The President's Perspective

​Thank you for your continued support this past year! Plus, DakCU’s annual impact report “Membership Matters” is on its way to you and a digital version is available here. 

​Dear Members of Dakota Credit Unions,
 
As we gather in the warmth of the holiday season, I extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you. Christmas
is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude, and it is with immense appreciation that I address you as president of the Dakota Credit Union Association. This year has presented its challenges, yet our credit union community has stood strong together. Your trust and commitment have been the driving force behind our shared success.
 
As we celebrate the spirit of Christmas, let us cherish the bonds that unite us and the prosperity that comes from collaboration. May the festive moments be filled with laughter, love, and the company of cherished ones. Our credit union family is a testament to the power of community, and I am honored to serve you.
 
We appreciate your continued support and engagement this past year.
Working hard at something you love is called passion. I love being engaged in the credit union movement, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be your partner and lead the Dakota Credit Union Association.
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The credit union landscape is continually evolving, member expectations are growing, and government policy is ever-changing. The relevance of our movement is constantly being challenged. We all know that credit unions are the best financial choice for consumers, families, and communities. That’s why your “membership matters.” You need us and the association needs you. We can’t do it alone. So, let’s not pretend that we can.

The Dakota Credit Union Association is the only professional financial trade association that represents all credit unions in the Dakotas. As an affiliated member, you are an integral part of our interdependent system backed by our two-state financial trade association and the new America’s Credit Unions. As always, we stand firmly in your corner, and we work tirelessly on your behalf so you can better serve your members. As your strongest advocate, we promote, support, protect, unify, and advance the credit union movement right here in the Dakotas.

Meeting the evolving needs of our credit unions and is always a primary focus. For 2024, we are once again planning to offer several high-level educational and networking opportunities, and we’re looking forward to connecting both in person and on virtual platforms. I’m very excited for the coming year!
 
South Dakota Credit Union Day at the Capitol.
The South Dakota Legislative session will open on Tuesday, January 9, with Governor Noem’s State of the State address. Before we all head out for the holidays to enjoy the many celebrations, make sure you plan to join us in Pierre on January 24th for our South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day.

Each year, our event in Pierre offers our credit union advocates the opportunity to build and enhance our relationship with our state lawmakers. This is your chance to meet legislators, learn more about the history of South Dakota, and promote our credit unions’ efforts to lawmakers. As always, this is a free event, but we do ask you to register in advance so we can plan accordingly.

America’s Credit Unions announce 2024 event lineup.
With the CUNA-NAFCU merger approved and the merging of the two organizations into one united America’s Credit Unions which becomes official on January 1, 2024, the new organization is already announcing their 2024 event lineup. Top-tier education is just the beginning for member credit unions. As the transformation progresses over the next year, credit unions will receive even more robust advocacy, expert compliance support, and innovative products – all designed to propel the credit union industry to a stronger future. Explore the many available opportunities here.
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Tom Kane receives Eagle Award.
During the recent AACUL winter meetings in California, my friend and colleague, Tom Kane, President/CEO of the Illinois Credit Union League and Envisant, received the prestigious Eagle Award. Many of you may know Tom, as he developed Envisant into a leading CUSO, providing many credit unions, including our Dakota members, access to competitive card programs and cutting-edge technology and resources. He is also the driving factor behind the #ILoveMyCreditUnion social media blitz, which has become a global phenomenon. I had the honor and privilege to join the AACUL Leadership and Eagle Award Selection committee in presenting Tom this high honor. The Eagle Award is AACUL’s highest honor. The award was established 42 years ago to recognize a league president who has an outstanding record of achievement at the league level.

Photo L to R: Eagle Committee Chair and CrossState Credit Union Association President/CEO Patrick Conway, AACUL Chair and Dakota Credit Union Association President/CEO Jeff Olson, Illinois Credit Union System President/CEO Tom Kane, and AACUL President, Brad Miller.

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Annual DakCU Impact Report coming to you!
The DakCU annual Impact Report and reaffiliation packet should be in your mailbox this week. We also have a digital flipbook version available. To access the digital version, click here or visit our website, where it will be available throughout the entire 2024 year. I hope everyone – from CEOs, to front line staff, to our volunteers, reviews our annual report. There is power in association, and your active and engaged Membership Matters!

DakCU Holiday Schedule
As a reminder, this Thursday, December 21, will be our last publication of the Memo newsletter for the year. Our offices will be closed on Monday, December 25 and Monday, January 1. The Memo will be back and in your email inbox beginning January 2, 2024.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with hope, prosperity, and the continued strength of our Dakota credit unions.
 
Sending holiday blessings,

DakCU President/CEO