Legislative Update with Cheseny

​Expressing gratitude for the many blessings in her life! Plus, South Dakota Legislative Day will be here before you know it – please register soon!

by Chesney Garnos, Executive Director of Government Affairs

Grateful!
I'd like to kick off this week’s article by expressing gratitude for several blessings in my life. This Thanksgiving, my boyfriend, our two pups, and I drove out to the family hunting lodge. Clearly, I was blasting holiday music with a peppermint mocha on the ride (basic, I know), but during that time I couldn't help but reflect on the amazing people in my life.

Of course, my family and friends were at the top of my list, but I'm also immensely grateful for the relationships I've gained over the past year here at DakCU. Many of these connections have become mentors and friends whom I am thankful to be surrounded by. For that, I am grateful!

What’s Ahead — 2025 South Dakota Legislative Day
The South Dakota Legislative Day will be held on Wednesday January 15th in Pierre, SD. With a full day of credit union advocacy planned, it’s crucial we have a large representation of credit union professionals joining us for this valuable event which annually welcomes upwards of 70+ legislators from across our great state of South Dakota.
For those who have attended in the past, we have made some changes so please make sure to check out the new information below:

Schedule:
10:30 am to 12:00 pm – Donuts for Legislators at the Capitol Building; DakCU Staff and the SD GAC will be providing coffee & donuts to legislators (invitation only).

 12:15 pm - SD GAC Meeting – Oahe Federal Credit Union Board Room; SD GAC meeting/luncheon (invitation only).

1:30 pm- Meet at the Capitol – Attendees should meet at the Capitol Building for photos and recognition in the Legislative Chambers.

3:00 pm - Break 

4:00 pm – South Dakota Legislative Leadership Panel – Meet at the Red Rossa (Prairie Rooms). Panelists include: Senator Casey Crabtree, Former Senate Majority Leader; Jody Gillaspie, Director Consumer Protection, South Dakota Office of the Attorney General; Senator Steve Kolbeck, Supervisory Committee Board Member, Service First; Kim Olson, Deputy Chief of Staff, US Senator Mike Rounds Office; with moderator Chesney Garnos, Executive Director of Government Affairs, Dakota Credit Union Association.  

4:40 pm – Credit Union Update – Red Rossa (Prairie Rooms). A brief Dakota Credit Union Association legislative and regulatory update by DakCU staff including President/CEO, Jeff Olson; Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, John Alexander; and Executive Director of Government Affairs, Chesney Garnos.

5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Legislative Social Red Rossa (Hills + Highlands Rooms).

Friendly Reminders

• Event Registration: As always, this is a FREE event for DakCU members, but we do ask you to kindly register in advance.
• Hotel: Our current hotel block has been filled. If you are looking for a hotel, it is best to reach out to a hotel in Pierre or Ft. Pierre directly.
• Sponsorship Opportunity: If your credit union or organization is interested in joining us as a sponsor, please reach out to me directly.

I look forward to seeing many of you in Pierre!

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