Who Will Be Taking the Stage This Year? Meet the 2026 GoWest Awards Finalists

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 5, 2026

The GoWest Awards recognize the stories that define the Credit Union Movement: organizations and individuals making a meaningful difference in the lives of members and communities every day. We are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 GoWest Awards, honoring credit unions across the region whose innovation, leadership, and commitment to People Helping People continue to strengthen our Movement.

From expanding access to housing and financial well-being to delivering extraordinary service and community impact, this year’s finalists demonstrate what makes credit unions different. Their work reflects the power of cooperation, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to improving lives.

Selected by a 44-member panel of credit union leaders from across the six-state region, the finalists represent some of the most inspiring achievements in the West. Winners will be announced at the GoWest Awards Dinner & Gala on Oct. 9 at MAXX in Denver.

And the 2026 MAXX award finalists are…

Employee Experience

iQ Credit Union, Washington — Campus Branches: Interns/Professional Day
iQ Credit Union’s campus branches, internship program, and Professional Development days bring its “Enthusiastic Educators” value to life through hands-on learning and career development. Nearly 160 students participate annually across eight campus branches, gaining real-world experience in financial services before progressing to paid internships. Today, 14 current employees began through the internship program and have more than 150 years of combined tenure, demonstrating the program’s lasting impact on career development and retention.

On Tap Credit Union, Colorado — Policies & Brew-cedures
On Tap Credit Union’s Policies & Brew-cedures initiative grew from employee feedback about inconsistent processes and difficulty accessing information. Over 12 months, the credit union centralized its most critical procedures into an AI-searchable repository, with the employee-selected name reflecting its K.E.G. of Excellence culture. The initiative has strengthened employee adoption, improved consistency and created a scalable foundation for growth.

Seattle Credit Union, Washington — Fixed-Term Assignments (FTAs)
Seattle Credit Union’s Fixed-Term Assignment program gives employees opportunities to take on three- to six-month stretch assignments while retaining their original positions. The program provides hands-on development and career exploration while meeting temporary staffing needs without relying on external hires. FTAs have become a powerful tool for employee engagement, retention and internal talent development.

Member Impact

Minnequa Works Credit Union, Colorado — Fueling Futures Grant Program
Created in 2024, Minnequa Works Credit Union’s Fueling Futures Grant Program invests directly in small businesses and organizations across Southern Colorado. The program has awarded $45,000 to 20 local businesses and organizations over two years, with another $30,000 planned for 2026. Beyond financial support, Fueling Futures builds lasting relationships with recipients, connecting them to financial wellness resources, business services, lending opportunities and community growth — putting the credit union’s People Helping People philosophy into action.

Rivermark Community Credit Union, Oregon — Financial Wellness Capability Partners
Rivermark Community Credit Union recognized that nearly half of Oregon households struggle to make ends meet, prompting the credit union to build a network of Financial Wellness Capability Partners. Through partnerships with GreenPath Financial Wellness, Human Investing and Unite Us, Rivermark connects members with debt management, retirement and investment planning, and resources for housing, food, and utilities. This wraparound model expands Rivermark’s role beyond traditional banking to address the full complexity of members’ financial lives.

Verity Credit Union, Washington — Community Cares
In response to a federal government shutdown and SNAP benefit reductions, Verity Credit Union launched Community Cares, a rapid-response relief initiative for members and non-members. At events in November 2025, qualifying community members received $250 gift cards, financial check-ins, and consultations in a welcoming environment. Verity also collected toy and food donations for Wellspring Family Services and the Auburn Food Bank, demonstrating how the credit union quickly mobilized to provide practical support during a time of financial uncertainty.

Community Impact

SELCO Community Credit Union, Oregon — SELCO Steps Up
In 2024, SELCO Community Credit Union launched SELCO Steps Up, transforming its community-impact strategy into a grassroots, employee-driven effort. More than 25 employee Ambassadors across the state identify local needs, build partnerships, and help activate support in real time. By gathering input directly from educators, nonprofit leaders, and community members, SELCO ensures its efforts address timely issues such as housing insecurity and children in crisis. The program empowers employees to create meaningful, locally informed community impact.

TAPCO Credit Union, Washington — Biz Kid$ Experience at Hilltop Heritage
TAPCO Credit Union partnered with Biz Kid$ and Tacoma Public Schools to bring financial education to 95 students at Hilltop Heritage Middle School. Students explored goal setting, earning, saving, and long-term financial decision-making through classroom discussions and visits to six local businesses. TAPCO then gave students an opportunity to put their learning into action, providing up to $9,500 in grants to fund $100 initial deposits. Ultimately, 36 students and eight parents opened accounts, turning financial education into meaningful action.

