The President’s Perspective

​Here at the association, we have many things to be thankful for, including your continued confidence and support. 

As we kick off Thanksgiving week, there are many things that we at the association are thankful for. First, we thank you for your partnership and your continued support of our league and service corps.

I am thankful for a talented and dedicated staff that works tirelessly on your behalf. As an organization, we collectively work hard to be the best advocate for credit unions and their members, passionately working on legislative, compliance and education initiatives so that you can focus on your members.
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I am also thankful for an engaged and active board of directors, credit union leaders who are committed to promoting financial cooperative difference, increasing market share and ensuring industry sustainability.
Finally, I am thankful for the opportunity to be your partner and lead the Dakota Credit Union Association.
​Credit unions truly are the best financial choice for consumers, families, and our communities, and we will continue working hard to providing value for credit unions of all sizes.

Partnership with TruStage brings promise of a bright future with endless possibilities.
This has been an incredibly successful year for the credit union industry, and together, we’re building a brighter future. By gaining consumer trust and demonstrating our positive impact, credit unions are making a real difference.

At the heart of these achievements is TruStage, our trusted system partner for a century. With its comprehensive insurance, investment, and technology solutions, TruStage addresses the unique needs of credit unions and their members, offering reassurance and protection during uncertain times.

TruStage’s partnership strengthens our association’s ability to advocate for you, provide exceptional education, and support growth. Their engagement in our events and activities underscores their commitment to our shared success.

The more we collaborate with TruStage, the more resources we can provide to all Dakota credit unions, ensuring growth and prosperity for years to come. Please refer to my related article in this Memo edition that highlights our system partnership and what their continued collaboration and support means to our Dakota credit unions, and more importantly, to our individual credit union members.

Shawn Brummer to retire at the end of year.
Shawn Brummer, communications specialist for the Dakota Credit Union Association since 2011, has announced her retirement effective December 13, 2024. Shawn is best known for creating and distributing our e-newsletter, The Memo, and for managing our social media platforms as well as guiding our charitable foundation. Shawn was an enthusiast and key driver in the Foundation’s support of our Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals here in our region. Her support was vital in our efforts to raise the necessary funds for the CU4Kids Mircopreemie Unit that will open at Sanford Children’s in Fargo in 2025.

Prior to coming to work for the association, she worked for 11 years at Midwest Corporate Federal Credit Union, which was located in our same Bismarck building. Shawn has been a valuable team member and successful contributor in our continued efforts to provide value and support to our members year-in and year out. She will be missed! We wish her the best as she enjoys her next stage. Thank you, Shawn!

On a positive note.
Last week, despite some treacherous weather, our own John Alexander made the trek to Minot to deliver some items for the Credit Unions United Chapter food drive. This year, the chapter is collecting and donating canned goods, non-perishables, household paper supplies and toiletries for Cornerstone Soup Kitchen, a local food pantry. Items were gathered at Affinity, Aspire, Minot Area Schools, North Star, and Town & Country. Nicely done!

A Thanksgiving tradition.
It has been my tradition to share this Thanksgiving Day Poem that was first published in our credit union league’s newsletter 73 Years ago, in November 1951.

Thanksgiving
And is this then the only way,
The feasting and the fun,
Just to give thanks for one short day,
Then feel all is done.
 
The Pilgrims feasted long ago,
The bitter with the sweet;
Theirs’ was a thanks we cannot know,
We walk the road their courage blazed,
We reap what they have sown;
Yet can we praise as they have praised
For Freedom, faith, and home?
 
Then thank the Giver all the way,
For sun and shadow too;
You’ll find that Thanksgiving Day
Will last the whole year through.
Author Unknown~

Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with family, friends, and loved ones.

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DakCU President/CEO