Last Call for GoWest Award Nominations: Don’t Let Your Story Go Untold

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on May 20, 2026

Across the GoWest region, credit unions are doing remarkable work—strengthening financial well-being, innovating to better serve members, and living out the cooperative spirit of “People Helping People” every day.

Now’s the time to make sure those stories are seen.

Nominations for the 2026 GoWest Awards close May 22, and this is your final opportunity to recognize the people, programs, and partnerships making a difference across the Credit Union Movement.

Finalists and winners will be honored at the GoWest Awards Dinner & Gala during MAXX 2026 on October 9 in Denver—a celebration of the individuals and organizations raising the bar for what credit unions can achieve.

Recognizing the People Behind the Impact

While many of the awards highlight innovative programs and meaningful outcomes, the individual award categories shine a special spotlight on the leaders and changemakers driving that work forward.

2025 Summit Advocate Brian Rohrbacher

These honors recognize:

• Emerging leaders shaping the future of the movement
• Dedicated volunteers and directors guiding credit unions with purpose
• Advocates and champions who elevate the credit union voice
• Experienced leaders whose impact spans years of service

Whether it’s a rising Young Professional, a committed Distinguished Director, or a passionate Summit Advocate or Summit Icon, these categories celebrate the people whose leadership and dedication inspire others across the region.

Nine Categories. Countless Stories.

2025 Distinguished Director winner Dan Stanton

This year’s awards program recognizes excellence across nine categories, including:

• Employee Experience
• Member Impact
• Community Impact
• Cooperation in Action
• Storytelling With Purpose – NEW!
• Young Professional
• Distinguished Director
• Summit Advocate
• Summit Icon

From advancing member financial well-being to building stronger communities and telling the story of the Credit Union Difference, every category offers an opportunity to showcase meaningful impact.

Nominate a Changemaker — or Your Credit Union

There are many ways to participate:

• Nominate your credit union’s changemakers — the individuals or teams going above and beyond
• Submit your own story — self-nominations are encouraged
• Encourage someone else to apply

Sometimes all it takes is a nudge for a powerful story to be shared.

And remember: strong nominations don’t require a large team or a polished marketing campaign — just a clear story of impact and why the work matters.

Make Your Submission Stand Out

Need a little inspiration before you hit submit? Check out tips from GoWest Awards judges.

Submit by May 22

Don’t let the most impactful work in your credit union—or across your network—go unrecognized.

This is your last chance to nominate. Help celebrate the ideas, leadership, and collaboration that make the Credit Union Movement stronger.

Posted in Arizona, Board of Directors, Colorado, Idaho, MAXX, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming, Young Professionals.