The President’s Perspective

​Kicking off the New Ideas Conference today in Deadwood; a new member to our association advocacy team; our first Pints & Politics event of 2023, and more. 

Chesney Garnos

We are kicking-off National Co-op Month in style with the opening of the New Ideas Conference this week in historic Deadwood, SD. It’s an exciting and busy month for credit unions, as we are also gearing up to celebrate International Credit Union Day (ICU Day) on Thursday, October 19.  And, I am very excited to announce our newest team member today, as Chesney Garnos officially joins the association. Read on – and check out the full story in today’s Memo.

Chesney Garnos joins association advocacy team.
Today, Chesney Garnos joins the association as Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs. She will be a great addition to our advocacy team; her successful background and engagement in policy issues will be an asset in guiding our credit union advocacy agenda on both the state and federal levels, as well as coordinating our political action objectives. She is well accustomed to the political process, having worked as a South Dakota legislature intern, and as a communications specialist in the office of South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds. Please join me in extending a warm welcome! She is “diving in” this week as an attendee and staff member at the New Ideas Conference in Deadwood – be sure to say hello!
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Greetings from Historic Deadwood!
We’re all set to welcome nearly 80 Dakota credit union professionals and other industry representatives to the historic old west community of Deadwood, South Dakota, to kick off the New Ideas Conference, which opens later today and runs through Wednesday. The setting couldn’t be more splendid with the glorious October skies set to splash over the Black Hills this week. The New Ideas Conference is an energetic, fun-filled credit union educational experience that is held each fall at smaller, unique venues. This event arrangement provides attendees with a more intimate and causal setting for credit union learning and engagement. I am looking forward to a great week with our Dakota credit unions!

Celebrating 75 years of International Credit Union Day.
Each year since 1948, International Credit Union Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of October. Sponsored by the World Council of Credit Unions and Credit Union National Association, this year marks the 75th anniversary – and focuses on looking forward with its theme of financial wellness and member empowerment, which falls right in line with our mission of financial well-being for all.
 
This annual celebration is truly a day to reflect on the credit union movement’s rich history and highlight our achievements and future aspirations. Put simply, ICU Day each year highlights the many ways credit union across the Dakotas, and around the world, help members work towards achieving their financial goals. If you haven’t planned your celebration, you can find some great ideas in this Memo article, and all kinds of promotional items and resources here.

Todd Steinwand announces retirement from BND.
Last week, Todd Steinwand, President, and CEO of Bank of North Dakota (BND) announced his intention to retire in the second quarter of 2024. For the past eight years, Steinwand has been an executive at BND; in 2021 he was appointed CEO upon the retirement of Eric Hardmeyer. Steinwand was known for creating efficiencies for employees, financial institutions, state agencies, and customers alike. He led several projects and implemented products that improved service for all. We thank Todd for stepping in and leading the Bank and for his continued partnership with North Dakota credit unions. We certainly wish him the best in his retirement.

Join us in sunny Las Vegas for MonDak.
As a reminder, registration for the 2024 MonDak Roundtable is now open! Each winter, Dakota credit union leaders, along with credit union leaders from Montana, gather in sunny Las Vegas, Nevada, for a high-level educational and networking opportunity. Beginning in 2024, we are pleased to welcome Minnesota credit union leaders to the table. This particular event is exclusively for senior management, CEOs, and volunteer board members. MonDak is an amazing opportunity to collaborate and share ideas, guided by a professional lineup of top industry thought leaders. Register by November 22 to take advantage of best pricing and visit the event page for more details.

Congratulations to Black Hills FCU – now open in Box Elder, SD.
I would like to send a shout out to Jerry Schmidt and the crew at Black Hills Federal Credit Union. They recently opened their 19th branch serving the community of Box Elder, SD. The new office features drive-up lanes, as well as ITM technology and expanded hours. Congratulations and well done!

SE 605 Chapter Pints & Politics in Sioux Falls this Thursday. 
The Southeast 605 Chapter of Sioux Falls area credit unions is hosting a non-election year Pints & Politics on Thursday, October 12, at Blue Rock Bar & Grill, 4021 Bobhalla Drive in Sioux Falls. Join us at 5:30 p.m. for a friendly social, to be followed by a political update on important issues impacting our South Dakota credit unions and their members starting at 6:00 p.m. This event is also an opportunity for you to meet local legislators, and our new Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs, Chesney Garnos, who will be our chief advocate officer on state and federal matters in South Dakota. Kindly RSVP to Paige Langhoff.
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Have a great week! 

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DakCU President/CEO