The President's Perspective

Kicking off multiple events in Bismarck this week!  Plus, congratulations and “shout outs” to several credit union leaders, and some “save the date” reminders.  

Greetings and Happy Monday!
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It’s an exciting week here at DakCU as we kick off our fall education schedule.  Over the next few months there are several opportunities to connect, learn, and share.  First up, credit union leaders from across the Dakotas will be here in Bismarck on Wednesday this week for the Credit Union Professionals Forum and the CEO Roundtable and Town Hall luncheon with CUNA President/CEO, Jim Nussle.

Also, this week, we’re hosting our annual Dakota Credit Union Foundation Golf Scramble.  More than 60 golfers are set to take part in the Foundation’s first-ever “Play Yellow” golf event which will benefit our charitable foundation and our local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  This year’s golf outing will be held at Bismarck’s Apple Creek Country Club on Thursday.  Late registrations are still being accepted!  Sign up here.   

Steve Schmitz Newest SCUB Member
In case you missed the full Memo story on Friday, Steve Schmitz, President of First Community Credit Union (Jamestown, ND) was recently appointed by Governor Doug Burgum to the ND State Credit Union Board.  To be appointed by the Governor to lead and serve our industry and state chartered credit unions is an enormous responsibility and honor, and I know Steve’s experience and success as a credit union leader and advocate will be an asset to the department in leading, guiding and protecting our operating environment here in North Dakota.  We congratulate Steve on this opportunity and wish him much success in this new role. 
 
Three North Dakota CUs Named to Top 200 Healthiest List
This is the first time in recent memory that we have had THREE Dakota Credit Unions ranked on the Top 200 Healthiest list by DepositAccounts.com.  Out of 2,943 credit unions evaluated this year, each of these Dakota credit unions were ranked in the Top 5% receiving an A+ health rating.  I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to #61 – Railway Credit Union, Mandan, ND, Paul Brucker, President; #149 – Aspire Credit Union, Minot, ND, Mindee Kohlman, CEO; and #162 – Town & Country Credit Union, Minot, ND, Jeremiah Kossen, President/CEO.  Watch for the full Memo story coming soon.

Congratulations to Katie Bredvik
I also want to extend a “shout out” to Dakota’s newest Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE), Katie Bredvik, President/CEO of Coteau Valley FCU (Sisseton, SD).  Katie completed the extensive three-year training this past July along with 78 credit union professionals from across the country.  This achievement demonstrates the highest level of aptitude in credit union leadership.  Congratulations! 
 
Dakota Sister Society holding virtual leadership session on Wednesday.
The Dakotas Sister Society is holding their next meeting this Wednesday, August 25th at 2:00 p.m. (CT).  The dialogue this week will focus on “Leadership Lessons,” and will feature guest speakers Angela Prestil, who will speak on the CU Difference, and Erica Clements, East River FCU who will talk about Lessons in Leadership.  For those that can’t make the event live, the meeting will be recorded and available for viewing later.  To learn more about the “Dakota Sister Society” or to sign-up for this dialogue, you can reach out to Nanci Wilson at University FCU at nanci@universityfcu.net.
 
The Dakota “Sister Society” is the local chapter of the Global Women’s Leadership Network (GWLN) Spearheaded locally by Nanci Wilson, University FCU and Jaymason Bramblee, Oahe FCU.  GWLN is one of the original diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives established in 2009 by WOCCU to provide women in the industry the opportunity to network and make a measurable difference in the lives of each other, in the lives of members, and within their communities.  Today, more than 4,500 individuals from 86 countries representing diverse groups of women from all walks of life, expertise, and professional standing have joined the movement.
 
Save the Date Reminders
Don’t forget – we have switched to a virtual platform for our fall Regulatory Hike the Hill meetings on September 14 & 15 with the NCUA and CFPB.  This is a great opportunity to let the NCUA and CFPB know about any concerns or questions you may have, or to simply listen in and get a feel for how these meetings are conducted and become more familiar with the important credit union issues at hand.  Hear directly from NCUA Chairman Todd Harper, NCUA Board Member Rodney Hood, NCUA Vice Chair Kyle Hauptman, and representatives from the CFPB.  These meetings are open to CEOs, managers, compliance professionals, and volunteers and there is no charge to attend – but we do ask you to register by noon on September 7th as we will provide the regulatory agencies with a list of attendees.  Click here for the full agenda and to register. 
 
Leaders at small credit unions in North and South Dakota will want to plan now to attend our Small Credit Union Roundtable on Tuesday, September 21st at Buffalo Ridge Resort in Gary, SD.   This one-day meeting opens on the evening of Monday, September 20 with a light social and dinner.  On Tuesday, you will hear from Tom Sakash, CUNA’s Small Credit Union Initiatives Manager, as well as Jim Kasch, founder of Canidae Consulting.  I will also be providing updates from the association that are particularly relevant to small credit unions, and we will wrap up at by 4:00 p.m. so you have time to travel home, or you may choose to stay and relax for an extra day!  We are offering this retreat at no charge, the only expense you will incur will be for travel and accommodations.  Click here to register and for lodging information.
 
Finally, the popular New Ideas Conference is headed to the Black Hills and scheduled for October 4 – 6 in Deadwood, South Dakota.  As always, we have a terrific fall event planned.  I am thrilled to announce Lorraine Ranalli – famous storyteller, author, and public speaker will be our emcee and facilitator.  Be sure to check out her introduction and article in today’s Memo.  Fair warning: this event has limited capacity and does fill up fast, so we recommend that you make your plans now to attend and register early.  More details and registration information will be coming soon.
 
I am looking forward to seeing many of you in Bismarck this week! 

President/CEO
​Dakota Credit Union Association