Legislative & Regulatory Update

​Brewing change in Fargo – one pint at a time! Plus, apply now for the Roger Heacock Scholarship to attend the 2025 GAC in DC! 

by John Alexander, Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs

Pints & Politics: Brewing Change, One Pint at a Time
Imagine walking into a brewery, pint in hand, not for small talk but to sit face-to-face with the very lawmakers shaping the future of credit unions. That’s what Pints & Politics is all about—a fresh, laid-back approach to advocacy, where real conversations happen between credit union advocates and the decision-makers who hold the power to impact the industry.
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At the recent Red River Chapter event at Fargo Brewing Company, credit union professionals and legislators filled the room, with discussions flowing as freely as the beer. These advocates know their voices matter—every handshake, every chat can make a difference for the communities they serve.

The momentum rolls on to the next stop in Grand Forks this evening, October 10. As regulations evolve, Pints & Politics is proving essential, keeping credit unions in the heart of legislative conversations and ensuring their needs aren’t drowned out in the political noise.

The Roger Heacock Scholarship: North Dakota’s Ticket to Washington, D.C.
While the Pints & Politics events are stirring things up locally, there’s another big opportunity on the horizon that’s about to make waves for DakCU’s credit union community on a national scale. We’re thrilled to unveil the Roger Heacock Scholarship, a life-changing $2,500 award designed to send four lucky recipients (two from each state) to the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C. this March. This isn’t just any trip; it’s the ultimate backstage pass to the largest annual credit union event in the nation.

Hosted by America’s Credit Unions, the GAC draws thousands of industry leaders, advocates, and policymakers from across the country. It’s a place where the most pressing issues affecting credit unions are put under the microscope, from legislative advocacy to the latest industry trends. For our scholarship winners, this is a front-row seat to history in the making. Travel and registration? Covered! All they have to bring is their passion for the credit union movement and a desire to be part of the discussions that will shape the future of financial services.

This is more than just a chance to attend a conference. It’s an opportunity to represent North Dakota (or South Dakota) on a national stage, to be part of the conversations that directly impact our communities back home. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started in the credit union world, this is your shot to be at the heart of the action, rubbing shoulders with the people who influence the direction of the entire industry. Applications are open, and everyone’s invited. This March, Washington, D.C. won’t know what hit it when Dakota’s best and brightest show up, ready to make their voices heard.

So, will we see you there? The doors are wide open. Let’s make sure Dakota credit unions are part of the story that defines the future of financial services.

Get Ready: The Annual Holiday Sweepstakes is Taking Off with $5,000 in Prizes!
Mark your calendars—our annual Holiday Sweepstakes is ready to launch on October 28, running through November 27, with the grand prize drawing set for December 12 at 3:00 p.m. (CT). A total of $5,000 in prizes is up for grabs – including a $1,000 grand prize just in time for your holiday shopping!

This year, in a new twist, we’re introducing a hybrid ticket system to engage both our loyal credit union supporters and those who enjoy the feel of a physical ticket. Your participation goes beyond the chance to win; it helps fuel our advocacy efforts, with proceeds split between DakCUPAC and America’s Credit Union PAC.

Be on the lookout for an email from me or Paige Langhoff next week with all the details. We’ll also be recruiting volunteers to help track the incoming data from this fundraiser, so if you're interested in getting involved, stay tuned. More information will be shared during our DakCU Town Hall on October 22.
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As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any advocacy questions or concerns.