The President's Perspective

Dakota credit unions marked a record-setting Summit, celebrating leadership, advocacy, and a new Micropreemie Unit at Sanford CMN.

Greetings and Happy Summer!
I hope this message finds you energized and enjoying the promise of the summer season. Let me begin by extending my sincere appreciation to all who joined us at the 19th Annual Summit Meeting last week. By every measure, attendance, engagement, exhibitors, and energy—it was one of our largest and most impactful gathering yet.

A special congratulations goes out to Floyd Rummel III, who was honored with a well-deserved induction into the Dakota Credit Union Hall of Fame. Floyd’s decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the credit union mission have left a lasting legacy. You can watch Floyd’s Hall of Fame tribute video here.

We were also thrilled to recognize several exceptional leaders among our membership:

• Volunteer of the Year: Mike Black, Board Chair, North Star Community Credit Union
• Emerging Leader of the Year: Hunter Walsh, Railway Credit Union
• Professional of the Year: Joann Bergrud, North Star Community Credit Union

​Please mark your calendars for an exciting milestone—our 20th Annual Summit, which will take place May 12–14, 2026, in Rapid City, South Dakota!

Celebrating a Legacy of Hope: The Micropreemie Unit Unveiling
Last week was also a time for heartfelt celebration. Together with Sanford Health, we commemorated the culmination of a two-year campaign to support a life-saving initiative: the Credit Union for Kids Micropreemie Unit at Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, ND.

This moment was more than a ribbon-cutting—it was a powerful reminder of the profound impact our Dakota credit unions can have when we work together. For over 40 years, Sanford Children’s Hospital has been a beacon of healing for families across North Dakota. As our state’s only Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospital, 100% of every dollar raised stays right here, supporting critical programs and the equipment that gives every child a fighting chance.

Our movement is rooted in the principle of “People Helping People”—and this unit stands as a living testament to that value. For over two decades, credit unions and CMN Hospitals have partnered to bring hope and healing to the smallest, most vulnerable patients. The new micropreemie unit is a space built on compassion, made possible by our shared commitment.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Velera for its unwavering support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Through the generosity of their Miracle Momentum Awards and Miracle Match program, our foundation was able to fulfill its pledge commitment to this vital initiative. Their partnership continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across our communities. To every credit union, partner, and member who contributed: thank you. You’ve given the most precious gift of all--hope.

 See the full news story here.
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​Proud supporters of the Credit Unions for Kids Micropreemie Unit include:

• Dakota Credit Union Foundation
• North Star Community Credit Union
• Town & Country Credit Union
• United Savings Credit Union
• Community Credit Union
• Hometown Credit Union
• Western Cooperative Credit Union
• Dakota Plains Credit Union
• First Community Credit Union

• Fargo VA Federal Credit Union
• Flasher Community Credit Union
• Med Park Credit Union
• Postal Family Federal Credit Union
• University Federal Credit Union
• Area Community Credit Union
• Aspire Credit Union
• Railway Credit Union
• Affinity First Federal Credit Union
• LaMoure Credit Union
• Riverfork Federal Credit Union

​Welcome and Congratulations to Our Newly Elected Board Members
During the Annual Business Meeting, we welcomed the following leaders to new three-year terms on both the Dakota Credit Union Association Board of Directors and the Dakota Service Corporation Board:

• Lacey Fetsch, University FCU, Grand Forks – North Dakota Division B
• Katie Bredvik, Coteau Valley FCU, Sisseton – South Dakota Division C
• Joey Rotert, Black Hills FCU, Sioux Falls – South Dakota Division A

Following the Annual Business Meeting meeting, officers for the upcoming term were also confirmed. Please join us in congratulating the newly reorganized officers of the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) Board of Directors and the DakCU Service Corps (DakCUSC). We are excited to announce the following leadership appointments:

• Lacey Fetsch – Chair of DakCU and DakCUSC Director
• Bob Herrington – 1st Vice Chair of DakCU and DakCUSC Director
• Joey Rotert – 2nd Vice Chair of DakCU and DakCUSC Director
• Jake Klobuchar – Chair of DakCUSC and DakCU Director
• Katie Bredvik – 1st Vice Chair of DakCUSC and DakCU Director
• Dawn Van Ash – 2nd Vice Chair of DakCUSC and DakCU Director
• Veronica Holweger – Secretary/Treasurer of both DakCU and DakCUSC

Congratulations to all and thank you for your continued leadership and service to the Dakota credit union movement.

Advocacy Update: Our Tax Status Remains Intact—For Now
On the advocacy front, I’m pleased to report that our number one objective preserving the credit union tax exemption remains secure at this stage. The House Ways and Means Committee advanced its budget reconciliation bill without any language targeting credit unions. This is a critical win, and a direct result of your engagement and our unified voice in Washington.

But let’s be clear: our work is not done. Until a final bill passes both chambers and receives the president’s signature with no mention of credit unions, we cannot declare full victory. With a House floor vote expected before Memorial Day, now is the time to keep the momentum going. Please continue engaging with your congressional representatives and reinforcing our message.

Setting the Record Straight: Responding to Bank Attacks
As community bankers gathered in D.C. for their fly-in last week, they resumed their tired campaign of misinformation—calling for taxation of large credit unions and spreading false narratives. In response, we proactively shared eight key truths with lawmakers to keep our story front and center:

• Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives that put people first.
• Credit unions serve communities where banks have pulled out.
• Credit unions reach those most in need of financial access.
• 25% of banks enjoy special tax status—but don’t share benefits with their customers.
• Community banks are profitable.
• Banks were built for Wall Street; credit unions were built for Main Street.
• Credit unions are defined by structure, not size.
• Banks often sell—but rarely to credit unions.

As Carrie Hunt, Chief Advocacy Officer for America’s Credit Unions, recently emphasized:
“For 91 years, credit unions have upheld the responsibilities of being not-for-profit financial cooperatives that serve people banks won’t.”

Let’s continue standing united in our mission, and ensure lawmakers hear the truth through our consistent, grassroots efforts.

Thank you for your continued leadership, partnership, and passion for the credit union difference. Enjoy the summer season, and let’s keep working together to protect, promote, and advance the Dakota credit union movement.

Warm regards,

​DakCU President/CEO