WECU, Washington — Flood Relief Assistance Program
Following devastating December 2025 floods in Whatcom and Skagit counties, WECU launched a comprehensive Flood Relief Assistance Program to support members, businesses, and the broader community through recovery. WECU deferred more than $60,000 in loan payments, provided over $250,000 in low-rate relief loans, and extended additional mortgage and business assistance. WECU also contributed $10,000 to a community recovery fund and employees volunteered in affected neighborhoods, helping clean flooded homes and remove debris.

Cooperation in Action

Arizona Credit Union Week — AERO Financial, Alhambra Credit Union, Arizona Central Credit Union, Arizona Financial Credit Union, Copper State Credit Union, Credit Union West, Desert Financial Credit Union, First American Credit Union, First Credit Union, Hughes Federal Credit Union, Landings Credit Union, OneAZ Credit Union, Pima Federal Credit Union, Pinal County Federal Credit Union, SunWest Credit Union, TruWest Credit Union, Tucson Federal Credit Union, Vantage West Credit Union, Arizona
The third annual Arizona Credit Union Week, held Oct. 14–17, 2025, showcased how credit unions strengthen local economies, expand financial education, and create positive community impact. The campaign grew significantly, with 18 participating credit unions compared with 11 the previous year. Each day featured a different theme highlighting the Credit Union Difference and demonstrating how keeping money local supports small businesses, nonprofits, jobs, and financial well-being statewide.

Bite of Reality Financial Fairs — Forrit Credit Union and Point West Credit Union, Oregon
For 18 months, Forrit Credit Union and Point West Credit Union have collaborated to expand Bite of Reality financial education fairs for high school students across the Portland metro area. By sharing volunteers, resources, and outreach, the two small credit unions created opportunities they could not have sustained independently. Together, they delivered eight workshops serving approximately 280 students from schools and community organizations, demonstrating how collaboration can expand reach and create lasting impact in youth financial wellness.

Tucson Welcome Home — Hughes Federal Credit Union, Pima Federal Credit Union, Pyramid Federal Credit Union, Tucson Federal Credit Union, and Vantage West Credit Union, Arizona
Five Tucson-area credit unions partnered with the GoWest Foundation to address the region’s workforce housing crisis through Tucson Welcome Home, a program offering 100% financing with no private mortgage insurance or origination fees. Since launching, the program has received 356 applications and funded 76 loans totaling more than $22.1 million, with additional loans pre-approved or pending. By combining lending capacity, referrals, community education and a Foundation grant for loan-loss reserves, the collaboration is expanding homeownership opportunities for working and moderate-income families.

Storytelling With Purpose

P1FCU, Idaho — Making Sense of Money Podcast
P1FCU launched the “Making Sense of Money” podcast to make financial education more approachable while demonstrating the credit union’s role as a trusted community resource. Rather than focusing on products or promotions, the podcast features authentic conversations with educators, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, and community members. Episodes address real-life topics including fraud prevention, financial wellness, entrepreneurship, student success, and advocacy, reinforcing P1FCU’s commitment to helping people build financial confidence and stronger financial futures.

Tucson Federal Credit Union, Arizona — Proudly Tucson Campaign
Tucson Federal Credit Union’s “Proudly Tucson” campaign highlights how a financial institution can deliver sophisticated capabilities while maintaining a deep commitment to its community. Rooted in Tucson since 1937, Tucson Federal Credit Union shifted its messaging beyond transactions to showcase its “beyond involved” approach to community partnership. From branch managers personally presenting neighborhood donations to becoming the first Arizona credit union to earn Bank On certification, the campaign demonstrates that Tucson Federal Credit Union’s commitment to Tucson is embedded in how it operates.

Westerra Credit Union, Colorado — Financial Literacy
Founded by teachers, Westerra Credit Union has long championed financial education and used Colorado’s House Bill 25-1192 as an opportunity to elevate that mission. Through thought leadership and earned media, Westerra positioned itself as a trusted voice on financial literacy, highlighting its School Grant Program and in-school workshops while reaching educators, families, legislators, and the broader public. The campaign included coverage in Forbes and an article addressing concerns around the legislation that was ultimately published in 18 Colorado newspapers.

Congratulations to all the finalists!

In addition to the above categories, GoWest will recognize the following individual award honorees at this inspiring event: Young Professional, Distinguished Director, Summit Advocate, and Summit Icon.

Winners in all categories will be announced at the GoWest Awards Dinner & Gala on Oct. 9. Watch for upcoming editions of On The Go as we highlight each award category and the credit union finalists’ programs.

Register for MAXX 2026 and join the celebration of the outstanding trailblazers who are driving our members and communities towards a brighter future!

Posted in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Leadership, MAXX, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington, Wyoming.