Annual Dues Investment

Impact Report

"This moment in our credit union movement is calling for leadership and unity from every one of us. We are gaining momentum and rising to remind the world who we are. Credit unions have been at the heart of empowering members and communities to thrive, and I look forward to our collective impact in 2026."

- Troy Stang, President and CEO of GoWest

Advocacy Cooperative Value Community Impact

Federal Advocacy

Proactive Policy Impact

Successful “behind the scenes” influence with key congressional leaders and staff on critical legislation including stablecoin and digital assets parity, data security and fraud protection, FHLB changes, and Congressional Review Act legislation to rescind harmful rules.

Protecting Against Policy Threats

Actively defended against harmful legislative threats including credit union taxation in the budget reconciliation and tax package (H.R. 1), attacks on interchange revenue, and attacks on the CDFI program.

Strengthening Relationships with Policymakers

Met with all 48 members of our Congressional delegation and key committee staff to advocate on crucial public policy issues impacting credit unions and nurture relationships and support.

Advancing CU Act & Financial Services Modernization

Secured introduction of legislation and sponsorships including board modernization, MBL cap flexibility, CTR / SAR threshold modernization, deposit insurance equity, loan maturity limits, data security and fraud protection, direct investment authority and CDFI transparency and funding.

Election Engagement & Funding Support

Engaged in election activities to support and advance credit union champions in key congressional districts, including financial support for 41 members of Congress across GoWest states.

State Advocacy

Arizona

  • Defeated harmful interchange legislation.
  • Secured parity with banks in notary regulations.
  • Prevented problematic fraud bill from advancing and working to improve ahead of 2026.
  • Promoted credit union involvement in housing conversations.

Colorado

  • Defeated harmful interchange legislation.
  • Protected credit union interests in lending, consumer protection, and business practices proposed policies.
  • Passed financial literacy legislation.
  • Advocated for credit union interests in artificial intelligence legislation.

Idaho

  • Expanded public deposit opportunities by eliminating existing caps.
  • Provided clarity on credit unions' requirement to register with the Idaho Secretary of State.
  • Assisted in drafting and passing "report and hold" legislation to protect elder and vulnerable populations.
  • Supported and passed Idaho Department of Transportation towing legislation to streamline notifications to credit unions.

Oregon

  • Passed bill updating the Oregon Credit Union Act.
  • Defeated tax legislation Introduced by the Oregon Bankers Association.
  • Engaged in several policy concepts related to homeownership and first-time homebuyer savings accounts.
  • Navigated bills of potential impact related to security and fraud, lending laws, state bank tax force, medical debt, and recording fees.

Wyoming

  • Passed public deposits legislation.
  • Passed electronic titling legislation.
  • Passed irrevocable letters of credit legislation.
  • Supported passage of small business emergency loan program legislation.

Grassroots Advocacy

Facilitated 4,000+ direct engagements between legislators and credit union advocates, strengthening relationships, and advancing key policy priorities.

Trained 300+ credit union advocates, expanding the network of skilled advocates, advocacy coordinators, and key contacts.

Conducted strategic planning and training sessions with advocacy coordinators and key contacts across six states, enhancing alignment and engagement in advocacy efforts.

Produced and launched advocacy training videos and resources, increasing access to high-quality educational tools for member credit unions.

Led state and federal PAC engagement initiatives that increased individual giving to America's Credit Unions PAC and each our of state PACs with strong, sustainable fundraising through signature events.

Increased federal PAC fundraising by over 42% in the past three years, and state PAC fundraising nearly 29% in 2025 alone.

Regulatory Advocacy

Exam Efficiency (NCUA)

Successfully advocated for shorter exams, fewer onsite examiners, extended cycles, and saw key recommendations reflected in NCUA budget reductions.

CFPB Wins

Achieved major CFPB reversals, rescinded guidance and rules, and drove streamlined
re-proposals of required regulations to reduce burden.

Outdated Guidance Removed

Persuaded NCUA to remove and archive outdated guidance and letters, eliminating conflicting supervisory expectations for credit unions.

Call Report Relief

Eliminated ODP and NSF reporting requirements from the Call Report, significantly reducing ongoing compliance and reporting burdens.

