Building Connections, Sharing Solutions: GoWest Councils Keep the Conversation Going

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on July 1, 2026

GoWest's HR & Trainers Council, Session 2

Momentum continues to build across GoWest Councils as the second round of sessions wrap up with participation and engagement reaching new highs.

A total of 826 registrations brought together professionals from 94 credit unions, representing 42% of GoWest member credit unions. Just as important, sessions earned an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, reflecting the value members are finding in these conversations.

But the real story goes beyond the numbers. Across all eight Councils, credit unions are showing up for practical ideas, real-world examples, and honest dialogue with peers navigating the same challenges. As one participant summed it up, “I’m so grateful for this series!”

A few recurring themes came through clearly during the sessions:

AI and emerging technology are moving from theory to practice.
From lending operations and member engagement to search, fraud prevention, and internal workflows, credit unions are asking thoughtful questions about implementation, staff readiness, risk, and where human judgment still needs to lead.

Members also appreciated hearing concepts applied in practical ways. One attendee shared, “I appreciated the methodology presented throughout the meeting, as well as the practical examples that helped bring the concepts to life.”

Capacity remains a real challenge.
Whether the conversation centered on staffing, compliance, training, collections, growth, or new technology, members are looking for ways to do more with limited time and resources without losing sight of their members or mission.

Peer connection continues to be one of the biggest values of the program.
Members want to hear what is actually working at other credit unions, ask candid questions, and leave with ideas they can bring back to their own teams.

That collaborative environment stood out for many attendees. One participant noted, “I enjoyed the peer questions and answers that were discussed during the presentation and as content went along.”

Professional growth matters at every level.
The Professional Development Council continues to reinforce how much credit union professionals value space to reflect, build confidence, and reconnect with the purpose behind their work.

One attendee shared, “I enjoyed the group discussion and self-reflection, much needed!” Another reflected on how directly the content applied to their work: “I really enjoyed the speaker’s insights and perspectives as well as real-life credit union scenarios. I resonated with everything she was speaking to and am working through some of those exact issues today. Thank you so much for the time and effort put into these sessions.”

One overall theme stood out: members want actionable insights they can take back to their teams — and they want to learn from each other.

That peer connection continues to be one of the most powerful aspects of the program. Councils create space for candid questions, shared problem-solving, and meaningful collaboration.

These conversations are more than presentations — they are communities. They remind us that while the challenges facing credit unions are real, so is the collective knowledge and support within the movement. As Councils continue, that spirit of collaboration will remain at the center, helping credit unions move forward with confidence, clarity, and connection.

End-of-the-Year Pricing!

The next round of GoWest Council sessions begins in October, and if you haven’t joined the 2026 Councils yet, end-of-the-year pricing makes it easier for you to jump in for less!

In addition to access to all discussion and presentation materials following each Council session, as a GoWest member, you also have access to Credit Union Conversations online forum.

Check out the discounted rates and register today to be part of the conversations shaping the future of our industry.

Posted in Advocacy, Arizona, Colorado, Compliance Resources, Events, Idaho, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming, Young Professionals.