The North Dakota and South Dakota Credit Union Leagues will finalize their long-planned consolidation into one trade association for credit unions in both states named the Mid-America Credit Union Association (MACUA) effective Jan. 1.
MACUA will be headquartered here, and will serve some 90 CUs total. MACUA President Tony Richards said, "Never before in credit union history have two state leagues combined into one entity, and for North and South Dakota to be the first is truly remarkable." He elaborated that although other state leagues have combined before, the MACUA consolidation is complete in that only one board will exist and the CU service corporations will also be combined.
MACUA will bring economies of scale in league services, said Richards, adding, "The two leagues were, in a sense, duplicating efforts. We are combining to become a stronger organization that will be better able to guide our member credit unions." Richards said he feels that in turn, credit unions will be able to offer additional services and opportunities for their members.
Doug Thompson, president of Aberdeen FCU in Aberdeen, S.D., and chairman of the MACUA Board of Directors, said that it would be a mistake to keep doing business as usual after the consolidation is complete.
"The North and South Dakota Leagues have been functioning in a joint capacity for years, even having our education sessions together. It seemed natural that the two could join into one. It's the perfect opportunity for us to reinvent the way that leagues serve their member credit unions."
Thompson says MACUA will be offering more institutional technology, human resources, and compliance services. He also does not anticipate any major obstacles on the part of either state's credit unions, but does acknowledge there is much work to be done to ensure a smooth transition. "Change is difficult, but if we keep our focus on delivering the professional services that credit unions need, and continue to serve our members, we will be successful."
