The President's Perspective

​MonDak registration is now open; SD Legislative Credit Union Day is announced; and DakCU staff is attending AACUL Winter Conference this week. 

Greetings and Happy Monday!
 
I sincerely hope you had a safe, restful Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. I’m thankful to be in a movement that puts people over profit and Main Street over Wall Street. Thank you for being such an important part of the credit union family and for all you do to improve lives and the financial well-being for all. I’m honored to serve our Dakota credit unions together with you!  
 
I’m sending you warm greetings from Scottsdale, AZ, today; I’m here for the AACUL (American Association of Credit Union Leagues) Winter Conference and Annual Meeting. As you may know, AACUL is part of the CUNA League System and is the leadership partner for credit union leagues.  

I have had the privilege of serving on the AACUL Executive Board for the last three years and am looking forward to serving the next two years as board chair. League presidents and board chairs, service corps executives, and advocacy professionals are here for the Annual Meeting which includes 2022 planning and strategizing. Joining me here from DakCU are George McDonald, Chief Officer of Strategic Services; Jay Kruse, Chief Advocacy Officer; and Amy Kleinschmit, Chief Compliance Officer. George serves on the AACUL League Service Corps Committee; Jay serves on the State Issues Committee and will participate in the Government Professionals sessions; and Amy serves on the Regulatory Advocacy and Compliance Advisory Committee.

Not out of the woods yet...
Last week, the House passed the Build Back Better reconciliation bill. While that version of the bill did not include the administration’s original proposal to require financial institutions to turn over consumer account data to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), unfortunately, the fight is not over. As the bill heads to the Senate, there are a few senators who are debating whether to add this provision back into the legislation. Credit union advocacy kept this policy out of the House bill and now we need to make sure the Senate does the same. Our grassroots efforts clearly made a difference for the House, and it can do the same for the Senate.

CMG - Our one true system partner.
When there is a need, Dakota credit unions step up and do what it takes to provide critical financial services to members. In a similar way, CUNA Mutual Group (CMG) provides the same security for your credit union and your individual members. For nine decades, CMG has been our one true system partner, helping both your credit union and the Dakota Credit Union Association navigate through the ever-changing financial service environment.
 
CMG has been a valued partner for Dakotas’ credit unions and continues to be an integral business solution provider for credit unions across the country. Their value is not only measured by the wealth of products and business solutions, but in their commitment to the credit union movement by monitoring regulatory agencies and policy issues that impact credit unions. Additionally, CMG is actively engaged in all our association events and activities, including supporting our charitable foundation.

Simply put, CMG’s value to us and our members is on display year-round, and we all benefit from their strategic innovations and delivery of products that provide value to your credit unions and members. More importantly, the more you partner with CUNA Mutual Group, the more you help all our Dakota credit unions by increasing the flow of income to the association – which help us continue to provide dues supported value and resource solutions that are necessary to your success.  
 
Once again, thank you for your consideration and support of our system partnership with CUNA Mutual Group moving forward. Respectfully, it brings more value for your credit union’s future growth and prosperity.
 
Mark your calendars! SD Credit Union Legislative Day planned.
We are excited to be heading back to the South Dakota State Capitol this year for our annual Legislative Social and CU Roundtable on January 26, 2022. Here is our tentative agenda: SD GAC Meeting starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Ramkota. Meet at the Capitol at 1:30 for group photo, and credit unions will be recognized in the Legislative Chambers. Then, we will return to the Ramkota at 3:00 p.m. for the CU Roundtable, industry update, and special guest speakers, before retiring for a fun, casual social gathering from 5:30 – 7:30. Hotel information and registration can be found here. Please note, this is a free event for DakCU members; however, we do want you to register so we can plan accordingly.
 
MonDak Registration Open!
CEOs, managers, and board members should make plans now for the annual MonDak Roundtable in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 8 – 9, 2022. Early Bird registration with a discounted price of $379 ends December 17, so do not wait to register if you are planning to attend! (After December 17, registration will be $429.) You can find the complete agenda, along with speaker information and accommodations here on our website.
 
Reminder - December CEO Town Hall planned.
Don’t forget to tune in for the next DakCU Virtual Town Hall meeting on December 14th, starting at 3:00 p.m. (CT). We will keep the Town Hall to 45 minutes or less. These events have been working extremely well to keep our members updated on your association’s efforts, achievements, and direction moving forward. The invites have already been sent – be sure to contact me if you need the link. 
 
GAC accommodations – rooms going fast!
It seems that I am not the only one looking forward the return of the in-person CUNA GAC, because our room blook is filling up! If you are planning to attend the GAC (February 27-March 2) be sure to get your hotel reservations in as soon as possible. Look for the “Accommodations” link and password located here on our website, and please contact Deb Kruckenberg with any questions.
 
Have a great week!

DakCU President/CEO