Dakota CUs Rock #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION

​Check out these great photos from participating credit unions all across our two states!  With nearly 30 credit unions on board, we certainly made an impression!

On July 30, the Illinois Credit Union System rallied the credit union movement to create a digital “wave” that reached more than 22 million people on social media.  The goal – to inspire high energy conversation about why people love their credit unions.  Driven by the cooperative spirit, more than 700 organizations across 48 states and 9 countries participated, including credit unions, leagues, associations, and industry partners.  They started the hashtag #ilovemycreditunion trending across social media platforms, raising awareness about the amazing things credit unions do every day for their members and communities.
 
“I’m thrilled by the viral impact of the conversations about credit unions on July 30.  Credit unions make a real difference to their members because they put people over profits.  I want to thank everyone who joined us to make this effort such a resounding success,” said Illinois CU League President/CEO Tom Kane. 
 
The organic social media buzz surrounding this campaign made it a great cooperative achievement in the credit union movement.  Thousands of credit union industry employees, volunteers, family and friends jumped on their favorite social media platform (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram) to post a message, picture, or video to show why #ilovemycreditunion.  In addition to organically reaching more than 22 million people on social media, at least 33 thousand virtual interactions were prompted by #ilovemycreditunion. More people are now aware they have the option to choose a not-for-profit financial cooperative that exists and is owned by its members.
 
Here in the Dakotas, we had nearly 30 credit unions (plus multiple branches in many instances) joining in the fun.  Check out some of what we saw in the photos below!

Some of our Dakota credit unions took the opportunity to make the day even more special!
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Black Hills FCU (Rapid City, SD) made good use of the printable graphics, having staff and members “tell their story” and then posting them all about the credit union offices.
 
First Community CU (Jamestown, ND) made a video montage of employees and members displaying all the reasons they love their credit union! Check it out here.
 
M-O FCU (Huron, SD) gave out a $25 bonus deposit for new member referrals and held a drawing for coupons for complimentary Cabot Creamery items for all members who responded with a comment about why they love their credit union.
 
North Star Community Credit Union (Maddock, ND) reported that all 12 of their branches were actively supporting the #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION social media blitz.  The credit union enhanced the day with a pizza party and matching t-shirts touting the slogan for all employees.  The crew made good use of their “ILOVEMYCREDITUNION” t-shirts by also wearing at the North Dakota State Fair parade on July 24th.
 
Oahe Federal Credit Union (Pierre, SD) encouraged their members to join in the conversation about why we love our credit unions.  Each person who posted a selfie and/or comment under the hashtag #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION was entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.  The credit union received a number of positive comments on their Facebook page!
 
University FCU (Grand Forks, ND) gave out free water bottles and held a prize drawing for a gift basket for all members who tagged them and used the hashtag #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION.
 
Vermillion FCU (Vermillion, SD) used the day to emphasize their assistance with personal finances and directed traffic to their website and their personal finance flowchart.
 
Many other credit unions simply got in the spirit of the day and posted a variety of photos and memes.  Thank you to: Aspire CU (Minot, ND); Avanti FCU (Watertown, SD); Capital CU (Bismarck, ND); Consumers FCU (Gregory, SD); Dakota Credit Union Association (Bismarck, ND); Dakota Plains Credit Union (Edgeley, ND); East River FCU (Madison, SD); Fargo Public Schools FCU (Fargo, ND); Fargo VA FCU (Fargo, ND); GEM FCU (Minot, ND); Healthcare Plus FCU (Aberdeen, SD); Highmark CU (Rapid City, SD); Hometown CU (Kulm, ND); MED5 FCU (Rapid City, SD); M-O FCU (Huron, SD); Postal Family FCU (Fargo, ND); Sentinel FCU (Rapid City, SD); Sioux Falls FCU (Sioux Falls, SD); Sioux Valley Co-op FCU (Watertown, SD); and Western Cooperative CU (Williston, ND).