The President's Perspective

Fall is here, and Dakota credit unions are leaning into unity, advocacy, and fresh opportunities to grow stronger together.

Greetings, and (Almost) Happy Fall!
While autumn won’t be official until September 21, most of us know that Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial turning point. As kids, summer seemed to vanish in a blur of lake trips, Fourth of July fireworks, and county fairs—and then, suddenly, the routine of school and the crispness of fall would settle in. That rhythm still feels true today: summer flies by, and after Labor Day, a new season of work and energy begins.

Also, this past weekend, I’ve been reflecting on the power of unity in our movement. An op-ed published by America’s Credit Unions Board Chair Patrick Pierce and American Association of Credit Union Leagues Board Chair Patrick Conway captured it beautifully. They reminded us that when the stakes are high like in the recent tax battle the credit union movement shows up: aligned, ready, and determined.

Their message hits home for us here in the Dakotas, where unity has always been more than a concept it’s a way of life. In our region, neighbors help neighbors through floods, blizzards, and drought. Communities rally to rebuild after storms and celebrate together in good times. That same spirit of solidarity drives our credit union mission.

As Pierce and Conway wrote, “The future of credit unions is not just about weathering challenges—it is about seizing opportunities.” Our shared purpose to improve lives sets us apart from profit-driven banks. While banks continue to spread misinformation, we remain focused on protecting the financial freedom of more than 144 million members nationwide. 

This commitment to unity here at home and across the country will carry us forward as we face ongoing advocacy challenges and new opportunities.

North Dakota Court Ruling on Interchange Fees: What It Means for Credit Unions
Earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Daniel M. Traynor of North Dakota ruled that the Federal Reserve’s long-standing debit interchange fee rule, known as Regulation II, is unlawful. Judge Traynor, a Devils Lake native appointed to the federal bench in 2019, determined that the Fed’s rule improperly included costs beyond those allowed under the Durbin Amendment of Dodd-Frank.

In short, the court found that interchange fees should only reflect the incremental costs of authorizing, clearing, and settling a transaction. By adding broader expenses such as fraud prevention and fixed overhead, the Fed exceeded its authority.

• Impact: The ruling vacates Regulation II but allows the Fed time to appeal, temporarily preventing chaos in the payments system.
• Risk: Without changes, the defects identified by the court remain, putting debit-issuing credit unions in limbo. Costs and compliance challenges could rise, while big-box retailers pocket fresh financial advantages without bearing equal responsibility for consumer data protection.

DakCU has again urged the Fed to withdraw its flawed proposal to avoid leaving our credit unions and members in a cloud of uncertainty.

Last Chance Golf Scramble to benefit ND GAC PAC – September 18
Join us for a fun (and important) way to support credit union advocacy at the ND GAC PAC Scramble!

• When: Thursday, September 18
• Where: Memorial Park Country Club, LaMoure, ND
• Details: 9:30 a.m. registration; 10:00 a.m. shotgun start
• Cost: $150 per golfer | $280 per team | $1,000 with team + hole sponsorship

This 9-hole course in the James River Valley is one of the most scenic in the state. Competitions include longest putt, longest drive, and closest to the pin, plus a 50/50 raffle, mulligans, and extend-a-putt. Be sure to bring cash for on-course games and beverages.

Register today and join us for a day of camaraderie, competition, and commitment to advocacy.

Small Credit Union Roundtable – September 22–23
DakCU will host the 2025 Small Credit Union Roundtable at the Hampton Inn, Watertown, SD. This gathering is designed for credit union leaders managing assets of $125 million and below.

It’s a chance to share best practices and talk openly about today’s challenges—navigating innovative technologies, adapting to changing member expectations, and strengthening leadership pipelines. Together, we’ll explore strategies for branding, retention, and deepening member relationships.

New Ideas Conference – October 14–15 | Deadwood, SD
Do you ever feel like you’re trying to keep up with a whirlwind of change? The 2025 New Ideas Conference in historic Deadwood will help you reset, recharge, and refocus.

• When: October 14–15
• Where: Deadwood, SD
• Details: 1.5 days of innovation, networking, and practical solutions to take home.

We’re thrilled to welcome back Christopher Lorence for his third appearance as our facilitator. Chris’s energy, passion, and ability to spark meaningful conversations make him a crowd favorite.

Register here before early bird pricing ends this Thursday, September 4.

Compliance Conclave – October 20–21 | Bismarck, ND
We’re also excited to launch the all-new DakCU Compliance Conclave, designed exclusively for credit union compliance professionals.

• When: October 20–21
• Where: Bismarck, ND
• Details: Emerging risks, fraud trends, payments innovation, and practical compliance strategies.

Lunch is provided on October 20, breakfast on October 21. This event promises to deliver actionable takeaways to strengthen your policies, procedures, and consumer protections. Register here. For more information see today's Memo story on the Conclave. 

Just as fall brings fresh air and sharper colors, this season offers opportunities to strengthen our credit union movement. From the courtroom battles over interchange to our own roundtables, conferences, and advocacy events, Dakota credit unions are stepping forward with clarity and purpose.

Here’s a season of strong advocacy, inspired collaboration, and meaningful progress.

​DakCU President/CEO