The President's Perspective

​Special congratulations to United Savings CU; DakCU Health Benefits Trust expanding update; and less than two weeks until our social media blitz! 

Why does it feel that the summer season gets shorter and shorter with each passing year?  This summer is no exception and continues to whip by.  I hope you are enjoying summer so far, even as the late July sun heats up the region and the haze from wildfires blankets the entire Dakotas.  Author Jane Austen said it best, "What dreadful hot weather we have!  It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance."  
 
Calling all Dakota Credit Unions: Please take the Interchange Survey.
We are working closely with our partners at CUNA to gather important and credible data on the costs and return on credit card programs to better understand how changing interchange regulations could impact your members and operations.  Dakota credit unions leaders should have received this necessary survey request last week. 
 
The survey pertains to all credit unions that are offering credit card programs.  Please take a few minutes to complete this brief survey if you are a credit union with a credit card program. The information will be complied and aggregated by state so that we can share the impact of any prospective interchange legislation with our Dakota congressional representatives.  Click here to take the survey.  
 
Congratulations to United Savings CU!
Last week, United Savings Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of their Detroit Lakes branch.  The Detroit Lakes office is the fourth location for this growing credit union!   Congratulations to Jim Schaefbauer and his talented staff on their continued success.
 
Discovery2021 can help with your strategic planning.
I want to bring your attention to a free opportunity from CUNA Mutual Group on Thursday, August 12, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. CT when they will be hosting their Discovery2021 virtual conference.  This event will provide information and tools to spark your strategic planning and offer insights on how to lead during pivotal times.  Discovery2021 is designed specifically for credit union leaders.  Check out the Agenda and Register Today.
 
Less Than Two Weeks to #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION
Don’t forget, credit unions across the country are going to unite to make a splash on July 30 with an “I Love My Credit Union” social media blitz!  This is the brainchild of our friends at the Illinois Credit Union League, who wanted to do something to inspire nationwide involvement of leagues, credit unions, and members, and connect those conversations with a common hashtag.  I sincerely hope you will join our staff here at the association in supporting this effort, and it’s so simple to do! 
 
Everything you need to participate is just a few clicks away on the resource hub.  Just sign up to participate and access everything you’ll need!  Whether you choose to engage your members or just your staff, every social media post will help to get the hashtag trending – but remember, don’t use until July 30!  If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Shawn Brummer.
 
Be Sure to Register for our Dakota Credit Union Town Hall with Jim Nussle!  
Don’t forget – we have added a special in-person CEO Town Hall and forum for Dakota Credit Union leaders with Jim Nussle, President/CEO, Credit Union National Association on Wednesday, August 25th in Bismarck.  Jim will provide an update on important industry issues, including urgent legislative issues and pending regulatory guidance that will have an impact on your credit unions and your ability to serve your members in the coming months.  There is no cost for this event, but we do ask you to register in advance so we can plan accordingly.  
 
The event will be held at the National Energy Center of Excellence on the Bismarck State College campus and is being held in conjunction with our CU Professionals Forum on that same day and our 5th Annual Foundation Golf Scramble at Apple Creek Country Club on Thursday, August 26th. 
 
For your convenience, we have two options for accommodations.  A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn & Suites Bismarck Northwest - 2020 Schafer Street - Bismarck, ND.  Make your reservations by August 10, 2021 to receive a special rate of $115 plus tax per room.  Call 701-751-5656 and be sure to mention Dakota Credit Union Association.
 
We have also added a block of rooms at the Home2Suites by Hilton - 1122 West Turnpike Avenue - Bismarck, ND.  Make your reservations by July 30, 2021 to receive the special rate of $119 plus tax per room.  Call 701-712-3145 and mention Dakota Credit Union Association.
 
Dakota Credit Union Health Trust Update
As you prepare to review your 2022 health benefits renewals, remember we are continuing to offer our health benefits program to DakCU members.  In South Dakota, we will be expanding our plan offerings and tier structures and adding dental and vision coverage.  We anticipate having our 2022 renewal rates ready by early September.  For North Dakota members, we are hoping to have renewal rates ready for review by late August. 
 
Please contact me If you want to learn more about the DakCU Heath Benefits Trust and would like to review our plans and rates for 2022.
 
Have a great week!  It looks like we all be “in a relationship” with our air conditioners!

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​President/CEO
Dakota Credit Union Association