Washington Top of the Hill Winners Honored at MAXX

Posted by Joe Adamack on November 4, 2025

O Bee Credit Union - 2025 Top of the Hill Award Winner

At this year’s MAXX Convention in Portland, Oregon, two Washington credit unions — O Bee Credit Union and BECU — were recognized with the prestigious Top of the Hill Advocacy Award by the GoWest Credit Union Association. This award celebrates credit unions that demonstrate exceptional leadership in advocacy, grassroots engagement, and public policy influence to protect and advance the credit union movement.

Why They Were Chosen

O Bee Credit Union and BECU stood out for their unwavering commitment to advocacy and their strategic efforts to engage policymakers and combat potential threats to the collective ability of all Washington credit unions to serve their memberships.

BECU – 2025 Top of the Hill Award Winner

Their work exemplifies what it means to be proactive, persistent, and deeply engaged in shaping legislation that supports credit union values and member service.

Key highlights of their advocacy efforts include:

• Consistent Engagement: Both credit unions were actively involved in legislative discussions throughout session proactively and mobilizing quickly, participating in state and federal advocacy events, and connecting with elected officials to educate them on the credit union difference.
• Grassroots Mobilization: They’ve successfully activated their staff and members in multiple ways to support key legislative priorities, demonstrating the power of collective action.
• Policy Leadership: O Bee and BECU have been instrumental in advancing policies that protect the tax-exempt status of credit unions, promote financial inclusion, and highlight the direct and indirect impact that Washington credit unions have that benefit consumers.

A Model for Advocacy Excellence

The Top of the Hill Award is not just a recognition — it’s a call to action. O Bee Credit Union and BECU have shown that advocacy is not a side effort but a core part of their mission. Their work ensures that credit unions remain strong, member-focused, and community-driven in the face of evolving legislative and regulatory landscapes.

As we celebrate their achievements, we also look forward to the continued leadership of these institutions in protecting the values that make credit unions unique. Congratulations to O Bee Credit Union and BECU — your voice is making a difference!

Posted in Advocacy on the Move, Washington Advocacy.