The President’s Perspective

​One day until the important mid-term elections, what is next for credit union advocacy? Watch for post-election analysis in the Memo. Plus, MonDak Rountable registration opens today! 

Greetings and happy Monday!
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CUPAC/CULAC Holiday Sweepstakes is underway and it’s all online!
The 2022 version of the CUPAC/CULAC Holiday Sweepstakes is now underway! This year we have gone virtual and ticketless. That’s right, no paper tickets to distribute, no funds to collect or track, and more importantly – no scrambling to send your ticket stubs back to the DakCU office in time for the drawing!

This year, the entire sweepstakes can be completed on your mobile device making it simple and convenient! We are always looking for ways to “work smarter” and to be more efficient – and the new online CUPACL-CULAC Holiday Sweepstakes is truly a SMARTER platform for our CU advocates to be engaged in the process and support our movement.

For the past fifteen years, Dakota credit unions have really stepped up and supported our Credit Union Political Action Committee (CUPAC), which supports in-state candidates, and our National Credit Union Legislative Action Committee (CULAC), which supports our federal lawmakers. We put such a big emphasis on political engagement because credit union advocates here understand that if we are not advocating on behalf of our movement someone else will control the messaging. Directly supporting our CUPAC-CULAC efforts ensures we will always have a voice on the legislative and regulatory policies that impact our credit unions and our credit union members. Bottom line, your continued support is important and necessary in our efforts to build meaningful relationships.

While we are going “virtual” this year, the sweepstakes event is still similar to our previous fundraisers as all money above and beyond our total of $5,000 in prizes fully supports both the North and South Dakota CUPAC/CULAC initiatives. You can still help out as we are in need of prize donations from credit unions to help us reach our goal - you can easily contribute and pay with your corporate credit card online here.

You should also have received your promotional resources so you can market to your staff and members. Because it’s all virtual this year, the point-of-sale posters with the QR code is all you need. Be sure to contact Jay Kruse if you have any questions or concerns about the sweepstakes. On behalf of the North and South Dakota GACs, we appreciate your consideration and support, and good luck!

What is next for credit union advocacy?
Less than 24 hours until Election Day, and I hope you had a chance to get our credit union perspective on the mid-term elections in The Memo last Wednesday. Chief Advocacy Officer Jay Kruse and I teed up our thoughts on what could take place in both state legislative races as well as our outlook on the federal side and the prospective impact on our industry in the upcoming sessions. Be sure to watch The Memo this Wednesday for post-election coverage from a credit union perspective when Jay and I will again provide an update for both North and South Dakota. In addition, CUNA is holding a post-election advocacy call on Thursday, November 10 at 12:00 (CT) to walk through the results and how it shapes our national credit union advocacy agenda. CUNA President & CEO Jim Nussle will be on the call, along with CUNA’s advocacy team of Richard Gose, Trey Hawkins, Jason Stverak, and more. Register here – a recorded version will also be available until December 29.

Free Financial Health Seminar – share with your staff!
The Illinois Credit Union Foundation has extended an open invitation to join them on Thursday, November 17 starting at 10:00 a.m. (CT) for their 4th Annual ICUF Financial Health Seminar. Sessions will include how to use brain science, putting financial well-being into practice, helping members navigate life events, and more. Sessions will be recorded and shared with all registered participants so you can watch at your convenience. Be sure to share with staff members who may be interested! Click here for more information and registration.

MonDak registration is now open!
Who doesn’t want to escape the Dakotas in early February? Well, just as our weather seems to be turning a bit cooler, registration is now open for our annual MonDak CEO-Volunteer Roundtable which is schedule for February 7 – 8, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Without a doubt, the MonDak Roundtable has become one of our more popular leadership educational events over the past several years. Our 2023 version is going to be no exception, as both CU executives and board room leaders will experience in-depth industry dialogue from strategic experts on trending issues and matters that are important to your credit unions’ long-term sustainability. Plus, attendees will have the unique opportunity to network and learn from other CU leaders from across the Dakotas, Montana, and this year, leaders from New Mexico will also be joining us!

Once again, we have an excellent lineup of presenters including Celeste Cook, David Reed, Scott Knapp, and Jason Stverak. Be sure to save those dates and plan now to join us for this very popular and valuable collaborative effort. Check out the related story in today’s Memo for more details, and if you register by December 15 you can save $50 with the “Early Bird” special.

Be sure to get out and vote and have a great week!

DakCU President/CEO