The President's Perspective

​From advocacy wins to education programs and community impact, DakCU’s fall season is in full swing.

Fall Season Brings Education, Advocacy, and Impact
It’s hard to believe that the fall harvest season is upon us and students are already back in school across the Dakotas. At the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU), we closed out a busy summer on a high note and launched our fall education programs with great momentum.
 
Fall Education Season Kicks Off
DakCU’s Advocacy 101 Training and Professionals Forum in Fargo set the tone for a full season of learning and leadership development. Nearly a dozen Dakota CU advocates earned their advocacy badge. This workshop provided essential tools resources for credit union leaders and advocates to engage effectively and strengthen our movement.

9th Annual Foundation Golf Tournament Raises $25,000
Near-perfect weather greeted almost 80 golfers at Rose Creek Golf Course for the 9th Annual DakCU Foundation Golf Scramble. Thanks to generous support, the Foundation Board designated $25,000 from the event proceeds, toward our $100,000 pledge to the Credit Union for Kids Micro-Preemie Unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo. Opened this spring, the unit has already served more than 25 premature babies, making a real difference for families in our region.​

Jim Schaefbauer, vice chair, president/CEO United Savings CU; Kylee Lemieux, director, North Star Community CU; Jeff Olson, director, president/CEO Dakota Credit Union Association; Hillery Mork, lead development officer, Sanford Health Foundation; Tyler Gross, secretary/treasurer, Sioux Valley Co-op FCU; and April Tompkins, chair, CEO Explorers CU

​Advocates Connect with Senator Hoeven
Over the August recess, DakCU advocates had valuable opportunities to engage directly with policymakers. Credit union leaders joined Senator John Hoeven at his annual recess golf events in Fargo and Bismarck, including a gathering at Apple Creek Country Club.
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Over the weekend, Senator Hoeven also joined Senate Republican Leader John Thune at the Brown County Fair in Aberdeen for an agricultural roundtable. The forum highlighted important wins for Dakota producers, including $33.5 billion in disaster assistance and Farm Bill improvements that strengthen the farm safety net and make crop insurance more affordable.

​DakCU Weighs in on NCUA’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan
DakCU submitted official comments on the NCUA’s draft 2026–2030 Strategic Plan to ensure the unique needs of Dakota credit unions are represented. Key recommendations included:

• Supporting agricultural lending as part of the climate solution.
• Promoting right-sized regulation for rural institutions.
• Modernizing field of membership rules to help rural CUs grow.
• Preserving regional expertise amid agency budget changes.
• Enhancing transparency around examiner priorities and burdens.

“Dakota credit unions are proud to serve as financial first responders in their communities supporting farmers, families, and small businesses alike,” said Jeff Olson, DakCU president/CEO. “Our feedback to NCUA is about ensuring the next plan reflects the realities of rural institutions while safeguarding their ability to grow and serve.”
 
A Labor of Love: Honoring Credit Union Unsung Heroes
In the spirit of Labor Day, America’s Credit Union Museum is inviting the credit union community to participate in A Labor of Love: Day of Giving on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. This special one-day campaign will celebrate the hardworking families, grassroots leaders, and everyday people who helped spark and sustain the credit union movement. Funds raised will support the Museum’s newest permanent exhibit, “Woven in History: A Tapestry of Unsung Heroes,” which pays tribute to the quiet leaders and behind-the-scenes champions whose dedication built the foundation of our industry.
 
The campaign’s goals are ambitious yet meaningful:

• Raise more than $25,000 in a single day.
• Engage 100+ donors and 25+ partners.
• Collect 20+ Unsung Hero stories.
• Fund a digital storytelling archive to preserve these legacies for generations.

 
By joining in, credit union supporters can help honor the past, preserve the stories, and inspire the future of the movement. Learn more and get involved here.
 
Register Now for New Ideas Conference – Deadwood, Oct. 14–15
Registration is underway for our fall New Ideas Conference in Deadwood, October 14–15. This year’s event will equip you with the latest strategies, tools, and insights to elevate your credit union’s impact. Reserve your spot early and take advantage of early bird pricing through September 4. Full event and speaker details available here.

Young Professional Spotlight: Kaden Schmidt Completes Internship with Senator Thune
This summer, Kaden Schmidt of Sioux Falls, SD son of Jeff Schmidt, president/CEO of Voyage Federal Credit Union completed a prestigious internship in the office of U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
 
Reflecting on the experience, Kaden shared: “The memories I’ve made here are ones I will carry with me for a lifetime. I deepened my understanding of the legislative process, Senate procedures, and most importantly, how to better serve the people of South Dakota. From day one, Leader Thune and his team were welcoming and committed to helping me grow.”
 
Congratulations to Kaden on this incredible achievement and for representing South Dakota’s next generation of leaders so well!

Have a great back to school week! 

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​​DakCU President/CEO