(Photo left:  Deuces Wild kept the audience entertained at last evening's legislative social in Bismarck.)

Calling the North Dakota CUAD Legislative Social “Legislative Late Night” was accurate, as the credit union social matched the theme and the event went beyond 11 p.m. for those who lingered around.

The evening event, highlighted by the appearance of the Deuces Wild, an entertaining dueling piano group from Minneapolis, was a big success as lawmakers, legislative staff and credit union advocates mixed and mingled throughout the night. 

“Thanks for all of your hard work in organizing and coordinating last night’s event.  Despite the conflicting events, it seemed like a solid turnout.  Dueling Pianos were a great idea too, and it looked like everyone was having a blast” said Shannon Webster, VP Marketing, Town & Country Credit Union.

(Photo left: North Dakota credit union professionals "Hike-the-Capitol" in Bismarck; right: North Dakota credit unions discuss local issues with Senate Leadership, Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner (R Dist.37), Dickinson and Senate Minority Leader Mac Schnieder (D Dist. 42) Grand Forks.)

Nearly a dozen credit unions were represented by executives, professionals, and volunteers who participated in the CUAD “Hike-the-Capitol’ and either sat with, or met with their local legislator during the floor session in both the Senate and House Chambers.   In addition, nearly fifteen of these credit union advocates met Senate leadership in the Senate conference room to discus local issues impacting their respective credit unions.  Topics discussed with leadership included extending the Bank of North Dakota’s Home Rebuilders program.  There are two bills in both chambers that would extend financial assistance to flood victims from 2010. According the officials at the BND, there is approximately $10 million left in the appropriated fund. The issue is whether to extend the date for using the funds. Several credit unions from Minot specifically shared how the program has benefitted their members. Other topics discussed were the back log of appraisals for home mortgage origination and federal regulatory burdens.

“I’m a fan of ‘anything worth doing is worth doing right’, and you definitely did it right last night and I’m sure the legislators will be talking about your party for a while”, added Webster.

“The Legislative social provides us with a great vehicle to educate lawmakers on the Credit Union difference,” says Robbie Thompson, CUAD president-CEO. “The success of this event certainly helps us build better relationships with our legislators and enhances our overall relevance at the state capitol,” he added. 

Well over 250 participants took part in the social with nearly eighty (80) lawmakers making an appearance throughout the night.  North Dakota Credit Unions showed up in force for the event too as more than 60 executives, professionals and staff attended the social.

(Photo below left:  CUAD's Deb Kruckenberg greets arrivals at the Late Night Social last evening; right: Deuces Wild performs to a full room of legislators, credit union professionals, and CUAD staff.)