GoWest Credit Union Association

09/01/2026

✨ Meet Piper, our 2026 Champion Child at the Moonlight & Miracles CU4Kids Benefit Auction! ✨

At age 4, Piper was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer. After months of treatment at Children’s Hospital Colorado, she is now cancer-free and thriving. ❤️

This year at MAXX on Oct. 8, Piper and her family will share their story at Moonlight & Miracles.

We can’t wait to welcome this incredible family and celebrate the hope and healing made possible by Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. 🌟

Read Piper’s story: https://gowestassociation.org/2026/08/13/meet-piper-this-years-cu4kids-champion-child/

👉 Register for and get your ticket for the CU4Kids auction today: https://gowestassociation.org/event/maxx-2026/

https://youtu.be/7pWtLNFArSY?si=nxmDOX0cFTB4Qqg8

At just four years old, Piper was diagnosed with an extremely rare ...

08/27/2026

It's time for the big reveal! If you've been waiting to see the MAXX agenda before registering or are already registered already and are just excited to see what you're in for Oct. 6-9 in Denver? Well, wait no longer!

The MAXX agenda is live, and with 40+ sessions and mainstage events and the GoWest Solutions Marketplace with 175+ partners, is gearing up to be the best yet!

Look at all those smiling faces at - this could be you in Denver this year!

Check out the agenda: https://gowestassociation.org/maxx-convention/maxx-agenda-2026/

Register today - and hurry because late pricing begins Sept. 8! https://gowestassociation.org/event/maxx-2026/

08/14/2026

🌟What a week in Coeur d’Alene!

Last week, credit union leaders from across the region came together for Executives@Coeur d’Alene, GoWest’s premier executive conference.

Over three days, attendees connected with peers, strengthened their leadership skills and explored the ideas shaping the future of credit unions. Carmen Ohling, CEO & Founder of The Amplified Life Company; Jerame Mudick, Founder of ReConnect Mind Body & Ayrbreathwork; and Lindsey Piegza, Managing Director & Chief Economist at Stifel Financial brought fresh perspectives on leadership, well-being and the economy, while GoWest Solutions partners Origence and Zest AI helped attendees dig into the opportunities and challenges of AI.

Plus, a panel of credit union leaders, Larry Ellifritz, Consolidated Community Credit Union; Deidra Miner, Red Canoe Credit Union; Cathy Graham, Desert Financial Credit Union; and Bryan Thomas, MBA, Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union, explored how high-performing executive teams align around what matters most, build cultures of trust and accountability, and translate strategy into meaningful results.

The learning continued with a hands-on advocacy crisis response tabletop exercise led by GoWest’s advocacy team — giving leaders the chance to think through how they would respond when it matters most.

But as always, some of the best moments came from the conversations in between sessions: sharing ideas, catching up with colleagues and building new connections across our region.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Executives@Coeur d’Alene an incredible event!

08/11/2026

🤡 Remember this night?

Last year, we gathered for A Night of Wonder at the CU4Kids Benefit Auction — and these photos bring back so many great memories!

There was plenty of fun, plenty of laughter and, most importantly, an incredible outpouring of generosity for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. ❤️

And you made history. Together, we raised a record $1.5 million for CU4Kids at the 2025 auction! 🙌

Now we're getting ready to create a whole new kind of magic.

🌙 Moonlight & Miracles is coming to on Oct. 8 as we celebrate 40 years of Credit Unions for Kids and come together to help kids and families get the care they need.

The theme changes. The memories change. But the reason we gather never does.

The stars are aligning for kids. ⭐

Come be part of the next chapter!

👉 Register and learn about sponsorship opportunities: https://gowestassociation.org/maxx-convention/moonlight-miracles-where-the-stars-align-for-kids/

08/07/2026

👉You've said it before: "I'd love to attend MAXX someday."
Well, your someday has arrived.

We're excited to introduce the new Young Professional Badge at MAXX 2026, designed to help the next generation of credit union leaders experience the largest gathering of credit unions in the West.

Join us in Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 7, for a full day of learning, leadership development, networking, and innovation, including an exclusive leadership session with Dr. Jeremy Graves and an evening social with fellow young professionals.

Whether you're just getting started or taking the next step in your career, MAXX is where connections are made and leaders are built.

Who's ready to join us? 🙌

Register for the YP Badge today: https://gowest.my.site.com/s/events?productId=a0STN000007OPvh2AG&subProductId=a0STN000009dcGL2AY&utm

08/03/2026

Communities across the Spokane area are facing unimaginable loss, and the Credit Union Movement is responding, demonstrating the cooperative spirit of People Helping People.

Local credit unions are supporting employees, members, and neighbors impacted by the Spokane Area fires as firefighters and first responders continue to work towards containment.

The GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund is available to assist member credit unions and their employees, directors, and volunteers. Learn more: https://gowestfoundation.org/disaster-relief/.

🧡 Our hearts are with everyone facing loss and uncertainty. Stay safe.

07/31/2026

It's Day! 💙

Why do we love credit unions?
✅ They put people before profits
✅ They invest in their communities
✅ They help members build brighter financial futures
✅ They believe in the power of People Helping People

From first savings accounts to first homes, small business dreams to retirement goals, credit unions are there for life's biggest moments.

Today, we're celebrating the positive impact credit unions make every single day.

💙 Tell us why you love your credit union in the comments!

07/28/2026

🤠🌟 Flashback to the 2024 Diamond Roundup!

In 2024, the CU4Kids Benefit Auction brought a little Western flair to MAXX as credit union leaders came together to support Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the kids and families they serve.

From the laughter and friendly bidding to the generosity that filled the room, it was a night to remember.

Now, we're getting ready for the next adventure: Moonlight & Miracles at MAXX 2026. 🌙✨

Join us for an evening of inspiration, celebration, and giving back. Auction tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available, and we'd love to have you there.

💙 Together, we can help create more miracles.

👉 Register and learn about sponsorship opportunities: https://gowestassociation.org/maxx-convention/moonlight-miracles-where-the-stars-align-for-kids/

07/23/2026

🎉 Meet the 2026 YP Leads!

This year's cohort of rising credit union leaders has been selected, and we couldn't be more excited to see what they'll accomplish.

Over the next year, these talented young professionals will take part in a unique leadership and mentorship experience designed to help them grow, connect, and make an even greater impact within the Credit Union Movement.

Their journey begins at this October in Denver, where they'll learn, network, and build relationships with peers and mentors from across the region.

👏 Help us congratulate the 2026 YP Leads!

Meet the cohort: https://gowestassociation.org/2026/07/15/emerging-leaders-earn-their-place-at-maxx-2026-meet-the-2026-yp-leads/

Arizona
⭐Gabriela Alvarez, Copper State Credit Union, Member Relationship Consultant II
⭐Wendy Bojorquez, Arizona Financial Credit Union, Learning and Development Specialist
⭐Ivan Carreno, Copper State Credit Union, Loan Servicing
⭐Stephanie Gibbons, Pyramid Federal Credit Union, Member Service Director

Colorado
⭐Michelle Bahl, Westerra Credit Union, Operations Specialist Senior
⭐Devon McClure, Elevations Credit Union, Marketing Data Analyst
⭐Chelsey Phillips, Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union, Marketing Specialist
⭐Mikala Tomkins, Wings Credit Union, Assistant Service Center Manager

Idaho
⭐Kayla Horton, Clarity Credit Union, Branch Manager
⭐Taylor Malm, P1FCU, Senior Marketing Specialist
⭐Kade Olsen, Pioneer Federal Credit Union, HR Generalist
⭐Christian Sedrick, Clarity Credit Union, Information System Specialist

Oregon
⭐Alia Baker, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Training & Development Consultant
⭐Avery Jesmer, Rogue Credit Union, Senior Process Improvement Analyst
⭐Karla Bravo Rayon, Trailhead Credit Union, Digital Experience Manager

Washington
⭐Chloe Dardano, O Bee Credit Union, Marketing & Community Outreach Specialist
⭐Jessica Jones, Our Community Credit Union, Director of Risk and Compliance
⭐Jaxon Pace, iQ Credit Union, Member Advisor
⭐Brooke Richter, Red Canoe Credit Union, Marketing Content Coordinator
⭐Chelsea Smart, Harborstone Credit Union, Training and Development Specialist

Wyoming
⭐Taylar Carter, Blue Federal Credit Union, Executive Assistant
⭐Jessica Chitwood, WyHy Federal Credit Union, Marketing Specialist
⭐Mary Salas, Blue Federal Credit Union, Director of Internal Controls
⭐Stacia Stacey, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union, MSA

07/21/2026

Let's take a trip back to one of our favorite MAXX memories!

🖐️Who remembers the 2023 CU4Kids Benefit Auction - The Totally Awesome Prom? From prom dresses and tuxes to teased hair and neon, you all fully embraced the '80s theme — and together, we accomplished something truly incredible.

✨ $1.3 million raised for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Now it's time to make new memories.

This year's Moonlight & Miracles CU4Kids Benefit Auction at in Denver promises an evening filled with inspiration, generosity, and just a little bit of celestial magic — all while helping local children's hospitals provide life-changing care.

🌙 Sponsorships and auction tickets are still available, and we'd love for you to be part of this unforgettable night.https://gowestassociation.org/maxx-convention/moonlight-miracles-where-the-stars-align-for-kids/

We'll see you under the moonlight! 💫