BISMARCK, N.D./SIOUX FALLS, S.D.–The Credit Union Association of the Dakotas has announced a new name and branding. During its annual Summit meeting here, the organization said its new name is the Dakota Credit Union Association.
“We knew we had an identity problem when we were continually having to explain to lawmakers and community leaders who we were, and where we were from,” said Jeff Olson, President/CEO of the association. “Naturally, we just started referring to ourselves as Dakota credit unions.
“There is no doubt that our two states have much in common,” continued Olson. “We share a similar geography, weather, and even our economies are alike. We also share a collective heritage in culture, sociology, and traditions. Like our credit unions and our individual credit union members, our association is evolving, growing, and modernizing, all while maintaining our proud heritage when we were officially one Dakota. It’s who we are and who we represent – no further explanation is needed. As the new Dakota Credit Union Association, we look forward to the future as a proud, strong, and effective advocacy organization for our members and our communities,” he concluded.
Along with the name change, the Dakota Credit Union Association has also adopted an updated and modernized corporate brand and color personality.
A Long History
During the opening session, the association shared a video message with its members explaining the impetus for the name change.
The North Dakota and South Dakota Credit Union Leagues were formed in 1938 and 1939, respectively. In 2007 the two organizations merged into one multi-state credit union trade association initially as the Mid-America Credit Union Association before changing its name to the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas.
The DCUA noted the combined history of the Dakotas is forever linked, as at one time the two states were simply known as the Dakota Territory until they split and became the 39th and 40th states on the same day in 1889.
The Dakota Credit Union Association serves 71 credit unions that employ 2,200 individuals in 221 branches. With more than 500,000 members in North and South Dakota, Dakota credit unions have assets in excess of $7.6 billion.
A video announcement may be viewed here.