Brittanie Bonanzino
AVP, Communications
Washington
Alyse Knudsen
Manager, Communications
Oregon
Credit Union Chapters Inspire, Empower, and Have Fun in 2024
Posted by Alyse Knudsen on December 18, 2024
In 2024, Credit Union Chapters played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, leadership, and innovation within the six-state GoWest region. Supported by GoWest, regional chapters offered a range of forward-thinking – and fun – events and programs designed to empower credit union professionals through targeted education, strategic networking, and peer-to-peer engagement.
Here are some of the Chapters’ 2024 highlights:
Valley of the Sun Chapter – Arizona
The Valley of the Sun Chapter held its annual Bowling Tournament at Bowlero Christown Bowling Alley on Aug. 3, benefiting A New Leaf, a nonprofit that helps families and individuals facing homelessness, domestic violence, and more. Seven credit unions with a total of 92 bowlers participated and donated hundreds of personal hygiene items including toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, etc.
The Southern AZ Chapter gathered 200 credit union professionals from nine different credit unions on October 30 to celebrate International Credit Union Day, the Credit Union Movement, and the HOPE Awards.
The HOPE Awards recognizes outstanding employees within the Southern AZ Chapter member credit unions who demonstrate exceptional service, enhance member relationships, uphold the values that make our credit unions unique, and embody the spirit of Helping Our People Everyday. This year’s top four HOPE Award winners are (in no particular order): Emily Cathey, Hughes Federal Credit Union; Vanessa Gonzalez, OneAZ Credit Union; Amber Murray, Pima Federal Credit Union; and Kim Mehl, Pima Federal Credit Union.
That evening, the Chapter also raised $2,030 to support I Am You 360, a Tucson nonprofit organization that serves vulnerable youth and young adults who are in foster care, kinship situations, or are experiencing homelessness.
Denver Area Chapter – Colorado
The Denver Area Chapter hosted its annual golf tournament, which raised $26,868.30. The Chapter was also instrumental in “Pints with Purpose” at MAXX 2024, a collaboration with the Colorado Chapters that raised over $75,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. In 2024, the Chapter also actively worked on rewriting its by-laws to be more inclusive for their member credit unions as well as their board seats.
Pueblo Area Chapter – Colorado
In early December, members of the Pueblo Area Chapter enjoyed an evening at its annual dinner. Credit unions once again joined forces to make a meaningful difference for children in their community, collecting toy donations for the pediatric unit at Parkview UCHealth in Pueblo and contributed $2,000 to support critical supplies for families in need at the hospital.
The event provided an inspiring opportunity for local credit union representatives and partners to connect, collaborate, and strengthen our shared commitment to serving Members across Southern Colorado.
The Pueblo Area Chapter was also a part of the successful “Pints with Purpose” event during MAXX that raised money for the Children’s Miracle Network.
In September, the Spokane Chapter held its 20th Annual CU4Kids Golf Tournament at Wandermere Golf Course. With help from players and sponsors, the tournament raised $26,500 for Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital.
The Chapter had its annual holiday event in December with Project Beauty Share, a group that provides personal hygiene, cosmetics, and beauty products to nonprofit organizations that serve women and families overcoming abuse, addiction, homelessness, and poverty to help restore hope and dignity in their lives. Volunteers helped stuff hundreds of holiday gift bags.
Southwest Washington Chapter – Washington
The Southwest Washington Chapter hosted its Legislative Dinner in September, bringing together 85 attendees including representatives from 10 credit unions and seven Washington State legislators, to keep credit union advocacy top of mind and to share stories of collaborative People Helping People efforts
Free Shred Days in Cowlitz and Clark Counties securely recycled more than 23,000 pounds of sensitive documents, reducing the risk of identity theft and promoting peace of mind for local residents. The events were made possible thanks to 30 credit union volunteers, who contributed a combined total of 87 hours of their time. Food and cash donations collected during the events were given to local food banks, providing more than 5,000 meals to those in need.
In partnership with local organizations dedicated to foster care, the Chapter hosted a donation drive during Credit Unions Care Week to provide essential items for foster youth in Clark and Cowlitz Counties. Twelve credit unions participated in the effort that benefited 215 foster children, ensuring they received much-needed supplies and support.
The Chapter held three educational workshops in 2024, focusing on leadership development, workplace wellness, and advancing professional growth for credit union employees. Each event set attendance records, with more than 100 attendees at every session.
In April, the North Idaho Chapter held a social event at Vantage Brewing where credit union professionals enjoyed appetizers and a chance to mingle.
During the Annual Meeting and Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruise in June, attendees shared inspiring stories and impressive views. It was a great way to learn about credit union advocacy while building stronger relationships.
In October at the Chapter Dinner, members celebrated International Credit Union Day with a special presentation from Safe Harbor, a local nonprofit committed to charting a course towards freedom and healing for victims of human trafficking. Local credit unions donated baskets, and attendees raised $3,000 for Safe Harbor.
In 2024, the Willamette Chapter had a goal to create more networking opportunities, so it started “Coffee and Credit Unions.” Held quarterly at a local coffee shop, “Coffee and Credit Unions” events gave employees a chance to engage with people from other credit unions and were a great success.
The Chapter also participated in Credit Union Day at the Capitol, held a leadership roundtable, and volunteered together at GrassRoots Garden in Eugene, Ore.
A Tap Into Advocacy event was held in July at a local brewery where four local legislators participated in a panel discussion hosted by Pam Leavitt, GoWest’s SVP, Grassroots/Political Programs & Leg. Affairs for OR.
In September, the Chapter held its annual, virtual walk-a-thon. Members tracked their miles on Sept. 28 and 29 and raised $1,600, a portion of which was donated to local Humane Societies.
Way to go, Chapters! To learn more or get involved with your local Chapter, please contact Lexy Strong, Manager, Credit Union Communities.
Posted in Across the Region, Arizona, Chapters, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington.
