Credit Union Influencer Highlight: GoWest Credit Union Association

August 28, 2024 | By mgehl

Troy Stang and the team at GoWest do an amazing job supporting and hosting initiatives that help change kid’s health, change the future.

The GoWest Credit Union Association serves as the united voice for credit unions in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. With a bold, innovative, and forward-thinking vision, GoWest is dedicated to enhancing the lives of credit union members and their communities through strong advocacy. Representing nearly 300 credit unions, serving approximately 18 million consumers, GoWest stands as an industry leader in leveraging the cooperative model. Under the leadership of President & CEO Troy Stang, the association has a rich history of championing their communities’ financial health through their support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals).

“Making a meaningful impact in the communities credit unions serve is woven into the DNA of credit unions. Supporting the connection between financial and physical health is a fundamental part of who we are, and it comes to life every day in the services credit unions provide to their memberships,” said Stang.

Since its inception, GoWest and its member credit unions have championed CMN Hospitals through a benefit auction held during MAXX, their annual gathering of credit union professionals. The MAXX auction, a signature fundraising event for Credit Unions for Kids (CU4Kids), a program of CMN Hospitals, raises millions of dollars each year, raising $1.2 million in 2023.

This year’s CU4Kids Diamond Roundup Benefit Auction will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15, combining the rugged charm of the Wild West with the glitz and glamour of a diamond-studded gala. The MAXX auction promotes energy and collaboration among credit unions and industry vendors, creating a space to share philanthropic best practices. “This event is all about uniting our efforts and working together to make a lasting impact on children’s health,” said Lexy Strong, GoWest’s Manager of Credit Union Communities.

In addition to the MAXX auction, GoWest has a strong sense of corporate responsibility and community pride that can be felt throughout the GoWest region. “Credit union leaders are passionate about supporting industry events where GoWest member credit unions invest their time, talent, and treasure into, including Chapter and credit union-led golf tournaments such as the Northwest Classic and the annual CU4Kids Golf Tournament by Clarity CU,” said Stang. “These initiatives provide crucial support to kids and families during hospital stays, helping to meet both their financial and emotional needs. The impact on both their physical and mental health is significant.”

Creating a positive atmosphere among employees and allowing them to feel a sense of pride in their work is a key driver of staff involvement in CMN Hospitals. When asked why other credit unions, leagues, and industry vendors should get involved with their local CMN Hospital, Stang stated, “Few families are untouched by the need for care at a CMN Hospital. I encourage every credit union to explore just how many of their members have been impacted by a CMN Hospital.”

As we know, the credit union industry has a unique structure. Credit unions, although operating as not-for-profit financial cooperatives, often find themselves operating in the same field of membership as other credit unions, which can create some friendly competition. “CU4Kids has given credit unions a unique platform to come together on initiatives that transcend that direct business competition,” stated Strong. Coming together on issues such as financial and physical well-being creates ripple effects that can help the communities the credit union industry supports and serves.

“GoWest proudly embraces the work of credit unions as they strive to deliver real tangible value to their members and to make an impact on the community and the cooperatives serve,” explained Stang. “We’re constantly gathering data from our credit unions so we can help credit unions articulate that impact of enhancing their communities.”

“We translate these impacts into influential updates to inform local, state, and federal elected officials know the important impact credit unions are making in their communities. Creating that intersection to present those facts and data and showcase this important impact, is why we do what we do,” concluded Stang.