GoWest Awards 2025: Honoring Excellence in Employee Experience

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 13, 2025

The Recognition Advisory Group for this year’s GoWest Awards at MAXX 2025 faced a tough — but inspiring — task. Credit unions across the region continue to raise the bar, delivering exceptional programs for their employees, members, and communities. Choosing finalists and winners from such a strong field was no easy feat.

The 2025 GoWest Awards honor excellence across eight categories, recognizing both individual leaders and innovative credit union initiatives: Employee Experience, Member Program, Community Impact, Cooperation in Action, Young Professional, Distinguished Director, Summit Advocate, and Summit Icon.

As we count down to the MAXX 2025 Awards Dinner and Gala in Portland, we’re excited to spotlight this year’s finalists — beginning with the Employee Experience category. This award celebrates credit unions that are building strong internal cultures through intentional professional development, supportive environments, and meaningful career growth opportunities.

Congratulations to the finalists in the Employee Experience category!

Credit Union West celebrates being recognized as a Top Workplace in Arizona for the 13th year

Credit Union West, Arizona

Credit Union West was named a “Top Company to Work for in Arizona” for 12 years in a row (2013-2024). This prestigious honor, awarded by BestCompaniesAZ, is earned by achieving stellar marks in a comprehensive workplace survey, where employees are asked to rate and share feedback on topics like culture, communication, leadership, and overall satisfaction. Credit Union West was also awarded the “Best Credit Union to Work For” honor from American Banker in 2024.

The credit union launched the CU West Academy, which contains over 4,500 courses. These courses are available to all employees to complete during “DIY Wednesdays,” where the entire organization sets aside two hours for professional development. Outside of the CU West Academy, employees also have access to tuition reimbursement for continued education. In 2024, the credit union invested over $23,000 in employees’ continued education.

From the beginning of 2025, the hours that employees dedicated to professional development monthly increased from 241 hours to 2,435 hours, an increase of 1,010%. Employees are incentivized to provide exceptional service with the credit union’s BRAVO program, which awards points that can be converted to gift cards and prizes. Member service is at the center of all professional, fundamental, and leadership development, and Credit Union West takes pride in the number of exceptional surveys that employees receive.

Pioneer Federal Credit Union, Idaho

Pioneer Federal Credit Union implemented “Give Back Bingo” to empower team members and cultivate growth. Each month, staff eagerly snap up their bingo cards knowing that every purchase fuels a powerful dual purpose — half of the pot goes to a lucky winner and the other half goes to a local 501(c)3 nonprofit or Pioneer FCU-sponsored initiative of their choice.

Beyond the workday, the credit union hosts “Live After 5” events to create inclusive experiences for team members, their families, and friends. These unique gatherings, such as candle-making, trivia nights, and leather workshops, offer opportunities to learn new skills and strategically support local “mom and pop” businesses.

Rogue Credit Union, Oregon

Rogue Credit Union launched Rogue Thrives, an employee wellness program with a multilayered approach to address team members’ physical, mental, and financial well-being. With an extensive offering of videos, exercise tips, financial resources, fun challenges, and prizes, this program quickly attracted the interest of team members across the organization. Offering a platform that is easy to access and fun to engage with was instrumental in reaching team members with education that is meaningful and rewarding. Sixty-two percent of employees participated, and many had great results.

Winners in all categories will be announced at the GoWest Awards Dinner & Gala on Oct. 16 at the Hyatt Regency Portland.

Register for MAXX 2025 today and get ready to celebrate!

Posted in Community Impact, Events, MAXX, Top Headlines.