Dakota’s Crashers Part of Opening Ceremonies at GAC

​Young professionals from across the country proudly carry their state flags in Washington, DC leading up to Jim Nussle’s opening address. 

Dakotas' GAC Crashers made a grand entrance bearing our state flags during the opening ceremonies at the GAC on Monday in Washington, DC. Representing North Dakota this year was Chelsea Gleich, Senior Communications & Digital Services Specialist at Town & Country CU (Minot, ND). Chelsea was escorted by Jeremiah Kossen, CEO of Town & Country. Representing South Dakota was Andy Kronaizl, VP of Lending at Vermillion FCU (Vermillion, SD), escorted by Floyd Rummel, CEO of Northern Hills FCU.  

Crashers are selected through a highly competitive process. From 147 applications, only 51 were invited to Crash the GAC this year, each receiving free registration courtesy of CUNA.

“We are very pleased that we have such great representation at the GAC this year from our up-and-coming Dakota credit union leaders,” said Jeff Olson, DakCU President/CEO. “The best way to ensure the continued success of our movement is to capture the attention, dedication, and enthusiasm of future leaders. The Crasher program does just that, and also provides a way for young credit union professionals to expand their industry network – making connections, gaining confidence and insight that can benefit them for years to come.”

(On a side note, did you know we are offering a Crasher opportunity for our 2022 Summit in Rapid City?
Click here for more information.)

Following the opening procession, CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle took the stage, and his opening remarks were streamed LIVE on Facebook. If you missed it, you can catch the recording here. Nussle thanked credit unions for serving as “financial first responders” amid the pandemic. In addition, a large portion of his speech was focused on “Financial Well-Being For All,” saying that it appeals to all political persuasions, as those on the right support self-reliance, while those on the left back financial access and inclusion. “At this time in our country we’re thirsty for things that bring us together, that are bipartisan, and don’t have to be separated into red and blue,” Nussle said. “That’s what credit unions do.”
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DakCU President/CEO also addressed the general session as the current Board Chair of AACUL. In a very moving display of unity, representatives from every league joined him on stage as he discussed the success of the CUNA/League system. 

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Today, our Dakota delegation will be meeting with several of our elected representatives on Capitol Hill.
​Be sure to watch Friday’s Memo as Jay Kruse and Amy Kleinschmit report on today’s GAC happenings!