Legislative Update with Jay Kruse

​Roger Heacock Scholarship fundraiser is a huge success; Two Champion Awards are presented; and recognizing our Pacesetter Credit Unions in the Dakotas! 

Good morning! I hope everyone is having a fantastic week. It was great connecting with many of you at the 2022 DakCU Summit last week in Rapid City. However, I want to provide a brief recap of my “big stage” Advocacy Update for those that weren’t able to join us out in the beautiful Black Hills.

Roger Heacock GAC-HTH Scholarship Fundraiser a HUGE Success!
I am very excited to report that our annual scholarship fundraiser, which we hosted online through the web-based ClickBid platform, exceeded our goal once again! Each year we strive to raise between $4,500 – $5,000 to benefit and support DakCU members that wish to attend the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) or our annual DakCU Legislative/Regulatory Hike the Hill (HTH). This year we had 91 bidders competing for 31 unique prizes, and we were able to raise $5,330! We couldn’t be more appreciative to all of you that made prize donations and/or purchased auction items. The money raised goes to benefit you and your credit union peers as we continue our grassroots advocacy push to advance our Dakota credit unions’ priorities in Washington DC.

Champions Crowned!
During my time on the main stage, I also had the privilege of awarding our 2021 CUPAC/CULAC Champion Awards to those credit unions that best demonstrate, through financial contributions, a commitment to the political well-being of the credit union movement.

The first Champion Award recognized the credit union that surpasses their annual fundraising goal by the largest percentage, and was again awarded to Railway CU in Mandan, ND. Railway has become the annual favorite to win this award over the years, so I have issued a challenge to all our ND and SD members to try to knock them off their throne! A huge thank you and shout out to our ND CULAC Trustee, Paul Brucker, and his staff at Railway for their continued leadership and support!

The second Champion Award went to Black Hills FCU, as the credit union that raised the most total PAC funds in 2021! BIG congratulations and thank you to Jerry Schmidt and the entire Black Hills FCU team for making political fundraising a major priority. Like Railway, Black Hills has become a staple when it comes to this Champion Award. Corporate PAC contributions are not allowed, so all CUPAC/CULAC funds are raised directly from passionate credit union employees located throughout North and South Dakota. We can’t thank you all enough for your ongoing commitment and support of our PAC fundraising efforts. You are greatly appreciated!

PACESETTERS!
Finally, I would like to recognize all our Pacesetter Credit Unions in the Dakotas. Pacesetter credit unions are those that met or exceeded their annual fundraising goal which is determined by calculating $2 per month, per employee and volunteer. Those credit unions noted with an asterisk* also participate in Payroll Deduction.

• Aspire Community FCU, Minot*
• Avanti FCU, Watertown
• Black Hills FCU, Rapid City*
• Dakota Plains CU, Edgeley*
• East River FCU, Madison
• Fargo VA FCU, Fargo
• First Community CU, Jamestown*
• Flasher CCU, Flasher*
• Ft. Randall FCU, Wagner*
• GEM FCU, Minot
• Healthcare Plus FCU, Aberdeen*
• North Star CCU, Maddock*
• Northern Hills FCU, Sturgis*
• Oahe FCU, Pierre*
• Postal Family FCU, Fargo
• Railway CU, Mandan*
• Sioux Valley Co-op FCU, Watertown
• United Savings CU, Fargo
• Voyage FCU, Sioux Falls*
• Western Cooperative CU, Williston*

 
We couldn’t do what we do here at your Dakota Credit Union Association without you continued support.
Your efforts are greatly appreciated, and the reason Dakotas’ credit unions continue to be recognized on
both the local and national stage!

As always, don't hesitate to contact me at jkruse@dakcu.org with any questions or comments.