The President's Perspective

​Senator Cramer joining our DakCU CEO Town Hall and Luncheon with Jim Nussle!  Plus, Dakota credit unions create a “digital wave” of good vibes with #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION!  

Greetings and Happy Monday!
As we wind down the “Dog Days of Summer” (officially, the dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days beginning on July 3 and ending on August 11) we welcome in a new month that is packed full of credit union awareness, activities, and events.  Strap in and hold on cause it’s “giddy-up” time!
 
Here in the Dakotas, today marks a significant time in our history as well, as it was August 2nd, 1876, when James Butler Hickok (Wild Bill Hickock) was shot while playing poker at Carl Mann’s Saloon NO. 10 in Deadwood, SD.  As legend has it, when shot, Hickock was holding a pair of black aces and a pair of black eights, which became known as the “Dead Man’s Hand.”  There is some dispute as to what the fifth card was, but many references say it was a Jack of Diamonds.
 
Senator Cramer to Join DakCU CEO Town Hall and Luncheon with Jim Nussle
We are excited to announce that Senator Cramer (ND) will be joining our Dakota CEO Town Hall meeting and luncheon with CUNA President/CEO, Jim Nussle, on August 25th in Bismarck.  The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) on the Bismarck State Campus and the CEO Town Hall with Jim Nussle is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.   
 
As a member of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Cramer will share important updates on the issues impacting credit unions and the financial service industry.  This is a terrific opportunity for Dakota credit union leaders to learn about important matters and share items that are impacting your credit union and your members.  Please register for the DakCU CEO Town Hall and Luncheon here.  
 
We are expecting a great turnout of Dakota credit union leaders for these events and registration has been strong for our CU Professionals Forum being held at the same venue that day.  Those attending the Professionals Forum will also be attending the luncheon, then will return to their Forum discussions at approximately 1:00 p.m.  For your convenience, we have a block of rooms reserved at the Hampton Inn & Suites Northwest, which is located next to the BSC Campus and within a few blocks of the NECE building.  Call 701-751-5656 by August 10th and mention Dakota Credit Union Association to receive the special rate of $115.
 
As a reminder, the Professionals Forum and the Town Hall with Jim Nussle are for DakCU Members only.  There is no cost to participate in any of the events scheduled on 25th with the exception of the Riverboat Cruise later in the evening.  Kindly register in advance so we can plan accordingly, and be sure to “opt-in” for the evening social events if you wish to attend. 
 
Dakota Credit Unions Create a “Digital Wave” with #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION
The credit union difference is worth sharing and Dakota credit unions really stepped up last Friday and created a “digital wave” of authentic, high-energy conversations all over social media platforms!  Congratulations on a great job enhancing the conversation about the amazing things credit unions do in improving the financial health and well-being of their members, families, and communities.  Across our two states, I saw many of our credit unions, team members, volunteers and members sharing personal stories and messages.  #ILOVEMYCREDITUNION was a huge success and I’m looking forward to our movement growing this awareness effort in the coming years.   
 
Congratulations to our New Dakota CUDEs!
I want to send a shout-out to two of our Dakota credit union professionals who recently received their Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) designation from the National Credit Union Foundation after completing training earlier this spring.  Sincere congratulations to Lexie Kroeger, Member Service Rep at GEM FCU, Minot, North Dakota; and Erica Clements, Marketing Specialist, East River FCU, Madison South Dakota.  DE Training is a unique experiential training program that provides lessons in credit union structure, purpose and the “why” that differentiates credit unions from other financial institutions.  You can learn more about it here.
 
“Open Your Eyes” Awareness Campaign Update
The Open Your Eyes to a Credit Union® awareness campaign has now reached millions of consumers! The latest performance update from CUNA reveals that over 7.6 MILLION site visits to yourmoneyfurther.com have been generated.  In addition, the campaign videos have been viewed more than 1 BILLION times from start to finish!  Be sure to visit the Contributor HQ for the latest creative assets and if you have any questions about the campaign, don’t hesitate to contact me.
 
Attention Small Credit Unions – Free Opportunity Awaits!
If you previously attended the CUNA/League System Small CU Webinar Series, or if you haven’t but would like to join, I wanted to make sure you are aware of the next chapter in the small credit union programming happening this fall.  Once again, CUNA Mutual Group along with LSC is offering a free CUNA Small CU Hot Topics and Resources Webinar Series.  This next sequence is taking place from Oct. 5 – Nov. 9 and all sessions will be on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. (CT).  Upcoming sessions will cover topics including marketing, serving multicultural consumers, sales and service, and more.  Register Here.
 
Join Us FORE Fun!
The deadline is rapidly approaching for the Dakota Credit Union Foundation’s 5th Annual Golf Scramble, which will be held on Thursday, August 26, at the Apple Creek Country Club in Bismarck, ND.  Please consider sending a team to our golf tournament or purchasing a sponsorship this year – a team of four is $500; individual golfers are $135.  Price includes green fees and golf cart, lunch, and dinner after the event.  Plus, a portion of the proceeds will benefit Sanford Children’s Hospital in Fargo, ND through our “Play Yellow” initiative.  Register here by Friday, August 13th and contact Kayla Pulvermacher with any questions.
 
Have an amazing week! 

​President/CEO
Dakota Credit Union Association