MAXX 2024 Mainstage: Together, We Can Summit Life’s Highest Peaks

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on October 15, 2024

Troy Stang, GoWest's President and CEO

Welcoming hundreds of credit union leaders to Denver, Colo., for the GoWest Credit Union Association’s annual MAXX experience, the association’s President and CEO, Troy Stang, took to the mainstage to share an inspired vision,  

The theme for the day was, “Together We Can Summit Life’s Highest Peaks,” and Stang drew parallels between the nearby Rocky Mountain Range and the resilience of credit unions as financial services partners to members across the six states GoWest serves. 

“You are the institutions entrusted with the financial well-being of 18 million members,” Stang said. “Whether it’s the steep ascent toward buying a first home, the challenging trek of paying for education, or the weighty decisions of helping one’s parents transition into assisted living; credit unions are a critical partner on that trail of life.”  

Stang applauded credit unions’ work, especially collaborations, to help members “ascend steep slopes” in their daily lives.  

“You’re driving the local economy,” Stang said, noting that every time he or a GoWest team member visits one of the region’s credit unions, positive impact is evident. 

“What stands out to us, is just how much collaboration is being done amongst you to focus on solving the needs of your community and your markets. Credit unions are not in business to make profits. Their purpose is to deliver solutions like the ability to buy homes.” 

Sharee Adkins, GoWest’s Chief Impact Officer and Executive Director of the GoWest Foundation

An example of how credit unions help people achieve their homeownership dreams was brough to life when Stang was joined onstage by Sharee Adkins, GoWest’s Chief Impact Officer and Executive Director of the GoWest Foundation. Adkins shared how the just-announced “Tucson Welcome Home” program is helping people achieve their homeownership dreams by providing zero down payment mortgages. And the Foundation’s grant program in Washington state has deployed more than 500 loans to small businesses. 

“This focus of helping hard-working Americans, is not new for credit unions. You don’t need to be told to serve the needs of low- to moderate-income communities,” Adkins said. “The ‘People Helping People’ commitment is your mantra.” 

Also joining Stang onstage for the keynote address was Jennifer Wagner, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer, who highlighted the vital role of advocacy in advancing policies and legislation to help credit unions serve their members. 

Jennifer Wagner, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer

“Every one of you has a story about how your credit union is going above and beyond for a member. Sharing that narrative in our advocacy efforts is more essential than ever,” Wagner said, noting this year’s elections will result in turnover in every statehouse, in the White House, and in Congress. Every credit union employee can work in their community to build relationships with elected officials and candidates and should miss no opportunity to advocate, she said. 

“At the end of the day when we share our stories, it becomes clear that credit unions are serving people in all walks of life, showcasing why they are a critical part of our nation’s fabric.”

Posted in Across the Region, Community Impact, Leadership, MAXX, Top Headlines.