SEATAC, WA (September 13, 2017) — The Northwest Credit Union Association (NWCUA) is collaborating with credit union young professionals’ organizations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, to launch the region-wide Northwest Young Professionals Network. Established organizations involved include YCUP Portland, YCUP Greater Seattle Area, and Climb Idaho.
The Northwest Young Professionals Network will show its collective force for the first time during the NWCUA’s annual MAXX Convention in Spokane, WA October 23-25. An impressive group of 18 young professionals will serve as “YP Leads” who will connect colleagues with new learning opportunities. A regional delegation of “Champions” judged the YP Lead candidates.
“During the selection and judging process, there was one consistent characteristic that stood out among all applicants: the passion that each of them displayed for helping others through the Credit Union Movement,” said Ed Bedell, Business Development Officer at Spokane Federal Credit Union.
“If these 18 UP Leads are any indication of the future of the Credit Union Movement in the Northwest, se are in great hands,” echoed Nick Fugal, Chief Financial Officer of Nampa, ID-based Clarity Credit Union.
The 18 YP Leads who will launch the Northwest Young Professionals Network are:
NWCUA has established an online community to connect and influence the long-term development of the Movement’s future leaders. Posted resources include mentoring outreach opportunities to connect with “YP Champions,” career training opportunities, introductions to the 2017 YP Leads, and additional networking opportunities.
Steve Pagenstecher, VP Member Experience at Portland-based Point West Credit Union, has long been involved in Young Professional networking, and is now serving as a YP Champion for the Northwest Young Professional Network. He expressed gratitude for the long-term vision NWCUA has for the region’s future leaders.
“I’m excited to see the Association play a critical role in bringing attention to the importance of attracting and engaging young professionals in the Northwest,” Pagenstecher said.
Making a permanent commitment to young professionals’ development is a responsibility that Troy Stang, President and CEO of the NWCUA takes seriously.
“It is clear,” he said, “that we have the talent to lead the industry right here in our region, and it is our responsibility to cultivate that talent by providing and fostering opportunities like these for our young professionals—those who will advance our industry’s future.”.
The Northwest Credit Union Association is the trade association representing more than 175 not-for- profit, cooperative credit unions in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, and their 8.1 million consumer members. As not-for-profit cooperatives, credit unions look out for their members’ financial well-being. Everyone should open their eyes to a credit union. For more information, please visit: https://yourmoneyfurther.com
Lynn Heider
503.329.7208 | lheider@nwcua.org
Jenny Miller
jmiller@nwcua.org
208.713.9596 (Mobile)
