Dakota CU News & Notes

North Star CCU welcomes CFO! Plus, a promotion at Capital CU, and don't forget to share stories about the positive difference your credit union is making! ​

​North Star Community CU Welcomes New CFO
North Star Community Credit Union is pleased to announce Alex Kalliokoski as their new Chief Financial Officer. Alex joins North Star with nine years of experience as manager for a public accounting firm, where his primary focus was the financial institution industry, including audits and compliance consulting. He is originally from Neche, North Dakota, but now makes his home in the town of Burlington.
 
Alex is a graduate of the University of Jamestown, class of 2012, and says that he is looking forward to becoming more involved in the communities that North Star serves.  “I’m excited to join the North Star team and to be part of a growing organization with a great culture,” he stated. “I look forward to supporting North Star Community Credit Union as a pillar in the lives of our members and the communities we serve.”   Please join us in welcoming Alex Kalliokoski to the credit union family. 

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​Capital Credit Union Promotes Blohm
Stacy Blohm was recently promoted to financial services officer at Capital Credit Union’s Hazen and Beulah branches. In this role, Blohm will be responsible for consumer lending including auto, recreational vehicle and home equity loans, delivery of deposit products such as money market accounts and certificates of deposit, and actively promoting and servicing credit union products and services. She will also focus on lending and delivery of multiple business products with an emphasis on building new business and agriculture lending relationships in the western North Dakota market.
 
Blohm grew up in rural Morton County where her family ran a small cattle operation. She and her husband, Casey, currently own and operate a cattle ranch in Oliver County. This experience gives her a unique perspective into the challenges and rewards of the agriculture world. Blohm has been with Capital Credit Union since July 2017, most recently as a financial services representative at the Hazen and Beulah branches.
 
Season of Giving!
As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, we are officially entering the “Season of Giving.”  Credit unions give back year-round, but even more so during the holidays!  Don’t forget to share those stories of charitable donations, toy and food drives, and volunteer work that your credit union is doing this year to make a positive difference in your community!  Email to sbrummer@dakcu.org for the Memo and CU Social Good.
 
Maurie C. Byrne Christmas Celebration
The Maurie C. Byrne Chapter has scheduled their Christmas meeting for Tuesday, December 7 at the Boardwalk Grill & Bar – 415 2nd Street NW – East Grand Forks, MN.  Meet at 6:00 p.m. for Social, followed by business meeting and distribution of holiday donations. RSVP to Tracy Coats at 701-775-0593.
 
Red River Chapter Holiday Social
The Red River Chapter has planned their Holiday Social for Thursday, December 16 at the Holiday Inn in Fargo.  Social begins at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and entertainment by Matt Aakre.  An Irish Auction will be held, with proceeds going to Down Home, an organization that helps fight homelessness. RSVP to Korianne@unitedsavingscu.org. 
 
DakCU Awards Nominations Due Soon
Don’t miss the deadline!  DakCU Awards nominations are due by December 17 and can be found here.  Check out our revamped Awards Page which now includes previous winners and our Hall of Fame winners from 2000 to 2021!  Contact Deb Kruckenberg with any questions.
 
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!

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