Legislative Update with Chesney

A special update from the Government Affairs Conference in Washington D.C. 

Black Hills FCU, Levo CU, Bluestone FCU, DakCU representatives smile with US Representative Dusty Johnson.

by Chesney Garnos, Executive Director of Government Affairs

​Last week, I had the privilege of attending a fantastic town hall luncheon in Brandon with Jen McKeown from Levo FCU. This event was particularly special as we had the chance to engage directly with U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, discussing key issues that impact our industry and communities. It was great to see such a strong credit union presence, with members from Levo, Bluestone, and Black Hills all coming together to advocate for our shared mission.

​2025 GAC
As I arrived in Washington, D.C., for the largest Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in history, I knew this week would be a pivotal opportunity to advocate for credit unions and strengthen our industry’s voice. Wasting no time after arriving on Saturday, I jumped right in, attending an at-large advocacy meeting, followed by a Small Credit Union Committee dinner.​

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Small Credit Union Advocacy
Sunday started early, as I had the honor of serving on the Small Credit Union Committee alongside credit union leaders from across the U.S., including our very own Lacey Fetsch, University FCU. We focused on the unique challenges small credit unions face and explored solutions to help them thrive. Small credit unions are essential for financial access and services in many communities, and our discussions centered on regulatory improvements and strategic growth opportunities to support their success.

Our workgroups developed initial frameworks for ensuring small credit unions remain strong and sustainable. We also had the privilege of hearing from NCUA Chairman Hauptman, who provided valuable insights on the regulatory landscape and how we can continue to advocate for the needs of smaller institutions.​

Small Credit Union Committee pose with Chairman Hauptman.

DakCU Advocacy team attends The National Credit Union Foundation dinner.

Chairman’s Challenge Kickoff at Dakota Group Dinner
In the evening, our DakCU team hosted the Dakota group dinner at 1789, bringing us together to celebrate, connect, and prepare for the week ahead. This event also marked the official kickoff of our Chairman’s Challenge  reinforcing our commitment to advocacy and engagement on behalf of credit unions.

​Looking Ahead
As the week continues, I look forward to engaging with policymakers and our delegation on Capitol Hill. Our South Dakota credit unions, participating in GAC (Black Hills, Dakota Rail Line, Northern Hills, and Voyage), will have the opportunity to share their stories and highlight the impact they have on our state.

Now more than ever, it is crucial that we amplify the credit union message. Advocacy is no longer just an option — it IS a necessity.

​Please reach out to me here with any advocacy related questions!

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