The President's Perspective

​GAC rooms are going fast!  Plus, thanking our veterans; SWAP informational session this week; and celebrating 20 years at Credit Union House. 

Greetings and Happy Monday, November 15th!  Today is not as significant, or recognized as April 15th, but does hold some importance, because it is the official deadline for credit unions to opt in on the Dakota Credit Union Health Benefits Trust for 2022!  Don’t hesitate to reach out to me at joloson@dakcu.org or Karla Clark at kclark@dakcu.org for assistance.

Today is also significant as it marks the day the Continental Congress adopted a plan for the inaugural national government under the Articles of Confederation.  The Articles were approved five months later in March 1781.
 
Thanking our veterans.
Last week, leading up to Veterans Day, CUNA News featured a variety of credit union professionals who have served our country.  One of those “Salute to Veterans” articles was about our own Steve Schmitz, CEO of First Community Credit Union in Jamestown, ND.  Steve was a missile launch offer while stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, and he served at the Colorado Springs, CO base as an Air Force Captain.  There is a CUNA Podcast featuring seven credit union veterans, which you can find here.
 
Any day is a good day to thank a veteran for his or her service, but it’s particularly important on November 11, Veterans Day.  It may be tough to find adequate words, given everything they have done for our country, but when in doubt, a simple “thank you for your service” is always appreciated.  So, thank you Steve, and all veterans, for your service and all you have done!
 
Credit Union Awareness in the Dakotas for 2022 and beyond - SWAP Q & A session this week!
If you are curious about the new direction we are taking the awareness campaign, be sure to join us for a Q & A session for CEOs and marketing staff this Wednesday, November 17th, at 3:00 p.m. (CT).  Invitations with the virtual meeting link were sent via email.  If you would like to join us and don’t have the link, contact Lindsey Hefta, Director of Marketing, at lhefta@dakcu.org.  
 
Both state legislative bodies complete special session work.
Both state capitols were busy last week, as lawmakers went back to work approving new legislative district maps and to appropriate the America Rescue Program Act (APRA).  President Biden signed the act into law last March.  ARPA provides an estimated $1.9 trillion in stimulus and recovery aid for states, businesses, and individuals due to the pandemic.  Watch for a detailed update from our Chief Advocacy Officer, Jay Kruse, in the Legislative Update in Wednesday’s Memo.

Custom Performance Reports now available.
As a benefit of membership, Custom Performance Reports are available for each of our member credit unions.  The reports highlight and measure many areas of your credit union’s performance, including loans, shares, fee and other income, capital analysis, and liquidity trends.  The reports have been shared with each credit union’s manager/CEO – if you did not receive your report or if you are an authorized individual looking for a copy, please contact Deb Kruckenberg.
 
GAC accommodations – rooms going fast!
I have been traveling to Washington, D.C. to advocate in some form or fashion for nearly 25 years.  For me, the city has an addictive draw.  I look forward to going each year and I’m really looking forward to getting back in early 2022 for the return of the in-person CUNA GAC, February 27-March 2. 
 
It seems we have several members that are excited to return as well – as our DakCU room blook is filling up!  If you are planning to attend the GAC, be sure to get your hotel reservations in as soon as possible.  DakCU has a limited number of rooms available in our block, and they are going fast!  Don’t risk not getting your accommodations locked down.  Look for the “Accommodations” link and password located here on our website, and please contact Deb Kruckenberg with any questions
 
Also – if you are a young professional age 40 and under OR if you have someone on your staff that is an emerging leader, be sure to encourage them to apply for the GAC Crasher opportunity.  Crashers receive free conference registration, plus DakCU is offering a $1,000 scholarship to each Dakota Crasher to help offset travel expenses.  Check out the related story in today’s Memo for additional information.
 
Credit Union House celebrates 20th Anniversary.
This month, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Credit Union House (CU House), the credit union “home away from home” in Washington, D.C.  As many of you know, it serves as a convenient, permanent venue on Capitol Hill where CUNA, League and credit union representatives meet to discuss strategies, plan Hill meetings and share feedback from Congressional visits.  Dakota credit union professionals have had many opportunities to utilize this facility; a recent example was the induction and reception for Roger Heacock to the CU House “Wall of Leaders.”
 
The facility is a perfect example of the CUNA-League System working together to advance our shared mission.  Its prime location makes it a landmark for credit unions in Washington.  I want to take a moment to thank those who have contributed over the years to help keep this facility thriving.  We wouldn’t be where we are today without you and your generosity.  Contributions are always welcome and appreciated.  If you wish to make an honorary contribution this year, you can just check the box when you return your DakCU dues statement.  We will make the donation directly to CU House on your behalf and your credit union will receive full credit. 
 
December CEO Town Hall planned.
Our final DakCU Virtual Town Hall meeting of 2021 takes place on December 14th, starting at 3:00 p.m. (CT).  We appreciate the demands on your time, so we will keep the Town Hall to an hour or less.  These events have been working extremely well to keep our members updated on your association’s efforts, achievements, and direction moving forward.  An invite will be sent to CEOs prior to the event. 
 
Have a great week,

DakCU President/CEO