Field Visits Strengthen GoWest’s Connection With Member Credit Unions

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on November 11, 2026

Oregon and Southwest Washington credit credit unions met with Louisiana credit unions in November

From cross-state collaboration to conversations about local priorities, GoWest’s recent field visits are creating opportunities for credit unions to connect, share ideas, and help shape the future of the Movement.

There’s something powerful about getting credit union leaders and staff in the same room. Whether discussing emerging advocacy challenges, exploring solutions to community issues, or sharing insights from across state lines, these conversations offer valuable perspectives that can strengthen the entire Credit Union Movement.

In early November, credit union leaders from Louisiana and the Luminate league traveled to the Portland and Southwest Washington area for two days of conversations with credit unions in the GoWest region. Visits with CCCU, Ironworkers USA Credit Union, Point West Credit Union, and Unitus Community Credit Union reinforced the value of learning from one another and working together to advance shared priorities.

GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang spoke with professionals from Oregon, Southwest Washington, and Louisiana credit unions

Discussions explored how credit unions can navigate an evolving advocacy environment at the hyper-local, regional, and national levels, as well as collaborative approaches to addressing America’s housing affordability challenges. While credit unions serve different communities, many face similar pressures and opportunities — making cross-state collaboration an important way to amplify their collective impact.

Juan Fernández, President and CEO of Luminate, reflected on the experience in a LinkedIn post, noting that the conversations were meaningful, the learning invaluable, and the collaboration inspiring.

“One of the biggest takeaways: you don’t have to be the largest organization in the room to make the greatest impact,” Fernández shared. “Success isn’t about size. It’s about relevance. It’s about truly understanding your members’ needs and serving them in ways no one else can.”

Bringing GoWest to Your Credit Union

GoWest’s ongoing field visits provide dedicated time to hear from member credit unions, understand their latest priorities, and ensure Association advocacy efforts, resources, and programming are aligned with the needs of the organizations and members we serve.

Recently, GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang, SVP of Credit Union Engagement and Development Carmen Vigil, and SVP of Legislative Affairs Joe Adamack visited Industrial Credit Union, North Coast Credit Union, WECU, and WestEdge Credit Union in Western Washington. The conversations offered an opportunity to hear firsthand what’s top of mind for credit union teams and where GoWest can provide support.

Your credit union could be the next stop.

Whether your team wants to discuss advocacy priorities, explore GoWest resources, share emerging challenges, or simply connect with Association leadership, field visits and presentations offer an opportunity to make your voice heard and strengthen the partnership.

Don’t miss the opportunity to bring these conversations to your credit union. Contact Carmen Vigil to schedule a visit or presentation with your team.

Posted in Across the Region, GoWest Association, Leadership, Oregon, Regional Member News, Small Credit Unions, Top Headlines, Washington.