GoWest 2024 Awards: Community Impact Finalists Go Above and Beyond to Meet the Needs of Their Communities 

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 28, 2024

With the MAXX 2024 Awards Dinner and Gala in Denver less than two months away, we are excited to share more about the finalists in the credit union program categories.   

The 2024 GoWest Awards include both credit union program and individual categories: Employee Experience, Member Program, Community Impact, Cooperation in Action, Young Professional, Distinguished Director, Summit Advocate, and Summit Icon. A record number of nominations were submitted this year for the eight award categories, and the Recognition Advisory Group took great care to evaluate the outstanding submissions.  

This week, we are highlighting the finalists in the Community Impact category. This award recognizes a credit union that has demonstrated the value of its unique structure through a comprehensive approach to social responsibility and community impact throughout its institution.   

Congratulations to the finalists in the Community Impact category!   

Fitzsimons Credit Union 

Fitzsimons Credit Union has significant impacts on its community through its unique approach to financial inclusion. With 5.9% unbanked and 12.5% underbanked individuals and families in the Denver Metro community, Fitzsimons recognizes the need to serve all individuals, including non-US citizens who comprise approximately 12% of the area’s population and are often exploited by alternative financial service providers. By providing financial access and security to everyone, Fitzsimons strengthens the entire community. 

STCU 

STCU established an incident response team after the Grays Fire (Medial Lake, Wash.) and Oregon Road Fire (Elk / Riverside, Wash.) destroyed 366 homes in Spokane County, Wash. They initiated relief efforts immediately that included helping secure more than $1 million in community support and made significant efforts to help impacted members and communities. STCU leaned in quickly to support their community, members, and employees. 

Verity Credit Union 

Verity’s Microgrant Program provides unrestricted monetary support to organizations whose work benefits historically underserved communities within Washington State. The program has been a cornerstone of Verity’s commitment to supporting and addressing systemic barriers faced by historically excluded communities as a means to close the racial wealth gap and serve underserved communities — both of which are the organization’s goals. It is also an integral part of the organization’s immersive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) program. 

Winners in all categories will be announced at the GoWest Awards Dinner & Gala on Oct. 16 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Denver.   

Register for MAXX 2024 today and get ready to celebrate!   

Posted in Community Impact, MAXX, Top Headlines.