Two organizations that have much in common — not-for-profit status, a membership based almost entirely in Colorado, and a keen interest in youth development — are teaming up for their mutual benefit.
   
Westerra Credit Union, based in Denver, has signed a multi-year agreement to become the first presenting partner for the CGA, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
   
The co-branding agreement will give Westerra visibility and marketing opportunities on the CGA’s website (COgolf.org), and in its bimonthly newsletter, social media and other communication platforms. 
     
Meanwhile, Westerra will help underwrite the CGA and CJGA tournament seasons and CGA programs at the CommonGround Golf Course, which is owned and operated by the CGA and Colorado Women’s Golf Association. That programming (left) includes the Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy, the Hale Irwin Elite Player Program and Community & Wellness Programs which serve more than 700 Denver and Aurora school students and 365 additional adults and kids.
  
“The alignment is a great value for both of us,” said Ed Mate, executive director of the CGA. “They’re a membership organization, we’re a membership organization. They care a lot about Colorado and the community just as we do. We have a lot of common values. It’s a great fit for them and us.”
   
Dana Russell, manager of marketing and public relations at Westerra Credit Union, seconds that thought.
 
“Their philosophy and structure are so in line with what we do,” Russell said of the CGA. “We’re both very involved with the community and with schools. There are so many nice ties that a partnership will enhance for both of us.”
    
As part of the new agreement, for every person from the CGA who opens accounts at the credit union, Westerra will donate $52.80 to the Colorado Golf Foundation. The Foundation, a separate non-profit from the CGA, helps support such programs as the Solich Caddie & Leadership Academy, the Evans Scholarship for caddies, and the Irwin Elite Player Program.
     
While the CGA was founded in 1915 and now serves about 43,000 members, Westerra traces its Colorado roots back to 1934, when it was started by eight Denver teachers. The credit union now serves more than 90,000 members.         
    
Westerra, a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned and controlled by members who use its services, remains one of the few locally-owned financial institutions in Colorado, with more than $1.2 billion in total assets. 
   
Everyone who lives or works in the five-county Denver metro area can join Westerra. For more information, visit www.westerracu.com.
 
For information on opportunities with the CGA, contact director of development Ryan Smith at ryansmith@COgolf.org or at 303-974-2108.