The President's Perspective

Summit week; Advocacy wins; and the Power of Engagement.

Greetings from Fargo!
One of my favorite times of the year is upon us—welcoming our members, friends, and partners to our 19th Annual Meeting & Summit. We’re gathering in the heart of the Red River Valley, and the energy here at the Delta Marriott Conference Center is unmistakable. Our Annual Summit is the most comprehensive educational and networking event we host all year, and I’m thrilled to share that this year’s gathering is one of our best attended in recent memory, with nearly 300 credit union professionals, volunteers, crashers, exhibitors, and business partners joining us.

The Summit officially launched yesterday afternoon with important meetings with the DakCU Board of Directors, DakCU Foundation Board, and a special industry dialogue with leaders from our small credit unions. These conversations set the tone for what promises to be an outstanding week focused on leadership, innovation, and connection.

Planning for the Summit begins more than a year in advance—yes, even before last year’s Summit adjourned! Thanks to the incredible efforts of the DakCU team, we’ve assembled a dynamic lineup of national and regional speakers, as well as targeted breakout sessions designed specifically for credit union professionals, emerging leaders, and volunteers. If you’re not in Fargo, please follow along through our Memo and on our social media channels for #DakCUSummit updates, highlights, and stories throughout the week.

Advocacy Update: A Big Week in Washington
While we’re connecting here in Fargo, things are heating up in Washington, D.C., as Congress heads into a critical period before recess. The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to begin markup on its tax legislation on Tuesday, with bill text anticipated as early as this weekend. For months, our objective has been clear: to keep credit unions out of reconciliation and soon we’ll know whether our efforts have succeeded.

Our opponents in the banking industry are ramping up their presence in D.C. next week, continuing to push false narratives and challenge the value that credit unions deliver. Now more than ever, our industry’s unified voice matters. If you haven’t already reached out to your lawmakers, there’s still time. Changing the credit union tax status would amount to a tax increase on more than 142 million Americans—a fact we must keep front and center.

Advocacy Victories: A Consequential Friday
This past Friday marked a major advocacy win for America’s Credit Unions:

1. President Trump signed into law a Congressional Review Act resolution overturning the CFPB’s flawed rule on overdraft programs. This victory not only reverses burdensome regulations but also blocks similar future attempts. As a result, America’s Credit Unions and other plaintiffs are withdrawing their legal challenge.
2. The House Ways and Means Committee released its initial draft of legislation extending provisions from the 2017 tax reform law. While it’s only a preliminary version, credit unions are not impacted in the current language crucial first-round win. However, this is just the beginning of the process, and we’ll remain vigilant as additional details emerge. We anticipate full text by Monday afternoon and will keep you informed.

The Importance of Engagement
All of this highlights why we come together—not just at the Summit, but as members of this association. People join trade associations to stay informed, connected, and influential. By being engaged, you help shape policy, access key resources, and strengthen both your credit union and our collective voice. Your involvement matters—and it’s never been more important.

Let’s make the most of this special week in Fargo. Thank you for all you do for our industry, and I look forward to connecting with many of you at the Summit. 

Support the Foundation & Win Big with the Cash Stash Sweepstakes!
Looking for a fun way to support a great cause? Don’t miss the Cash Stash Sweepstakes, benefiting the Dakota Credit Union Foundation. With just a $20 donation, you’ll be entered for a chance to win several cash prizes—including a $2,000 grand prize—while supporting financial education programs, college scholarships, and the Children’s Miracle Network.

Each $20 donation earns one entry, and $100 gets you six chances to win! The drawing will be held during the Awards Banquet on Wednesday, May 14—so don’t wait! Enter here. *Need not be present to win.*

Bid for a Cause: GAC Online Silent Auction is Live!
Our GAC Silent Auction is now live online, running May 13–14, giving everyone the opportunity to participate—whether you're at the Summit or back at your desk. All proceeds go to the Roger Heacock Hike the Hill Scholarship Fund, helping support future advocacy leaders from the Dakotas. Click here to browse items and place your bids.

Mark Your Calendar: South Dakota GAC Golf Fundraiser
Looking ahead, the South Dakota Governmental Affairs Committee will host its annual golf fundraiser on Thursday, July 10, at River Ridge Golf Course in Garretson, SD. The event begins with registration at 9:00 a.m. and a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. This is a terrific opportunity to network and support critical political fundraising efforts that advance credit union advocacy. Click here for details and registration.

Celebrating Credit Union Excellence
We’re proud to celebrate two of our Dakota credit unions for receiving national and local workplace honors that highlight their commitment to culture and staff development:

• Black Hills FCU (BHFCU) has earned two national recognitions, the Great Plains Top Workplaces and USA Today Top Workplaces awards for 2025! These honors are based on real employee feedback and reflect BHFCU’s dedication to empowering staff and creating a supportive workplace culture. “This recognition is a testament to the dedicated employees who uphold our mission to improve lives,” said HR Manager August Hicks.
• Capital Credit Union has been named one of the Top 10 Young Professional Workplaces by the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network. This award, created in 2007, recognizes organizations that excel in recruiting, retaining, and developing young professionals in the region. Congratulations to the Capital CU team for this outstanding achievement!

Thank you to everyone who is participating in this week’s events, supporting our Foundation, and continuing to champion credit union success across the Dakotas. Let’s keep the momentum going, together!

​DakCU President/CEO