The President’s Perspective

CUNA-NAFCU merger voting materials coming next week; our most successful Foundation Golf Scramble ever; and congratulations to Rich Reimer on 40 years! 

Heads up! CUNA-NAFCU merger voting materials are coming next week.
Dakota credit unions will soon have the opportunity to be part of credit union history and vote in favor of America’s Credit Unions and approve the proposed merger of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU). Members can expect a voting ballot and informational materials to be delivered late next week. The voting period will be open for 60 days.
 
As we shared on our CEO Town Hall meeting earlier this month, this proposed merger is in the best interests of the entire credit union industry. It means members of both associations would benefit from a combined, unified organization with strategic alignment, greater efficiencies and streamlined member engagement. The vision is for America’s Credit unions to have a stronger voice and greater impact on federal and state advocacy and maximize value by aligning products, services, and events. Working together, we will identify new opportunities for innovation and lead our industry into the future.
 
All credit unions nationwide and the 137 million members they serve will benefit from a united front with a powerful voice in Washington and across the country. The depth and strength of the two organizations combined into one equals a more formidable association with the ability to fiercely advocate for our members.
 
The future of the credit union industry is brighter than ever. Dakotans have long relied on credit unions as their trusted community financial institution to provide secure banking – filling the niche of what larger banks cannot do. As we move ahead, this merger will allow us to continue to be the best in financial services with an even stronger service offering for our members.

Fall networking and education season is underway.
Last week, representatives from both large and small Dakota credit unions gathered at the Delta Hotel in Fargo for the annual DakCU Professionals Forum. The discussions were lively and continued throughout Tuesday afternoon, with topics ranging from lending concerns, delinquency management, the changing interest rate environment, repossessions, regulatory concerns, as well as deposit growth challenges, operations concerns, technology advancements, and security. Once again, I would like to thank all those who joined our roundtable, contributing to these important dialogues. I would also like to thank Millennium Corporate who sponsored the social event following the meeting, providing another opportunity for attendees to continue to network.

Most successful Foundation Golf Scramble ever!
Last Wednesday, the Dakota Credit Union Foundation hosted their 7th annual Golf Scramble at Rose Creek Golf Course in Fargo. I am thrilled to share that this event raised $25,000 for Sanford Children’s Hospital, which will be dedicated to the new micro preemie care unit. Foundation board members put together a great event and went above and beyond working the event for the day; I would especially like to acknowledge Foundation board members Keith Mantz, Jim Schaefbauer, Holly Steier, and Kylee Lemieux for managing the registration table and additional raffles and games this year, as well as our many business solution providers and Foundation supporters for their contributions. Be sure to check out the related story in today’s Memo for more details and some great photos from the day. 

CUAid Activated
As a reminder, CUAid has been activated for Maui of the Hawaiian Islands; you can make a contribution here. The National CU Foundation is working with the Hawaii League and Maui credit unions to get those relief funds in the hands of credit union members and staff who have been affected. As many of you may recall, CUAid was activated and received by some of our own Dakota credit union staff and members during the flooding in North Dakota back in 2011 that especially affected Minot and Bismarck. Now is our chance to pay that forward, and I sincerely hope you will consider a contribution.

Congratulations to Rich Reimer.
Finally, I would like to send a shout out to Rich Reimer at Huron Area Education FCU. This month, he is celebrating 40 years with the credit union! In 1983, he was first elected to their board of directors, and then was named manager shortly thereafter. While the reins were handed over to Kristen Jurgens in 2016, he has continued to serve the credit union as a part-time compliance officer, in addition to any other roles that need assistance. Congratulations on a long and successful career!

Have a great week,

DakCU President/CEO