Investing in Your People: An All-Team Conference Done Right
Posted by Katy Wagnon on October 24, 2022
![people](https://gowestassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Vantage-west-all-team.png)
On Monday, Oct. 10, Vantage West Credit Union, based in Tucson, Arizona, closed all locations to allow team members from the entire credit union to attend “Together In Service” – their first-ever, all-team conference. The event’s purpose was to celebrate together as a team for their commitment to service, members, and each other. With many team members working remotely, it provided the opportunity for invaluable in-person networking and team building.
As one team member shared in their survey response, “Thank you SO much to everyone who made this possible! I was the happiest I have been in a while and felt so wonderful to see all my co-workers while laughing, getting inspired, and enjoying the day! Thank you sooooooo much!”
Upon arrival, the Vantage West team was greeted by a local Mariachi group and Folklorico dancers. They were handed a specially curated bag of company-branded swag and a custom t-shirt designed by Qmulative, a local designer. As they made their way to the main ballroom, they dropped off books for donation to local charities in exchange for entries into a drawing. Before entering, they had the opportunity to network with the various DEI affinity groups and participate in group-themed activities.
The conference agenda consisted of team-building activities, a refresher about progress toward achieving the credit union’s strategic goals and initiatives, and a lineup of guest speakers, which were on point. In the words of a second survey responder, “The agenda, speakers, and activities were spot on! I can’t for the next event!”
The event officially kicked off with a formal presentation of colors ceremony and was broken down into segments where speakers each presented a topic related to one of the credit union’s core values: “Value Members and Each Other,” a DEI segment; “Work As a Team,” which featured an activity in support of Youth On Their Own, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting high school graduation for youth experiencing homelessness; “Constantly Improve,” a segment on innovation; and “Uphold Accountability,” presented by GoWest’s President and CEO Troy Stang, who spoke about upholding accountability to the credit union movement and its members.
There was also a panel discussion featuring Vantage West members who are the stars of the credit union’s latest branding campaign, “For Everyday.” That segment received a standing ovation, proving that the most important thing to Vantage West employees is serving their member-owners.
To share one final survey response, “This was one of the most wonderful experiences Vantage West has provided! We all felt so inspired and felt appreciated!”
Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott, Vantage West’s president and CEO added, “The event was a wonderful representation of the credit union’s purpose of Investing in people today to achieve a more prosperous tomorrow,” and expressed her appreciation to the planning committee.
The event got a 90% approval rating, proving it was time well spent and just what the Vantage West team needed to energize and re-ignite their passion for serving members, the communities they serve, and each other.
How is your credit union investing in the growth and well-being of your team? Share with the GoWest community here, and inspire healthier and more fulfilling work cultures!
Posted in Arizona, Top Headlines.