The President's Perspective

Cruise into the dog days of summer with big wins for credit unions; #ILoveMyCreditUnion celebrations; and upcoming events.

Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer and Happy #ILoveMyCreditUnion Week!
As we cruise into the heat of July, the “dog days of summer” are officially upon us and so is one of my favorite times of the year: #ILoveMyCreditUnion Week! It’s a time when we pause, reflect, GO BIG and show the world why credit unions matter to our members, our communities, and to one another. More on how you can get involved below but first let’s talk Washington.
 
Some Big Wins for Credit Unions in D.C.
This past week, Congress moved the needle in some pretty significant ways for our movement. And for once, there’s good reason to be optimistic.
 
The House passed three key pieces of legislation that could shape the future of digital finance and better yet, they all acknowledge the vital role credit unions can play in that future.
 
Let’s start with the big one:
The GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins) passed the House with solid support and was signed into law by President Trump on July 18. This bill creates a first-of-its-kind federal framework for payment stablecoins and importantly, it includes parity for credit unions. That’s a huge win.
 
This means credit unions can now legally issue stablecoins, provided they follow the new rules including 1:1 asset backing, regular public reserve disclosures, anti-money laundering protocols, and operational safeguards. If done right, stablecoins could give credit unions a low-cost, fast, and secure way to serve members in a digital-first world while keeping our “people helping people” values front and center.
 
Credit unions with assets under $10 billion will remain under the purview of their state or the NCUA (as long as their state standards align with the feds). Once we cross that threshold, oversight expands but so does the opportunity. And let’s be real if we don’t step into this space, you can bet fintech’s and big tech will.
 
For Credit Unions, The GENIUS Act isn’t just regulation. It could be an invitation.
 
Also moving forward:
The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act would block the Federal Reserve from issuing a centralized digital currency (CBDC) that could undermine private banking. The Digital Asset Market Structure (CLARITY) Act brings long-overdue regulation to the cryptocurrency space. 

From Congress to the Course: Tee It Up for a Cause!
On Wednesday, August 13, we’re hosting our 9th Annual Dakota Credit Union Foundation Golf Scramble at the Rose Creek Golf Course in Fargo. And let me just say this isn’t your average charity event.
 
We’re coming together to raise funds for Fargo Sanford Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, with every dollar going directly to the new Credit Unions for Kids Micropreemie Unit. This state-of-the-art facility is one of just a few in the country, giving our smallest and most fragile newborns a fighting chance and their families the chance to receive life-saving care right here at home.
 
We still have spots open for individual players, teams, and sponsors. Whether you’re chasing birdies or just escaping the office for a day, this is your chance to make an impact. Sponsorships range from hole sponsors to premier event partners, all of which help us hit our fundraising goals.
 
So, grab your clubs, gather your crew, and register by August 1. It’s the perfect follow-up to the DakCU Professionals Forum the day before!
 
Calling All CU Pros: Let’s Talk, Learn & Lead
Speaking of the Professionals Forum if you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for?

On Tuesday, August 12, credit union folks from across the Dakotas will gather in Fargo at the Delta Hotel for an afternoon of rich conversation, peer exchange, and practical insights. There’s no rigid agenda just meaningful dialogue about what’s working, what’s not, and where we go from here.
 
This year, we’re also hosting a bonus morning session:
Advocacy 101: Creating Credit Union Champions
Join us from 10 a.m. to Noon for this energizing pre-forum workshop. We’ll give you the tools, the messaging, and the confidence to advocate for your credit union at the local, state, and national level.
 
From threats to our tax status to real-world talking points, we’ll show you how to speak up and protect our movement whether you're a CEO or just getting started in your credit union career. This whole experience the workshop, the forum, the networking is free for DakCU members as part of your dues-supported benefits. Register here. 
 
Get Ready to Show Some Love  #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day is July 25!
Before I wrap up, a quick reminder: #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day is this Friday, July 25.

This national social media blitz is a great way to flood the internet with positivity and stories about the credit union difference. Post a photo, share a member success story, tag your CU team just make sure you use the hashtag #ILoveMyCreditUnion.
 
Let’s show the world what we already know that credit unions change lives. And nobody does it quite like the Dakotas. You can find ready-to-go graphics, templates, and ideas here. Let’s make some noise and keep this movement growing!
 
Until next time stay cool, stay connected, and keep doing what credit unions do best: putting people over profit.
 
See you in Fargo!

​DakCU President/CEO