HUDSON – It’s been 17+ years since WESTconsin Credit Union stepped up to be the corporate sponsor for Hudson Hot Air Affair. Jim Wookey, current WESTconsin CEO, was the Vice President of the Hudson office back in those days and requested that the Hot Air Affair committee consider WESTconsin for the top sponsorship should an opening occur. It did in 2010 and the rest is history.

WESTconsin Credit Union and Wookey will be recognized as the Grand Marshals in the annual Torchlight Parade, set this year for Friday night, Feb. 6. The parade is the kickoff and a highlight of the annual hot air balloon rally and community winter celebration. Parade watchers line Second and Walnut streets prior to the parade starting at 7 p.m. Sky Walkers Return to Rock is this year’s Star Wars-like theme.

Community outreach and employee volunteerism is a hallmark of WESTconsin’s tradition. Stats from 2024 list 4,263 hours in volunteer activities, employees donated $21,086 to local non-profit organizations, participation in 854 community events and since 1995, WESTconsin has provided more than $353,000 in school scholarships.

Hudson Hot Air Affair President Amanda Hein praised the years long support by WESTconsin Credit Union. 

“For more than 17 years, WESTconsin Credit Union has stood as a steady force for good in our community, proving that true leadership is built on service, generosity, and heart,” she said.  “Like the trusted leaders of the Rebel Alliance, their unwavering commitment has helped the Hudson Hot Air Affair thrive across generations.”

The current vice president at the Hudson WESTconsin location is Maria Schmitt. Long time WESTconsin employee Lori Rayome recently retired from the credit union but had been the corporate sponsor representative on the Hot Air Affair committee for more than a decade.

A quick history of the corporate sponsor:

WESTconsin’s roots go back to 1939 opening as Menomonie Farmers Credit Union primarily serving the local agricultural community around Menomonie. The name was changed to WESTconsin Credit Union in 1990 as the credit union grew to serving many more communities in the region. Presently, WESTconsin operates 15 offices in 13 different communities with a field of membership that covers 28 counties in west central Wisconsin and east central Minnesota. The spirit of their philosophy, "People helping people," guides WESTconsin leaders and encourages employees to get involved in community and charitable activities and worthwhile causes, including sponsorships, donations, and volunteerism. More information at westconsincu.org.

Submitted by Hot Air Affair Committee