From the Summit!

​Crashers, opening ceremonies, keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions for credit union leadership and lots of pictures from our signature event! 

​The 2024 Summit officially kicked off at the Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort with Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, May 15th. DakCU President/CEO Jeff Olson began by welcoming attendees and setting the stage for our signature event. With more than 200 attendees, guests, and business partners this year, Summit attendance was in high gear as credit union professionals from across the Dakotas gathered to reconnect and reenergize! 

​Olson began by thanking Dakota’s credit unions for all they did to help their members and communities throughout the past year. North and South Dakota credit unions have a proud history of serving the Dakotas, and this is the 18th combined meeting since the two leagues merged.
 
Jim Nussle, President/CEO of CUNA, sent his well wishes through a video message, congratulating our states for their continued success in credit union advocacy, advancing our communities, and improving financial well-being for all. Nussle also gave a very special “shout out” to Jeff Olson and the Association staff for the successful recovery of the US Central Assets that were returned to North Dakota credit unions at the end of 2023.
 
The 13 Summit Crashers gathered for the first time on Tuesday evening for a session with Christopher Morris, the America’s Credit Unions membership engagement consultant. This year, competition was stiff for the Crasher Program – with nearly 30 applications. (As a reminder, we encourage those who were not selected this year to try again next year!) Throughout the conference, Crashers attend general sessions in addition to specific Crasher social events, team building activities and industry-specific educational sessions.  

Christopher Morris with Summit Crasher group.

The Summit continued into a full day on Wednesday, with mainstage attractions and breakout sessions featuring topics that have been front of mind in the Dakotas. This year, DakCU delivered an incredible speaker lineup, including Brian Schools, Board Chair of America’s Credit Unions, and Steve Rick, Chief Economist with TruStage. 

Photo left: Brian Schools and Jeff Olson opening dialogue; photo right: Steve Rick with an economic update. 

Following a slightly different schedule this year, Day 1 ended just before lunchtime with many heading to the golf course for the annual Summit Golf Outing. Be sure to check out the related story in today’s Memo for the team and individual winners. 

For non-golfers, optional afternoon educational breakout sessions focused on Leadership and Board Hot Topics with Catie McDonald, credit union strategist and problem solver with FarWell; and Succession Planning with Kayley Grant, regulatory compliance officer at ViClarity.

Wednesday concluded  withthe Exhibitor Showcase where attendees had the opportunity to explore new business solution providers, reconnect with old favorites, and network with their peers. 

Today is the final day of Summit with another full agenda, including DakCU’s Annual Business Meeting and the elegant Awards Banquet. Stay tuned to the Memo next week as we announce our distinguished award winners! Thank you to the many credit union professionals who joined us this week; we hope you enjoyed our signature event as much as we enjoyed hosting.