Annual, prestigious awards recognize impactful credit unions and inspiring leaders
Tucson, AZ (Oct. 23, 2026) — Vantage West Credit Union was recognized at GoWest Credit Union Association’s 2026 MAXX experience in Denver with a GoWest Award for Cooperation In Action, honoring the credit union’s work to Tucson Welcome Home and Arizona Credit Union Week.
The Cooperation In Action Award recognizes two or more credit unions, credit union communities, or professionals from separate credit unions collaborating to create a bigger impact. Vantage West Credit Union was selected for Tucson Welcome Home a collaboration by five Tucson, Ariz., credit unions and the GoWest Foundation to address housing affordability.
Vantage West Credit Union was also selected for Arizona Credit Union Week which brings together 18 credit unions in a shared commitment to serving their communities. Each day during a week last October, participating credit unions put that commitment into action through activities that supported local retailers, helped clean up school grounds, prepared emergency food boxes, and provided donations to nonprofit organizations. The week highlighted the many ways credit unions can contribute beyond financial services, from caring for shared spaces to supporting organizations that help meet every day needs. Together, these efforts demonstrated the value of cooperation, showing how credit unions can work toward a common purpose while supporting local businesses, schools, and community organizations.
The winning initiative Tucson Welcome Home began in 2024. Through the effort, the program has given out over 87 loans to families in Pima County. That’s over $25 million in loans, with dozens more approved and searching for their houses. The program offers 100% financing, no private mortgage insurance, no origination or application fees, and competitive fixed rate interest rates.
For example, Vantage West member Josh’s journey to homeownership wasn’t simple — but the Tucson Welcome Home Program changed everything. “Vantage West honestly changed my life in a major way. I found out about the Tucson Welcome Home program from a friend. And obviously that’s been amazing. I never expected to be a homeowner at my age and it’s been absolutely amazing. I called in with absolutely no knowledge about the process of buying a home, but the person I spoke to was extremely helpful and, over the course of the next few months, walked me through everything that I needed to do, both on the financing side and the actual application side. At the times where there was a bit of a delay, they would call and check on everything to make sure things were going ok. I felt very taken care of during the whole process.”
Josh’s experience is exactly why the Tucson Welcome Home Program exists — to make homeownership feel possible, even for people who aren’t sure where to start. His story could be any one of you: someone who’s been dreaming of a place to call home, wondering if it’s finally your turn, and hoping for a little guidance along the way.
“Every day, credit unions are finding new ways to serve their members, strengthen their communities, and make a real difference in people’s lives,” said GoWest President and CEO Troy Stang. “The MAXX Awards give us a chance to shine a light on the work and on the people who make it happen. These are the stories worth celebrating, and remind us how impactful the cooperative movement is.”
The award was presented Oct. 9 at MAXX 2026, GoWest’s annual gathering bringing together credit union leaders, employees and industry partners from across the West.
About Vantage West Credit Union
Vantage West Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative committed to improving the lives of its members and strengthening the communities it serves. Through community partnerships, financial empowerment initiatives, and strategic investments, Vantage West helps create opportunities for individuals, families, and businesses across Arizona.
