The President’s Perspective

​Some congratulations are in order! Plus, building relationships with our state lawmakers and candidates is critical in advancing our advocacy agenda! 

​As we plow through October, we’re full steam ahead working to elect credit union friendly candidates and building relationships with our state lawmakers —a critical part of advancing our “advocacy first” agenda year in and year out. The efforts we put in today will help us create an environment where credit unions thrive, impacting future policies that make people’s lives better. It requires all of us working together!

With looming battles over tax reform, interchange, and more, having credit union friendly champions in key positions in our state legislature, as well as in Congress, is how we’ll start the year in a great position for upcoming battles and priorities like moving credit union modernization polices forward.

To date, the DakCU advocacy team has traveled over 2,100 miles and connected with more than 60 state legislators and candidates through our Pints & Politics events across our two states. We’re looking to put another 660 miles on our Dakota Jeep with Pints & Politics events in Fargo tonight, Pierre, SD tomorrow, and in Grand Forks on Thursday. We’re looking forward to connecting with many of you at these activities this week.

We are now less than one month away from the November general election. In fact, if you’re counting, we’re just 28 days out. Early voting by mail or absentee is already open and available in both of our states. Many communities will be opening polls for early voting if you wish to cast your ballot in person. Check with your local county auditor for early voting options.

Casting your ballot early is a good idea for multiple reasons:

• Avoid Long Lines: Early voting helps you avoid the potential crowds and long lines that often occur on Election Day.
• Flexibility: It offers flexibility, allowing you to vote at a convenient time without worrying about work schedules, travel, or emergencies that might arise on Election Day.
• Security and Confidence: Voting early gives you peace of mind that your vote is already submitted, avoiding any last-minute complications.
• Focus on Local Issues: With early voting, you can take more time to research candidates and ballot measures, making more informed decisions.
• Prevent Weather Disruptions: This is especially true here in the Dakotas. Early voting ensures that your participation is not impacted by unexpected weather or other logistical challenges.

 
CUAid Activated for Hurricane Victims.
The National Credit Union Foundation has activated CUAid for Hurricane Helene victims. While CUAid is always open for donations, right now, our friends in the southeast portion of the U.S. need our support. Click here to donate now.

You may recall how CUAid assisted many of our Dakota credit union staff and members during the big flood of the Missouri River in 2011. CUAid is a living example of Cooperative Principle 6: Cooperation amongst Cooperatives. At least 230 deaths in six states have been attributed to the storm that inflicted damage from Florida’s Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia, and another hurricane is on its way to Florida right now. If you are able, please donate today.

Janet Mount announces retirement.
Last week, Voyage FCU announced that Janet Mount was retiring after 31 years of service to the credit union industry. Janet was the longtime CEO of Vermillion FCU and a staunch credit union advocate. Vermillion merged into Voyage early in 2023, and Janet continued as the branch manager. Now, with a full team in place, Janet is ready to retire. She prefers to leave quietly without a big celebration, but we wish her well on this new chapter of her life. Enjoy retirement, Janet – and thank you for all you have done!
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Fargo Public Schools FCU names CEO.
Fargo Public Schools FCU has announced Brandy Link as their next president. Brandy joined the FPSFCU team in 2023 as operations manager just one year ago, and her outstanding financial skills and leadership abilities gave their board confidence to promote her into the president role upon the retirement of longtime CEO Mari Gagelin, who will be retiring on December 1. We congratulate both Brandy and Mari on their accomplishments!
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Congratulations to April Tompkins!
I would also like to send a shout out to April Tompkins, CEO of Explorers Credit Union (Yankton, SD) on being named as a finalist in the CU Times 2024 Luminaries Awards in the category of Credit Union Executive Leadership. There is some very stiff competition in these awards, and April is one of nine executives in the category for credit union CEOs at $1 billion or under in assets. The final winner will be selected by committee and announced on November 7 at a gala event in Orlando, Florida. Congratulations April, and good luck in the finals!
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On a positive note.
Fargo Public Schools had a little fun with their Pee Wee Penguin young savers program last week, lining up a display of Pee Wee piggy banks going out the credit union front door and down the sidewalk! Posted on social media, it was all part of a marketing campaign urging parents to open savings accounts for their children! A creative way to engage their members and to start teaching good savings habits for future generations. Well, done!  

Levo Celebrates 90 years.
Finally, South Dakota’s oldest credit union is celebrating their 90th birthday this week! Levo Credit Union was chartered in October of 1934. To mark the occasion, they welcomed members with cake and their special Perky coffee in each of their six Sioux Falls branches on Monday, October 7. Congratulations to Fran Sommerfeld and crew on their continued success!

Have a great week,

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DakCU President/CEO