The President's Perspective

Congress advances H.R. 1 with credit union tax status intact; plus leadership updates; upcoming events; and ways to get involved in advocacy.

Congress is working to get H.R. 1 to President Trump by Friday. The Senate is still working through the legislation but expects to vote on final passage overnight or early tomorrow. The House is set to return to session tomorrow, teeing up a vote Wednesday or Thursday.
 
Here are a few updates to be aware of as H.R. 1 and other issues move in Washington.
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H.R. 1 Update:

• The credit union tax status remains secure in the most recent version of the bill.
  • Senate is currently in "voterama" and continuing to make changes to text; we remain engaged with offices to ensure the credit union voice is represented and tax status stays out of the bill.
    • Sent a credit union difference message to Senate offices this morning highlighting Energy Plus Credit Union in Indiana's work to provide affordable loans to families in need.
  • Once Senate passes bill, look for a breaking news alert from America's Credit Unions.  
  • Bill would then go back to the House: small chance the House will pass Senate version as-is, more likely that they will make some changes and send it back to the Senate before it heads to the President.

​We continue to monitor for other provisions' impact on credit unions; will update H.R. 1 resources when bill is finalized.
 
President and CEO of America's Credit Unions, Jim Nussle, to join next DakCU CEO Town Hall: Tuesday, July 8
We’re honored to welcome Jim Nussle, President & CEO of America’s Credit Unions, to our CEO Town Hall, next Tuesday, July 8th at 3:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM MT. His insights will be especially timely, as the Senate has just passed H.R. 1 (the “Big Beautiful Bill”) and sent it back to the House for final debate. While Congress races to reconcile any changes and deliver the bill to the President, our collective advocacy has already secured the credit union tax exemption in the Senate version. Alongside America’s Credit Unions, we remain fully engaged and as soon as the final vote occurs, you’ll receive a breaking news alert and real-time updates across our platforms. 

Credit union leaders and CEOs should have already received an email invite. If not, please reach out to me at [email protected].

Welcome Jeff Reiter, CEO of Dakota West Credit Union
The Dakota Credit Union Association is pleased to welcome Jeff Reiter as the new CEO of Dakota West Credit Union.

Jeff brings a strong background in finance, regulation, and community service to his new role. A Montana native and graduate of Montana State University –Billings, he began his career as a bank examiner with the FDIC before moving into private banking across Montana and Wyoming.

Since 2011, Jeff has called Watford City home, building lasting ties and a deep understanding of the community he now proudly serves. His leadership blends financial expertise, regulatory insight, and a sincere commitment to people which is rooted in service, driven by integrity, and focused on members. Congratulations and welcome, Jeff!
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Celebrating the Retirement of Mike Gardner – 45 Years of Service to the Credit Union Movement
After an extraordinary 45-year career dedicated to improving the financial lives of his members, Mike Gardner will retire on June 30, leaving behind a legacy rooted in servant leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

Mike began his journey in the credit union movement at Good Samaritan Federal Credit Union in Sioux Falls, where his dedication and leadership ultimately led him to serve as President and CEO. Under his guidance, the credit union grew stronger and more member-focused, making a lasting impact on the community it served.

Mike was also a driving force behind the successful consolidation of Good Samaritan FCU with Voyage Federal Credit Union (Voyage FCU), helping to ensure long-term sustainability and expanded services for members. For the past five years, he has served as Vice President of Operations at Voyage FCU, where his experience and steady leadership continued to benefit both staff and members alike.

As he transitions into retirement, we offer our deepest gratitude and congratulations to Mike. His impact will be felt for generations to come, and he leaves the credit union movement stronger, more resilient, and more member-driven than ever. Thank you, Mike, for 45 remarkable years. We wish you all the best in this well-earned next chapter.

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Save the Date: #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION Day is July 25, 2025!
On Friday, July 25, credit unions across the country, including right here in North Dakota and South Dakota, will unite for a single purpose: to flood social media with high-energy, authentic messages that celebrate the credit union difference.

#ILOVEMYCREDITUNION Day is a grassroots social media blitz that brings our movement together to share what makes credit unions so special: people helping people, member ownership, financial empowerment, and community impact. It’s a chance to highlight the stories, values, and moments that remind us why we do what we do and why it matters.
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How to Participate:
Whether you’re a small credit union, a large one, or somewhere in between, your voice is essential!

• Join the conversation on July 25 by posting to your social channels using #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION.
• Share stories of members you’ve helped, community events you’ve led, or reasons your team loves serving in the credit union movement.
• Use branded graphics and templates available through here.
• Encourage staff, board members, and even members to post their own messages with the hashtag.

Here in the Dakotas, we’ve always taken pride in the cooperative spirit that binds our credit unions and our communities. Let’s lead by example and show the rest of the nation how North Dakota and South Dakota credit unions are making a difference—one member, one town, one story at a time.

We're Hiring: Director of Political and Grassroots Affairs
The Dakota Credit Union Association is seeking a passionate and motivated individual to serve as our Director of Political and Grassroots Affairs a dynamic role at the heart of our advocacy mission.

This position plays a key role in advancing the credit union movement by helping shape public policy, leading grassroots initiatives, and working closely with credit unions across North and South Dakota to build strong, effective advocacy networks. From legislative engagement and regulatory coordination to organizing advocacy events and fostering political action committee (PAC) involvement, this is a meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact.

If you're a relationship-builder with a passion for public policy and a heart for cooperative values, we want to hear from you!

Learn more and apply here: https://dakcu.applicantpro.com/jobs/3783240-1014259.html

DakCU Foundation Golf Scramble
Tee it up and grab your putter and get ready for a day of birdies, bogeys, and big-hearted fun at our 9th Annual DakCU Foundation Golf Scramble, Wednesday, August 13, at the Rose Creek Country Club, Fargo, ND.

This year, every swing, chip, and putt helps support our commitment to the Credit Unions for Kids Micropreemie Unit, now open at the Sanford Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. All proceeds from the outing will go directly to this lifesaving program, giving our tiniest fighters the specialized care they deserve.

Be a sponsor if you can’t golf or put a team together. Please contact Annie Elhard to learn how you can support this terrific event.

Tee times fill up fast so gather your foursome, dust off your golf bag, and register today! Let’s drive change for micropreemies in our communities and make this the best DakCU outing yet. Register here. See you on the green!

Are You Ready to Be a Credit Union Champion?
Prior to the DakCU Professionals Forum on Monday, August 12, 2025, join us for “Creating Credit Union Champions” An Advocacy 101 Workshop at the Delta Hotel from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT. Hosted by the Dakota Credit Union Association Advocacy Team.

Now more than ever, credit unions need passionate, informed voices to protect and promote the credit union difference. Whether you're a board member, staff leader, or affiliate partner, this workshop is designed for you.

Workshop Purpose
This two-hour session will prepare you to confidently advocate for credit unions in today’s increasingly challenging legislative landscape. With renewed scrutiny on the federal credit union tax exemption, our movement must shift from passive support to proactive engagement.
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Why You Should Attend

• Understand how federal policy decisions could affect your credit union and your members.
• Learn how to share your story and your credit union’s impact with credibility and influence.
• Get an exclusive advocacy toolkit tailored for Dakota credit union leaders and volunteers.
• Connect with peers and advocates who share your commitment to the credit union mission.

The workshop is free, but we ask that you please register as space is limited. You can sign up here.

Have a Happy and Blessed Fourth of July Holiday! 

​DakCU President/CEO