BISMARCK, N.D. – The Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) the 2024 winners of its Social Impact Awards-- for contributions that have made a significant impact in building stronger communities and improving lives—as well as the award for Chapter of the Year.
The recipients were formally recognized during the DakCU Awards Banquet recently held at the Grand Falls Casino & Resort. Credit unions nominated for this award must have consistently demonstrated qualities of compassion and service to either one organization or a variety of volunteer activities.
North Dakota State Credit Union Winner:
Town & Country CU, Minot, ND.
“This credit union actively engages in numerous community-driven initiatives, partnering with local organizations, schools, and nonprofits, sponsoring events, and participating in fundraisers; in 2023, they provided nearly $210,000 in funding. Town & Country also offers an Employee volunteer Time Away Program, allowing staff to volunteer during business hours. In 2023 alone, 56 staff members participated, providing more than 570 hours of volunteer time within their communities.”
South Dakota State Credit Union Winner (a tie)
Bluestone FCU, Sioux Falls, S.D.
“To celebrate their 85th anniversary, this credit union held three initiatives running simultaneously in 2023: 85 Acts of Service; 85 Ways to Appreciate Employees, and Member Giveaways & Promotions. Through this initiative, 27 of the credit union’s staff provided more than 175 hours of volunteer service to 35 unique organizations, in addition to nearly 100 acts of service.”
Voyage FCU, Sioux Falls, S..D.
“In 2023, Voyage FCU set a goal of reaching 200 hours of volunteer time, and ultimately exceeded that goal, with more than 240 hours provided by 33 employees. Through their Community Involvement Committee, the credit union organized opportunities for staff to be involved with local nonprofits; in addition, the credit union provided sponsorships and donations of approximately $31,200 to 47 different organizations.”
Chapter of the Year
The South Dakota Central Chapter of credit unions of the Huron, South Dakota, region received the Chapter of the Year Award.
The Chapter of the Year Award recognizes one credit union chapter in North or South Dakota for its outstanding achievements in advocacy, communication, education, and community involvement.
This year, the winner was selected because of their strong commitment to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” This is demonstrated by the chapter’s outstanding service to their rural communities, including six community service events, hundreds of volunteer hours, and financial donations to multiple charitable organizations.
The SD Central Chapter of Credit Unions includes: Dakotaland FCU; M-O FCU; HB Telco FCU; Huron Area Education FCU; Dakota Rail Line FCU; all of Huron, and Oahe FCU of Pierre. The Pierre branch of Black Hills FCU is also an associate chapter member.