The President's Perspective

​Senate version of Build Back Better Act does not include IRS reporting provision; annual dues notices will be mailed this week; and a fond farewell to Cheryl Malm as she prepares to retire. 

Greetings and Happy Monday! 

As we approach the holidays and the end of 2021, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank you for the incredible work that you do in improving the financial well-being of your members and advancing the communities you serve. Financial wellness is at the heart of our credit union mission and deeply embedded into our financial cooperative structure. When there is a need, credit unions step up and do what it takes to provide critical financial services to members.
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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.

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.

Senate version of Build Back Better Act does NOT include IRS reporting provision
Committee work and debate continued over the weekend on President Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan with the goal of securing enough votes before the Christmas break. The Senate Finance Committee released the tax provisions, and it did not include any expanded Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reporting requirements. This is particularly good news, however, are still watching carefully as potential amendments could be included as negotiations continue in the Senate.

Celebrating Cheryl Malm and her 31 years of servant leadership.
Each passing year, it is a personal struggle for me to say goodbye to some of our excellent credit union leaders. All good things end, and excellent credit union leaders move on and pass on the baton. This past week was one of those times. Last week the Maurie C. Byrne Chapter in Grand Forks honored Cheryl Malm, President-CEO of Med Park Credit Union. Cheryl took over as President-CEO of Med Park in 1997. Prior to that, she worked at First Liberty Federal Credit branch located on the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Cheryl will wrap her long and successful career in the credit union this week. Med Park Credit Union will be hosting a week-long open house honoring her thirty plus years of servant leadership in the movement and her outstanding service to her members. She was a great League supporter always engaged leader in Grand Forks chapter.
 
Congratulations Cheryl! Best wishes on your retirement and thank you for your leadership, partnership, and most of all, friendship.

Dakota GAC room block is filling up!
Not surprising, Dakota credit union advocates are planning to look forward to the 2022 CUNA GAC, which returns to an in-person event next year, February 28-March 3 in Washington, D.C. Our Dakota room block at the Convention Center Courtyard Marriot Hotel is nearly full. As we continue to negotiate to add more rooms, rest assured that if our block is full, there will be other rooms in close proximity to the Washington Convention Center. Also, there is a possibility of rooms being added once the room release deadline expires. Stay tuned and be sure to contact Deb Kruckenberg if you have any questions about accommodations.
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Meanwhile the first GAC speaker was announced last week: author, philanthropist, and all-around inspiration Mick Ebeling! Mick has been recognized around the world for his creativity, forward thinking, and humanitarianism. During his keynote speech, “The Fallacy of Impossible,” he will share what he’s learned during his passionate study of the concept of “impossible” and how to overcome it to achieve true innovation. What a great way to kick off this major event!
 
Mark your calendars: SD Credit Union Legislative Day planned.
We extremely excited to be back in Pierre in January for our annual Legislative Day and Social which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center. The day will include a SD GAC Meeting at 11:30 a.m., Hike the Hill event at the Capitol at 1:30, a credit union Roundtable dialogue at the Ramkota at 3:00 p.m., and a legislative social to follow. We have invited Governor Noem as well as NUCA Director Hood to participate in discussions with our SD credit union leaders. Learn more about our Legislative day and register 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 – Do not miss the early bird discount!
Who doesn’t want to escape for a few days during a Dakota February? Registration is open and early bird discounts are still available for the 5th Annual MonDak Volunteer and CEO Roundtable meetings in Las Vegas, February 8-9, 2022. The registration discounted price of $379 ends this Friday, December 17; then the registration fee will be $429. You can find the complete agenda, along with speaker information and accommodations here on our website.
 
Reminder – Year end CEO Virtual Town Hall tomorrow.
We are looking forward to connecting with our Dakota CU leaders with our year end CEO Virtual Town Hall tomorrow, December 14th, starting at 3:00 p.m. (CT). We have used these quarterly updates to keep you informed on prominent issues as well as the association’s activities and ongoing efforts. Be sure to contact me if you need the link. As always, we will keep this meeting to around to 45 minutes or less.
 
Holiday Raffle drawing takes place this Thursday!
I want to thank all our credit unions, volunteers, and individual members that supported our annual CUPAC/CULAC Holiday Raffle this year. $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded this Thursday, at 3 p.m. (CT). Winners will be posted on our web site and social media platforms as soon as the drawing is completed.
 
Annual dues notices coming soon!
As we near the close of another successful year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your active and engaged participation. It truly makes us a stronger and more powerful movement! As the only financial trade association that represents all credit unions in the Dakotas, our objective is simple: We are here to help our members succeed. We do that by providing 360-degree advocacy leadership, regulatory support, education, and trusted business solutions and resources to our affiliates. We focus on these priority pillars so that our credit unions can focus on serving their members.
 
It's also time for our annual dues notices, which are being mailed this week. Thank you in advance for your consideration, and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about your continued membership in the Dakota Credit Union Association. I hope you continue to utilize our many dues-supported benefits, and be sure to check out our exceptional educational conferences and opportunities in 2022! 
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Let’s make it a great week! 

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DakCU President/CEO