The President's Perspective

Summit deadline approaching; Fargo golf outing update; and win a much-needed getaway with the Vacation Sweepstakes. ​

Lisa Ginter

CUNA Board Chair, Lisa Ginter, to share CU objectives at DakCU Summit.
We are just 21 days to our Annual Summit meetings in Fargo. I’m pleased to share that our registration numbers are terrific and we’re looking forward to reuniting and elevating the credit union movement here in our region.
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I’m very excited to share that Lisa Ginter, Chair, CUNA Board of Directors, will be part of our general session activities. As CEO of the $4.6 billion asset Community America Credit Union in Lenexa, KS, Lisa is a celebrated leader and an influential figure in the business, civic and philanthropic community. She strongly believes in the capability of credit unions to look for bigger and better ways to serve their communities. During her Chair report at the CUNA GAC recently, Lisa noted, “Our combination of steadfast focus on our members and determination to advance the communities we serve means credit unions have plenty to work for in the next year and beyond.” 

We’re excited to have her leading the CUNA Board of Directors in what’s going to be a pivotal year for credit unions and the CUNA/League system, and for our movement, and we’re delighted to have her as presenter at this year’s Summit.

Summit deadline approaching.
Friday, April 21st, is the final day to register for the 2023 Summit. This year is shaping up to be one of our best, with outstanding presenters and topics. Don’t miss our signature event that has something for everyone interested in expanding their industry skills and knowledge. Plan to join us on May 9 – 10 at Delta Hotels by Marriott in Fargo. Find detailed event information and register here.

Summit Golf Outing.
We are already fielding questions about our Summit golf event – it’s no surprise that folks are a little nervous, considering our late spring and massive snowfalls. As of now, we are planning to proceed as normal at Rose Creek Golf Course on Tuesday, May 9. We do have a backup plan in the event the golf course is unable to open in time. If you have any questions about the golf event, please reach out to George McDonald.

Foundation Vacation Sweepstakes offers a much-needed getaway!
We do love our Dakota seasons, but let’s face it, after six long months of snow and winter, we could all use a destination VACATION. The Dakota Credit Union Foundation to the rescue! Highlighting this year’s Summit is our Vacation Sweepstakes and a chance to win a $5,000 voucher for a dream vacation of your choice! Each $25 donation to the Dakota Credit Union Foundation receives an entry. This exciting new fundraiser not only supports the important work that our foundation does to promote credit unions and financial well-being for all, but it also provides a chance for anyone in North or South Dakota to enter to win a dream vacation of their choice!

We are asking all credit unions to help us promote this fundraiser to staff and to members. A marketing kit complete with point-of-sale posters, banners, social media graphics is available by email request to Shawn Brummer.
The Winner will be drawn during the Awards Banquet at the DakCU Summit on May 10, 2023, in Fargo. Donations can be made until 7:00 p.m. on May 10. NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN!
 
Summit Give Back Project Launched
Each year at the Dakota Credit Union Association’s Annual Summit, we organize a “Give Back” project to benefit an organization within the community where our event is being held. Last year’s project to benefit the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital was a tremendous success – so much so, that we have decided to hold a repeat!

We are asking each credit union in attendance to bring prepaid cash cards in $25 increments for our project. This allows each credit union to determine their level of giving, AND your credit union’s own branding can be used on the donated cards, if desired. Anyone who wishes to make a personal contribution may also donate a gift card for this great cause. For those credit unions without a card program, we ask that you purchase a prepaid card (or cards) in advance and bring with you to Fargo. Alternately, DakCU will accept your cash/check donations and purchase cards on your behalf; however, we need to know the number of cards to purchase, so please contact Karla Clark with your desired number of cards today so we can order in advance. 

Each gift card will be presented to Sanford Children's Hospital along with a postcard style greeting containing the message “Compliments of Dakota’s credit unions” and additional information about the benefits of belonging to a credit union.
 
GAC Silent Auction donations needed.
We are currently seeking credit union donations for our Summit Silent Auction. We would like to publish the list of prizes ahead of the start of time on our ClickBid interactive site. We ask that donated items have a minimum retail value of $75 to $100, (or more). Click here for a list of suggested items to donate. If you have any issues submitting your donation information online, please reach out to Lindsey Hefta at [email protected] or 701-250-3968.

The funds raised from this silent auction are used to provide financial assistance scholarships to members from North and South Dakota who attend the CUNA GAC Conference and other meetings, such as “Hike the Hill” events. Since 2008, 83 scholarships have been awarded for a total of $63,500. We thank you in advance!

Revisit and refresh your DakCU Mobile App.
I also want to remind everyone to download (or refresh) your DakCU Mobile App. When you first log in, using the same credentials as our www.dakcu.org website, you will receive a six-digit verification code sent to your DakCU registered email address that you will need to enter into the app. If you don’t log out, you will not have to enter another verification code. Be sure to allow push notifications, especially during the Summit – for important event information and announcements. Contact Lindsey Hefta, Director of Marketing, with any questions about the app.
 
Upcoming webinars for small credit unions.
Finally, I want to bring your attention to two complimentary upcoming webinars for small credit unions. On Thursday, April 20, at 2:00 p.m. (CT) CUNA and CUNA Mutual Group are presenting “Executive Benefits for Small CU Leaders.” There will be a brief presentation on how executive benefits programs can help small credit unions adequately compensate their leaders and serve as key tools for succession planning. These programs can set up current leaders for financial stability into retirement and create new ways for smaller credit unions to attract and retain top talent to their organizations. Register here.

Then, on May 17 at 11:00 a.m. (CT) DakCU and CUNA Mutual Group will present “The Puzzle-Solving Approach that Enables Small Credit Unions to Thrive.” Small credit unions are often seen as disadvantaged by a lack of scale, but in fact, many are flourishing. These small credit unions defy stereotypes, leveraging their unique strengths as flexible, committed, member-focused institutions keyed into the needs of their particular markets and communities. Learn what makes for a small credit union that is not just surviving, but thriving! Register here.
 
Have a great week,

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DakCU President/CEO