Connect and Engage: Gear Up for the New Year by Joining a GoWest Council

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on January 8, 2025

Start the year off right by joining one of GoWest’s eight specialized Councils – virtual peer groups that connect credit union professionals across the region to share insights and learn from each other on key topics impacting credit unions daily.

Each Council meets three times a year, during which members actively engage in meaningful conversations, discuss best practices, and explore industry trends – all of which foster collaboration, a hallmark of the Credit Union Movement.

“I love attending the Council meetings because of how engaging and interactive they are,” shared Katie Caldwell, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner, Human Resources, Salal Credit Union. “It’s not just a webinar or listening to a panel. It’s a great opportunity to keep the thoughts flowing, ask questions, and make strong industry connections.”

With eight disciplines to choose from, there’s a Council for professionals across the credit union industry:

Collectors – Share challenges and successes with collection and recovery peers and gain insights from outside legal and industry experts

Commercial Services – Focus on treasury and cash management services, member business lending programs, and strategies for deepening relationships with small business and commercial clients

Compliance – Discuss the challenges inherent in keeping credit unions compliant with the regulations that govern them

Digital Innovation – Connect on new and innovative uses of technology and strategize for operational efficiency while optimizing member experience

HR & Trainers – Learn about new techniques, preview other credit unions’ practices, and share professional presentations

Lenders – Focus on products, services, and strategies to help credit unions grow their loan portfolios

Marketing – Share challenges and successes in promoting credit union awareness, products, and services

Risk Management – Discuss trends, share best practices, and discover solutions to shared challenges

“The Councils are great for so many reasons. I love getting to hear about what our peers are doing to engage employees and handle common issues. The variety of perspectives makes such a big difference in how we work to keep us creative with our problem-solving,” continued Caldwell. “As someone who has gotten to speak to a Council audience in the past, it’s a great way to level the playing field. Some people are less experienced or have smaller credit unions. They look to more experienced folks in HR for guidance and this is such a direct way to share that.”

For credit unions interested in getting their whole team involved, the Power User Membership, with access to all 24 Council sessions, is the best value and offers the most for your credit union team. This membership is the perfect way to keep your credit unions engaged in new and upcoming content for 2025.

Council members enjoy virtual networking opportunities, admission to all Council-specific meetings, and access to all discussion and presentation materials following each session. Plus, as a GoWest member, you also have access to Credit Union Conversations, an online forum

Pricing
Power User Membership: $1699
Small Credit Union: $1369

Single Council Membership: $499
Small Credit Union: $429
(Credit unions under $50M in assets receive one free Single Council Membership!)

Individual Council Sessions: $125/session/user

Don’t miss the opportunity to stay informed, connected, and ahead of the curve this year! Interested. For more information, click HERE or contact [email protected].

Posted in GoWest Association, Leadership, Regional Member News, Thought Leadership, Top Headlines.