Federal Reserve/FHFA/FHLB Impact

Delayed Fed interchange rulemaking, set expectations for ending GSE conservatorship, and advanced improvements to FHLB services for credit unions.

Cooperative Value

Elevated Public Relations
Impact and Messaging Resources
The Marketing & PR Resource Center showcases credit unions' positive impact and includes robust resources on elevated storytelling, cybersecurity, fees, and more.

Drawing Attention to Advocacy Priorities
Through proactive media outreach, GoWest reached policymakers about advocacy priorities, including Credit Union Act modernization, our value proposition, and affordable housing.

Shaping the Public Narrative
Strengthened and protected the reputation of credit unions, correcting misinformation and advancing an accurate, values-forward narrative rooted in community impact and member value.

High-Impact Media Engagement
Our proactive media strategy earned hundreds of top-tier placements, elevating GoWest member credit unions as trusted financial and policy leaders.

Advancing Compliance
40+ training sessions provided in risk and compliance.
1,157 member questions answered (as of 10/30/2025).

Accessing Resources
InfoSight360 provides member credit unions with one-stop access to InfoSight (an online compliance resource with a wealth of compliance related information, including state content) and CU PolicyPro (an online policy manual which provides credit unions with access to nearly 300 model policies which are updated regularly).
29 compliance-related bulletins and alerts distributed (as of 10/30/2025).

Member Engagement

Talent Development

GoWest programs empower professionals from young leaders to executives to build confidence, strategic insight, and leadership skills that create lasting organizational impact.

Committees & Advisory Groups

Credit union leaders collaborate in dynamic groups to guide strategy, share insights, and strengthen the Movement. More than 60% of member credit unions actively participated in 2025, and all are encouraged to get involved.

CU Communities

Across the GoWest region, Communities such as Chapters, Young Professional Groups, and the Global Women’s Leadership Network strengthen collaboration and provide value-added development opportunities and ways to network with peers.

Councils

Through eight virtual, discipline-specific Councils, 2,000+ credit union professionals connect to learn, share, and advance strategies.

Small Credit Union Accelerator

GoWest is expanding resources that deliver free training, targeted grant programs, and additional opportunities to connect and grow, all designed to help small credit unions thrive.

By leveraging collective strengths, specialized expertise, and strategic partnerships, we deliver innovative business solutions and thought leadership that accelerate growth and expand capacity — empowering credit unions to create greater value and better serve their members.

10

emerging technology solution companies vetted through the Innovation Acceleration Committee to further industry evolution.

$1.9Million+

in business partner commissions to sharpen advocacy mission and community impact.

$1.8Million+

in industry sponsorships to create opportunities for members to convene, network, and collaborate.

34

unique business partnerships extended across the six-state region to advance operational efficiencies and accelerate growth.

193

partners, sponsors, and exhibitors in the GoWest Solutions Marketplace at MAXX to promote industry networking and drive innovation forward.

30+

credit unions using GoWest AffirmX platform to reduce risk and better manage the complexities of regulatory compliance.

Focused on the future, solutions for today

Community Impact

$2.7 million in new funding secured to expand a pilot program enabling credit unions to lend to underserved small businesses in Washington.

$1.53 million raised in volunteer-driven Credit Unions for Kids Auction benefiting 11 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

$300,000 awarded to GoWest credit unions in NCUA and CDFI funding to expand affordable financial products and services to underserved communities.

By understanding the distinctive needs of our members and those they serve, we are uniquely positioned to leverage our network, diverse experiences, and resources to act as a catalyst for community impact initiatives that enhance the financial well-being of individuals and communities.

Small Business Success
Partnered with Washington State credit unions to allocate $10.3 million in Small Business Resiliency Loans to more than 630 small businesses.

Scholarships
$180,000 awarded to credit union professionals to increase access to education and advancement within the Movement.

Financial Education
More than 13,000 students engaged in 130 in-person Bite of Reality Fairs to improve financial capability.

Workforce Housing
Supported Grand Altitude Federal Credit Union's research and development of solutions to workforce housing challenges in Lander, Wyoming.

Rural Access to Financial Services
Supported the establishment of Avenir Financial's ITIN Lending Program, expanding access to affordable rural financial services in Arizona.

Generating meaningful impact

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