Author: Alyse Knudsen

Fibre Federal Credit Union Empowered Communities with $240,000 in Grants
Fibre Federal Credit Union utilized a strategic partnership with Visa to distribute nearly a quarter million dollars in grants to community partners in 2024.

Cottonwood Community Federal Credit Union Donates Generously to Local Food Banks
Cottonwood Community Federal Credit Union, serving members across Idaho and Lewis counties, launched a successful donation drive to support local food banks.

TAPCO Credit Union Named to Newsweek America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2025
TAPCO Credit Union announced that it has been recognized as one of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2025 by Newsweek.6

The Risks and Ethical Implications of AI in Financial Services
While the use of artificial intelligence in financial services poses numerous benefits, such as enhanced productivity and innovation, improved risk management, personalized customer experiences, and more, it also carries certain risks

Forrit Credit Union Opens New Rockwood Branch in Portland
Forrit Credit Union opened a new branch in Portland’s Rockwood neighborhood on Jan. 24 aimed at enhancing services and expanding access to financial resources for its members, t

Idaho Credit Unions Bring Sunshine, Positive Advocacy Messages to Day at the Capitol
A large, enthusiastic group of credit union professionals met with Idaho lawmakers to advocate for key legislation and share details of credit unions’ impact.

Join Us For a CDFI Roundtable on Feb. 24 – Register Today!
GoWest’s first CDFI Roundtable of 2025 will be held Monday, Feb. 24. This is an opportunity to connect with professionals from other CDFIs within the GoWest region.

Gen Z and Millennial Preferences and Behaviors Drive Popularity of Payments
Velera’s 2024 Eye on Payments study gauges the current state of payment preferences for 1,850 credit union members and other financial institution customers. Results of this year’s study found that most consumers now favor credit cards over debit as their preferred payment method.

Fibre Federal Credit Union Raises More Than $62,000 for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital in 2024
Fibre Federal’s Doernbecher Days in 2024 yielded $25,100 in donations and 650 plush llamas were purchased and donated back to young patients.

BECU to Open New Washington Locations in Kirkland and Stanwood
BECU recently announced that it will open new locations in Kirkland and Stanwood, Wash., expanding financial services for members in the Puget Sound.

First Tech Equips Tech Professionals to Master Finances and Realize Financial Independence
First Tech Federal Credit Union recently announced the launch of its new “Envision Future Finance™” program starting in the heart of Seattle’s tech community, with expansion into other U.S. tech-centric areas.

The Data Credit Unions Need to Celebrate Their Impact
New Economic and Community Impact Reports are ready for credit union in the GoWest region to use to advocate for priority legislation in statehouses and in Washington, D.C.

Stay Compliant with Confidence: GoWest’s Essential Compliance Resources
GoWest provides valuable guidance and consultation on complex state and federal laws and regulations. GoWest’s full-time staff of compliance experts and a robust suite of online resources are available to provide timely assistance to member credit unions on any compliance-related issue.

Gesa Credit Union Celebrates Grand Opening of Spokane’s Ridgeline High School Branch
Gesa Credit Union recently expanded its High School Credit Union (HSCU) Program with the opening of its 16th student-run branch at Ridgeline High School in Spokane, Wash.

2025 U.S. Economic Outlook and Its Potential Impact on Credit Unions
Let’s explore the implications of inflation, interest rates, consumer behavior, and the labor market on the US economy and credit unions.

Vantage West Credit Union Recognized by Newsweek as One of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions 2025
Tucson, Ariz.-based Vantage West Credit Union has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions in 2025 for the second year in a row.

First Tech Federal Credit Union Announces Multi-Year Partnership With Portland Timbers
First Tech Federal Credit Union recently announced that they have entered into a multi-year partnership with the Portland Timbers.

Turning Up the Volume on Credit Union Advocacy
While advocating for credit union priorities is ongoing throughout the year, at no time is it busier – and more opportune for your engagement – than when legislative bodies are in session.

Mid Oregon Credit Union Pioneers Workforce Housing Land Acquisition Fund
Mid Oregon Credit Union is stepping up to address the critical shortage of workforce housing in Bend, Ore., by working with local partners and partnering with the GoWest Foundation to create the Workforce Housing Land Acquisition Fund.

Eltropy Acquires Lexop to Modernize Loan Repayment and Collections
Eltropy, the leading AI-powered unified conversations platform for community financial institutions (CFIs) serving over 650 credit unions and community banks in North America, announced on Jan. 6 the acquisition of Lexop, a leading collections technology provider.

Empowering Education: Westerra Credit Union Awards $48,000 to Support Local Teachers and Schools
Westerra Credit Union recently visited public schools throughout the Denver Metro Area to celebrate teachers and distribute grants as part […]