GoWest MAXX Opens in Portland

Posted by Madlynn Schreibvogel on October 15, 2025

Credit unions come to Portland for MAXX

One of the largest credit union events brings together professionals, exhibitors, and dynamic thought leaders

Portland (Oct. 15, 2025) — Credit union professionals from Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and New Zealand are gathering in Portland for MAXX 2025. This signature event features more than 70 speakers, 50+ content sessions, 190 companies at the GoWest Solutions Marketplace, renowned keynotes, a Credit Unions for Kids charitable auction, the GoWest Awards Dinner and Gala, and tons of exciting new and interactive ways to engage with peers and grow leaders throughout the six state GoWest region and industry.

Importantly, MAXX comes as the industry faces major changes, from regulation and leadership shifts to the rapid evolution of AI, stablecoin technology, and member expectations. Through it all, credit unions are standing at the intersection of innovation and purpose, continuing to lead with a focus on people over profit.

“It’s an honor to welcome so many colleagues, friends, leaders, and advocates to MAXX for a Portland takeover,” said Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest Credit Union Association. “We are putting MAXXimum focus on honoring the dedication to the cooperative model of finance that credit unions uniquely bring to the industry. Across our GoWest footprint, credit unions serve nearly 18 million consumers, small businesses, and community partners, and THAT is something to celebrate.”

In the kickoff of the event, Stang announced new initiatives and expanded work in specialized areas for board members, small credit unions, and a call for unity in the movement at large. He drew parallels between the city of Portland’s own story of reinvention and the revitalization efforts happening on Main Streets across the GoWest region.

“There’s something truly poetic about being right here in Portland. A city that has uniquely known pressure, disruption and doubt over the years; similarly, credit unions are revitalizing Main Streets everywhere. Despite significant change in the industry, credit unions are driving real impact on issues like affordable housing, financial access in service deserts that other institutions have forgotten, and inclusive growth that prioritizes equity, innovation, and economic opportunity,” Stang continued.

GoWest is listening to member credit unions and launching and expanding association services in response. New expectations and requirements for board members have changed the dynamic for leaders. VisionBoard is raising the bar for credit union boards because the future demands leaders who are not just present, but prepared, and one of the most important places that happens is in the boardroom. This comprehensive and cost-effective training and conference will set boardrooms up for long-term success.

Further, small credit unions have spoken about the regulatory burden, staffing needs, and other challenges they face. GoWest has hosted dedicated programming and support for small credit unions, but there is a clear need for more resources, training, and funding for small credit unions to thrive. Size isn’t a limit to realizing the mission, and GoWest understands the value and importance of small credit unions in their communities.

Finally, GoWest is leading the conversation and work in building public trust and relevance. GoWest is launching a new way for credit unions to show up and represent themselves, take the tough questions, and focus on their impact and reputation. Shifting conversations and expectations from legislators and the public mean credit unions have to show up and give data-backed, humanized information, rather than rely on good intentions.

Together, these efforts reflect GoWest’s ongoing commitment to strengthen the movement from the inside out and to help credit unions continue doing what they do best: revitalize Main Street, one member and one community at a time.

What they’re saying:

“There’s real energy at MAXX — you can feel it in every hallway conversation and session,” said Jackie Hoonjan, President and CEO for Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union. “This is where the big, industry-shaping conversations are happening, and it’s inspiring to be surrounded by people who care so deeply about our shared purpose. I’m getting new ideas, building stronger connections, and have a renewed commitment to helping our members and communities thrive.”

“In the CU Movement, our focus is constantly on our members and how we can operate in a way that provides what is best for them. That dedication to advocacy is what really sets Credit Unions apart,” said Emily Summers, CUCE, CCUFC, Compliance Specialist and Financial Wellness Consultant with White River Credit Union. “At MAXX, I’m most excited for the chance to connect with and learn alongside other individuals who are also passionate about the Credit Union Movement and their personal and professional growth. MAXX is a truly amazing opportunity to build connections, stay up to date with products and services catering to both CUs and Members, and to dive into further understanding about the world of finance from the CU perspective. I know it will be amazing!”

“TruStage is proud to join GoWest and credit unions across the region as they continue to elevate what cooperative finance can achieve,” said Matt Stanek, CUDE, Vice President CU System Relations for TruStage. “MAXX is where ideas become action. Together, we’re building tools, insights, and partnerships that help credit unions grow stronger, serve more members, and keep their promises to communities for generations to come.”

Premier Partner: TruStage

Distinguished sponsors of the event include:

• Alloya Corporate FCU
• Catalyst
• DDJ Myers
• Eltropy
• Envisant
• Mastercard
• OnPoint Community Credit Union
• Origence
• Velera
• Vericast
• Visa
• Zest AI

The full MAXX agenda can be viewed here.

About GoWest Credit Union Association   

GoWest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing credit unions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. GoWest advocates on behalf of nearly 300 member credit unions, and their 17.4 million consumer members.

Posted in GoWest News, Press Releases.