Today, the financial services industry is rapidly changing, and credit unions face an increasingly competitive landscape. The race for credit unions to generate and deliver tangible economic value to members is not going to let up any time soon. But what is reassuring is that credit unions, as not-for-profit, member-driven cooperative financial institutions, are purpose-built to meet these challenges head-on.
Even more reassuring is that you and your teams are not in this chase to deliver value and innovation alone. Through your membership in the GoWest Credit Union Association, you and your team have access to future-focused talent development, engagement and growth opportunities, expanded resources, a growing peer network, and much more. We have provided a snapshot of member benefits, opportunities to engage and build your network through the GoWest Association, and resources available through GoWest Solutions.
Advocacy is Our Priority
Advocacy is in Our Bones
The GoWest Credit Union Association is the unifying voice for credit unions in Phoenix, Denver, Boise, Olympia, Salem, Cheyenne, and Washington, D.C. The Association works with state and federal policymakers, coalitions, and consumer groups to keep credit union powers strong and give credit unions the opportunity to thrive. Consumers in our six-state region have the best access to credit unions in the nation because of our unsurpassed operating environment. Visit the Advocacy page here and contact Jordan Beyer to learn more.
We are working on launching hyper-local state Advocacy pages for each state to bring you even more updates, resources, and timely news. Stay tuned for our launch in a few weeks.
Engagement & Growth Opportunities
Participate in GoWest Committees & Advisory Groups
Share your voice and help advance the Credit Union Movement. Committee service is a direct way to build peer connections and provide input. Committees, Working Groups, and Advisory Groups will provide a suite of engagement opportunities, ensuring that all credit union leaders can lend their voices to propel credit unions forward…together. Learn more about committees and task forces here, and contact Carmen Vigil to learn more.
Future-Focused Talent Development
Developing talent for the future of credit unions is a crucial focus of the GoWest Credit Union Association. When your team members and board of directors are highly skilled and engaged, your credit union is better able to provide value to your members and drive strategic initiatives.
To better understand the talent development needs and strategy of credit unions, we’ve spent the last month surveying the membership through focus-group style conversations to understand your priorities. The insights we’ve gained are influencing the content and delivery methods of training in 2023 and beyond. We can’t wait to share the new resources and offerings that will be available to you. Learn more about talent development by connecting with Layna Officer.
Engage through Councils
Councils provide a forum for sharing best practices, engaging in rich dialogue, and connecting with colleagues for deeper insights into your discipline’s most critical topics. Join your credit union peers for empowering programming that keeps you informed in an ever-changing environment. Disciplines for 2023 include; Collectors, Commercial Services, Compliance, HR & Trainers, Lenders, Marketing, Risk Management, and Innovation & Operations. Visit the Council page here and contact Rich Mohr to learn more.
Develop as a Leader
Developing bench strength in our industry is a top priority for GoWest, which is why we’ve designed a suite of leadership development programs for emerging leaders through C-Suite. Learn more about leader development by connecting with Layna Officer.
Grow with Chapter, YP Groups, and CU Networks
Credit Union Chapters, Young Professional Groups, and other Credit Union Networks provide valuable spaces for developing and established credit union professionals to learn about board service, create local impact, and foster collaboration. Contact Carmen Vigil to learn more about these communities.
Crucial Annual Events & Networking
Annual Can’t Miss Events
Throughout the year, your Association hosts events to promote high-level training, legislative & advocacy advancement updates, new information on top-of-mind issues, and the importance of networking with fellow credit union peers. Whether attending [email protected] or our annual MAXX convention, there is an event for every level in the credit union space. Contact Jackie Fazendin to learn more about our events.
Expanded Resources
Reduce Risk & Enhance Confidence
Our risk management team has you covered with a full suite of compliance services, including dues-supported online tools and resources, as well as compliance and risk management platforms. We also offer expertise from our risk and compliance professionals, who stand ready to answer your questions. Visit our Compliance page here, and connect with the team by contacting Julie Kappenman.
Discover Innovative Solutions
Connecting with our expanded GoWest Solutions team and business partners can pay big dividends. Our proven solutions can help you streamline processes, increase loan volume, and non-interest income. Our best-in-class partners can help you better serve members when, where, and how they want to be served. Let us connect with you to continue your team’s innovation forward – visit the Solutions site or contact Mike Atchison.
By engaging broadly with these resources, we are confident that you will find significant value in your membership. We appreciate your engagement!
Supporting Credit Unions & Communities
Economic & Community Impact Reports
Credit unions are essential throughout the region. Their impressive economic and community impact has been documented through both an independent analysis performed by economists at the renowned firm ECONorthwest, and by a GoWest survey of member credit unions. For more information, visit the impact reporting hub here or connect with Christine Ruzzi.
Foundation Support
As not-for-profit cooperative financial institutions, credit unions are leading a movement that connects consumers with the opportunities they need to achieve financial prosperity. To further these efforts, we support credit union projects on a variety of initiatives, including financial reality fair kits to promote financial capability among youth, workforce housing grants to push innovative solutions to local challenges, and professional development opportunities to help credit unions build a strong bench of leaders. Connect with the team by visiting the Foundation site or by contacting Meredith Hallinan.
Upcoming Events
All EventsHR & Trainers Council; Sess. One
Denver Chapter Annual Meeting
Lenders Council; Session One
Innovation & Ops Council; Sess. One
On The Go Articles
Ease Concerns About Recent Banks Failures with these Talking Points for Credit Unions
You can join the conversation with these provided resources to help calm people’s concerns and convey the difference in credit unions’ not-for-profit, cooperative structure.
Arizona YPs Learn to Challenge the Status Quo
Watch the video and hear what Arizona Young Professionals said about this community!
Western CUNA Management School is Open for Registration
Get an MBA-level education in the business of credit unions.
