The Data Credit Unions Need to Celebrate Their Impact

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on January 22, 2025

Phoenix, Arizona

When lawmakers are busy trying to reach agreement on hundreds of proposed bills and budget plans, credit union advocates are a bright spot in their day. They enjoy seeing you and hearing the stories about how your credit union is serving their constituents, but they will often ask for data to support those stories. 

Documenting credit unions’ impact proves they are essential to the economy, and that their structure and tax exemption impressively benefit people and communities. 

Good news! You and your Credit Union Movement colleagues will now have all the data you need as you fan out with GoWest to advocate for priority legislation in statehouses and in Washington, D.C.

The NEW Economic and Community Impact Reports Are Here

Oxford Economics, one of the world’s foremost independent global advisory firms, performed an analysis of credit unions’ positive impact in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. The analysis measures impact on the Gross Domestic Product, employment, and wages. 

Boise, Idaho

In addition, the GoWest Community Impact Survey measures your volunteerism, financial education, service to underserved communities, and other work as solutions providers – such as helping people start businesses and buy homes. 

Thanks to your enthusiastic participation in these surveys, we have real member stories to support the data. 

“What matters most to your legislators, is how credit unions are serving their constituents in the counties, congressional districts, and states in which they are elected to serve,” said Jennifer Wagner, GoWest’s Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer. “Through the data analysis and new, interactive maps, advocates will be equipped to share that information.” 

How to Use These Resources Now

Ready, set, go! It’s all online. 

1. Visit the GoWest impact landing page to find your state’s website which includes an interactive map detailing county and congressional district data – an exciting new feature this year! Oxford Economics’ Executive Summary is available for a deep dive, and the Economic & Community Impact report is a downloadable resource with rich data and real member stories. Be prepared to share your own stories as well. 
2. Share this information at your state’s Credit Union Day at the Capitol and at the Americas Credit Unions National Governmental Affairs Conference this spring. Information is available online.

There is More to Come

Next week, credit union marketers will receive the keys to a marketing resource toolbox that provides sample social media posts, blog articles, and op-eds for local media.  

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Each credit union will also receive a customized analysis by Oxford Economics detailing their specific economic impact. Those reports will be distributed next month. 

“These resources are tools that help to pass credit union priority legislation, raise public awareness, and generate positive news media coverage,” said Christine Ruzzi, GoWest’s Vice President, Member Impact. “This is all made possible because credit unions worked hard to share their impact data. Now is the time to put the reports to work in your advocacy and public outreach.” 

Posted in Across the Region, Advocacy News, Arizona, Colorado, Community Impact, GoWest Association, Idaho, Oregon, Regional Member News, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming.