A cooperative is an organization that is people-centered and owned by the people who use it. This allows a business to put its members first and remain value driven. You might be a part of a cooperative and not even know it! Many utility companies, agricultural groups, and even credit unions are cooperatives. They empower the individual and keep decisions local.

WESTconsin Credit Union is considered a financial cooperative and was founded in 1939. WESTconsin is owned and operated by and for members. This allows WESTconsin to operate at a lower cost than for-profit financial institutions and, in turn, offer enhanced benefits for members and the community. In fact, WESTconsin donated over $21,000 to local organizations in 2024 alone.

October is National Co-op Month and an annual opportunity to raise awareness of a trusted way to do business and build thriving, inclusive communities. The United Nations has even declared 2025 the “Year of the Cooperative.” This year’s theme of “Cooperatives Build a Better World” focuses on positive sustainability impacts. Sustainability and inclusivity are at the core of cooperative models, making them vital partners for achieving the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals. Cooperatives strengthen the people-centered businesses at the heart of our communities and economies.

WESTconsin Credit Union is one of the region's strongest financial services providers and serves 28 counties in west-central Wisconsin and east-central Minnesota. Generations of families over the past eight decades have turned to WESTconsin for all their financial needs while experiencing the positive impact on communities. You can always count on WESTconsin to be a trusted partner in your financial journey.