The President’s Perspective

​Some retirement announcements that may surprise you! Plus, we need your support for our Pints & Politics advocacy events; and ICU Day is rapidly approaching. 

Karla Clark announces her retirement.
As we shared last week, it is both exciting and a bit bittersweet to announce Karla’s plans to retire at the end of November. For me personally, Karla has been a true partner in leading the association these past seven years. She has dedicated 31 remarkable years to our Dakota credit union members. She truly has been a cornerstone of our team, contributing immensely to our success and culture.
 
As Karla and her husband, Dan, embark on their exciting new chapter togehter, we extend our deepest gratitude for her decades of service. We wish them nothing but happiness, relaxation, and adventure in the years ahead. Congratulations on a well-deserved retirement!

Dakota West is seeking their next CEO.
Speaking of retirements, last week, Jeff Meyer, CEO of Dakota West Credit Union (Watford City, ND) announced his intention to retire next June. Jeff and his family relocated here from Indiana several years ago and made Watford City their new home. We appreciate Jeff’s leadership as an early supporter of the Credit Union Health Benefits Trust, where he has as a Trustee on the board representing North Dakota Credit Unions. We offer Jeff a heartfelt thank you for his support and engagement in the association, and we wish Jeff and his family the best as they move forward. 

Credit union support of our Pints & Politics events is important and necessary!
As we move through another election cycle, the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) is proud to have successfully launched our Pints & Politics legislative events. With two meetings held in North Dakota, in Rugby and Minot, and one in Webster, South Dakota, we’ve collectively gathered approximately 60 credit union professionals, legislators, and candidates. While this is a great start, it’s vital that our credit union leaders and volunteers continue to show up and support our mission at these events.
 
The importance of these gatherings cannot be overstated. Pints & Politics offers a unique and informal setting where credit union advocates can engage directly with legislators and hopeful candidates, educating them about the credit union difference. These face-to-face conversations play a crucial role in ensuring that our elected officials understand the value credit unions bring to their communities. This grassroots connection helps pave the way for our legislative priorities, setting the stage for discussions in the upcoming session.
 
For credit unions to thrive, it’s essential that we have a strong, unified voice in the legislative process. Showing up and engaging in these events is not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a strategic investment in the future of our movement. Through these interactions, we can address issues that directly affect our industry, such as regulatory relief, consumer protections, and financial inclusion. Legislators need to hear firsthand how the policies they craft impact not just our credit unions, but the communities and members we serve.
 
Volunteers and leaders are the lifeblood of the credit union movement. Your involvement signals to our elected officials that credit unions are not just financial institutions, but community-centered organizations dedicated to improving the lives of their members. The more advocates we have at these events, the more influence we build, ensuring that our collective voice resonates with the people shaping our laws.
 
Over the next several weeks, we will continue hosting Pints & Politics events, and I am always excited to see many of you on the road. Your support truly matters! Let’s continue to advocate for a brighter future for credit unions and the communities we serve. Together, we can ensure that the credit union movement remains strong, vibrant, and well-represented at all levels of government.

Please reach out to me, John Alexander, or Chesney Garnos if you have any questions. You can also find a complete list of upcoming Pints & Politics events you can attend here on our website.

Plan ahead for ICU Day.
Don’t forget to start planning now for National Co-op Month in October and International Credit Union (ICU) Day on October 17. ICU Day is organized by the World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and you can find many helpful resources here, including promotional items, ideas for celebrations, talking points, and more. Let’s make this a “big deal” across the Dakotas as we continue to promote credit unions as a better financial services options for all!

On a positive note!
The Dakotas has gained one more CUNA Management School graduate, as Zack Dosch recently earned his Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation. The CCUE is the highest level of aptitude in the credit union industry. It takes three years to complete and encompasses multiple exams, projects, and oral presentations. Zack not only completed the course; he graduated with high honors! Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

Credit Union Strategies for Q4
With the Fed adjusting the interest rate last week, credit unions CEOs, CFOs, investment officers, board members, and those who are directly or indirectly responsible for fiscal management functions will benefit from this complimentary webinar hosted by The Baker Group. Topics will include: Economic Update and Fed Policy Outlook; Industry Trends and Regulatory Hot Button Issues; Current Investment Strategy Recommendations; and Interest Rate Risk and Liquidity Management Guidance. The webinar is scheduled for Thursday, October 10 at 10:30 a.m. CT. Register here.

Have a great week! 

DakCU President/CEO