The President’s Perspective

​Pre and post-election coverage planned from a credit union viewpoint; MonDak dates are confirmed; and “Dakota Territory” celebrates statehood day this week. 

Happy Monday and Happy Halloween!
While children and even many adults look forward to this “holiday” with fun anticipation, it’s also good to know a little about its ancient origins. Halloween dates to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago (mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France) marked this day as the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter (something we can relate to) and a time of year that was often associated with human death. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. While I don’t anticipate the return of the dead this evening, I do want to wish you all a safe and enjoyable Halloween, however you choose to celebrate.

Today also concludes the end of National Cooperative Month which brings a to a close another month of celebrating our roots and highlighting cooperative principles. Thank you for all that you do for your members and communities.

Wednesday Marks Statehood Day for the Dakotas.
Wikipedia describes “The Dakotas” as a collective term for the  states of North Dakota and South Dakota. We were, after all, linked together at one time as the “Dakota Territory.” Our two states have much in common; we share similar geography, weather, and even our economies are alike. We also have a combined history that is forever linked, as North and South Dakota became the 39th and 40th states on the very same day.

On February 22, 1889, President Grover Cleveland signed an omnibus bill that divided the Dakota Territory in half. However, it wasn’t until November 2, when President Benjamin Harrison signed the papers. As legend has it, President Harrison had the papers shuffled to obscure which one was actually signed first and the official order went unrecorded. However, since South Dakota is the rightful owner of the “Dakota Marker” trophy today, we can honor the southern Dakota territory as tops, for now. Happy 133rd Birthday to our two wonderful states!

Election Coverage articles planned from a credit union viewpoint.
We are just one week and one day from the 2022 mid-term election. Early voting is open most everywhere across the Dakotas, and many will still hold to tradition and head to the polls next Tuesday, November 8, to cast their votes in this very important election cycle. As I mentioned last week, here in the Dakotas, one of three residents is a member of a credit union, and according to a recent Credit Union National Association (CUNA) poll, 42 percent of registered voters belong to a credit union. It’s no surprise that credit union members here and across the country are actively engaged in the political process and consistently go to the polls each election cycle. As we know, elections have consequences.

Our Chief Advocacy Officer, Jay Kruse, and I will be covering issues that are important to our credit unions in this Wednesday’s Memo with a “pre-election” focus on both North and South Dakota. And, on Wednesday, November 9, following the election, we will provide a recap of election results from both states and how it may impact credit unions. Stay tuned!

ND stakeholders hold press conference to denounce term limits and Measure 1.
Speaking of elections, this year there is an especially important issue on the ND ballot: Measure 1. Last week, leaders from 25 organizations met in Bismarck to urge voters to vote “no” on this North Dakota proposed constitutional measure. While many like the “sound of” term limits, this particular measure has been rejected by Democrats and Republicans alike and is opposed by numerous groups representing industries including agriculture, education, energy, medical, and yes, credit unions! I invite you to review the article we published in a recent Memo outlining why our ND Governmental Affairs Committee agrees this needs to be opposed, which you can find here.

MonDak Dates Set
As I have traveled around the Dakotas these last three months, many CU leaders have asked about our annual MonDak Roundtable event which has become very popular for CEOs and volunteers. The 2023 event is set for February 7 – 8, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We will once again be at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino. Registration will be open very soon – but meanwhile, please save those dates, book your flights, and plan now to join us for this very popular and valuable collaborative effort with Montana’s credit unions.

Q3 Town Hall is a wrap.
Last week, we held our third quarter “Town Hall Tuesday” to bring you up to date with all the happenings at your association. These short meetings have proved very useful to stay in contact with our CEOs and other decision makers from our member credit unions. Our year-end Town Hall virtual meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 13. An invite will be sent but please mark your calendars.
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Have a great week Happy Halloween – enjoy trick or treating! 

DakCU President/CEO