional at Aspire noting career growth and member support as important aspects for her. “I am looking forward to developing strong relationships with the members at Aspire so I can be a trusted representative as I grow my career,” she shared. A graduate of Glenburn High School, Ostlund is also a certified real estate agent in Minot and worked for several years as a barista at a busy local coffee house.
 
Capital Credit Union Promotes Shetler
Brad Shetler was recently promoted to chief lending officer at Capital Credit Union’s Main Office. In this role, he will oversee Capital Credit Union’s lending culture, credit quality and portfolio management, as well as new business development and ongoing relationship management for the Business Services Department. In addition, he will oversee the consumer and mortgage underwriting departments.
 
“Brad is well-respected, knows our markets and has the highest integrity with our members and employees,” says Capital Credit Union CEO Jon Griffin. “He is committed to doing what is best for our membership every day and, in this new role, will continue to be an integral part of helping our members grow and thrive.”
 
Shetler graduated from the University of Mary in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has been with Capital Credit Union for 14 years, most recently as Bismarck-Mandan market president. He and his wife, Nicci, live in Bismarck with their son, Bryson.
 
Freedom Community CU Seeking CEO
After 45 years leading Freedom Community Credit Union, Mary Hagen has announced her retirement. Therefore, Freedom CCU in Fargo, North Dakota has an immediate opening for a Chief Executive Officer/Manager. Freedom CCU serves approximately 2,400 members from two locations: Main Office at 2940 University Drive N; and a Branch Office at 4505 47th Ave S. The credit union was chartered in 1954 and has assets of $31 million. Job description and responsibilities available here.
 
Red River Chapter RedHawks Night
Join the Red River Chapter of Credit Unions on Tuesday, June 20th for RedHawks Night and Military Appreciation Night. Tickets are $14 which include seats in Section H and $20 in Hawk Bucks. All are welcome; RSVP no later than June 5 to [email protected].
 
NCUA 2023 CDRLF Grant Round Open
Credit unions eligible for Community Development Revolving Loan Fund grants in 2023 can apply by June 30, 2023. Grant requirements, application instructions, and other important information are available on the grants program page of NCUA.gov. Grant applications must be submitted online through the NCUA’s CyberGrants portal. Credit unions with other questions about CDRLF grants may contact the NCUA’s Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion at [email protected].
 
Upcoming DakCU Webinar
Registration is still open for the following informational webinar; details and registration available this link:
Health Savings Accounts – June 7, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. CT $79.00  
 
SalesCU Training
DakCU has partnered with SalesCU for 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 leaders who are empowered to drive results through developmental coaching and meaningful accountability, we have a solution for you! Additional information and registration is available here or contact George McDonald, Chief Officer of Strategic Services at 701.250.3942.
 
Ongoing Educational Opportunities
Be sure to check back often for professional development training to see all current virtual training sessions that DakCU offers in partnership with OnCourse Learning, CU Webinar Network, and CUNA. On our website, click the “Member Resources” link, and then select “Professional Development” link, and click “Training,” to see what is available. Don’t hesitate to contact Paige Langhoff if you need assistance registering for any of these courses or are looking for a particular topic or type of training. 
 
Leadership Development – Work at Your Own Pace
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 available through Dakota Credit Union Foundation by completing the application form found here.
 
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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.
 
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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! 

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