The President’s Perspective

DakCU announces partnership with Defense Credit Union Council; ND state announces new financial literacy resource; Q2 CEO Town Hall this afternoon, and much more! 

​NCUA board member Otsuka joins DakCU’s Q2 Town Hall this afternoon.
As a reminder, NCUA board member Tanya Otsuka will join DakCU this afternoon for our Q2 CEO Town Hall set for 3:00 p.m. (CT). This will be the first opportunity for Dakota CU leaders to hear directly from Otsuka, who was sworn in this past January. If you need the meeting invite and link, please let me know as soon as possible; if you have someone on your team that would like to join in, please reach out to John Alexander at [email protected] with your request.
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DakCU announces partnership with Defense Credit Union Council.
The Dakota Credit Union Association is proud to announce a partnership with the Defense Credit Union Council. With three prominent Air Force bases located here in North and South Dakota, this partnership makes total sense. Each of our Air Force bases is home to a credit union that specifically serves our active military. However, many other credit unions surrounding our base communities are also serving both active personnel as well as our veterans. In fact, there are 18 million veterans today and every single credit union in the Dakotas has a veteran in their field of membership. Today, military credit unions, whether stateside or overseas, are growing faster than other credit unions and the Defensive Credit Union Council advocates for a quarter of the credit union industry.

Now in its 69th year, DCUC’s origins evolved from a CUNA Council and today they are a prominent trade association and partner to Leagues and America’s Credit Unions. DCUC’s mission is to champion the interests of Americans credit unions serving our military and veteran communities. Dakota credit unions serving active military or veterans can join as an associate member of the Defense Credit Union Council. We’re looking forward to this new partnership and we hope many of you consider supporting and utilizing DCUC’s many resources and events. 
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Celebrate Youth Month!
All throughout April, credit unions across the country are celebrating #CUYouthMonth and National Financial Literacy Month. As financial cooperatives, credit unions take financial well-being seriously all year long; however, this month provides us even more opportunities to work with our members and community, demonstrating the #CUDifference. Be sure to check out the free resources and celebratory ideas available here. 

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​Making our members the most financially literate.
Last week, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, along with ND Department of Public Instruction State Superintendent Kirstan Baesler and State Treasurer Thomas Beadle, announced the launching of the SmartWIthMyMoney.nd.gov resource that is available to all North Dakotans to help improve their financial literacy.
When our members and citizens are financially healthy, it results in far-reaching positive impacts on their personal well-being and our local communities and economies. This new tool will help folks make better and more informed financial decisions and will certainly go a long way in supporting our goal of “financial well-being for all.” 

Voyage FCU Excels in Marketing.
Voyage FCU was among 168 credit unions nationwide recently named as winners of the prestigious Diamond Awards for marketing and business development. Voyage was recognized for their outstanding work in brand awareness and website development, receiving three separate awards. Kudos to Jeff Schmidt and his marketing team on this achievement!

Congratulations to Explorers CU.
Last week, Explorers Credit Union held a groundbreaking ceremony for their expansion and remodel project at their Yankton, SD location. According to CEO April Tompkins, this project has been in the works for three years, and will include additional office space, a training room, breakroom, and a welcoming space for members to enjoy. The project will be completed early in 2025. Congratulations to April and her crew on their continued growth and success!

Summit early bird discount expires Friday.
You know what they say – the early bird gets the worm. So, what are you waiting for? This is your final opportunity to take advantage of the early bird discount! You can save $70 per person if you register by Friday, April 12. It’s hard to believe we are only 35 days away from our annual event, which is rapidly approaching on May 14 – 16 at Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort just outside of Sioux Falls. We are confident you will find the 2024 Summit to be an outstanding educational and networking opportunity at a beautiful venue! I hope to see many of you there.

Have a great week,

DakCU President/CEO