Sound Credit Union and WTA Unite for Sustainable Trails in Washington State

Partnership to Enhance Hiking and Outdoor Experiences in Washington

Sound Credit Union (Sound) has recently partnered with the Washington Trails Association (WTA) in a groundbreaking three-year initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing Washington State's trails. Set to officially launch on April 1, 2027, this partnership seeks to connect everyday banking with a love for outdoor recreation, allowing customers to make a tangible impact with their purchases.

The collaboration introduces co-branded debit and credit cards designed specifically for this purpose. When individuals enroll in a qualifying checking account or receive a credit card, they will also gain a complimentary year-long membership to WTA, an organization devoted to maintaining and protecting trails across the state. Every time cardholders make a purchase, they will actively contribute to the preservation of these vital outdoor spaces; Sound Credit Union will donate five cents per transaction to WTA, with an annual guaranteed contribution of at least $50,000.

Ryan Zilker, EVP and Chief Growth Officer of Sound, expressed his enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, "We are excited about this partnership. Sound and WTA are both deeply connected to Washington State and the communities we serve. This is a unique opportunity to give our members a simple way to support Washington's trails through something they already do every day."

Focus on Public Lands and Accessibility

WTA operates under a compelling mission which emphasizes that everyone deserves access to the outdoors, while also noting that protecting trails is a community effort. Jaime Loucky, the CEO of WTA, echoed these sentiments, remarking, "This card will give people a tangible way to invest in trails with every purchase — helping ensure Washington's public lands remain well-maintained and accessible to everyone for generations to come."

The organizations plan to go beyond just financial contributions. They are also looking to enrich the community by creating opportunities for Sound employees and members to engage with WTA through volunteer trail maintenance events and other community-building experiences. This integration will bolster the connection between the credit union and its member base while allowing for greater visibility of WTA's mission.

As this initiative gears up for its launch ahead of the peak hiking season in Washington, various preparations are underway, developed with assistance from Odd Dog Media and Sound's strategic marketing partner. Adam Broetje from Odd Dog Media played a key role in aligning the vision of both entities and structuring the partnership's launch strategy.

About the Organizations

Sound Credit Union, founded in 1940, stands as one of Washington State's largest credit unions with 26 branches operating throughout the Puget Sound area. Currently serving over 187,000 members, Sound is committed to offering financial products that reflect the needs and values of its communities. For more information, interested individuals can visit their website at soundcu.com.

In parallel, the Washington Trails Association is recognized as the leading organization focused on hiking and trail maintenance in the state. Each year, the WTA connects over 5 million outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for learning, inspiration, and activism surrounding public lands. Humany committed to fostering an inclusive environment, WTA engages the hiking community to support and advocate for Washington’s trails. More details can be found on their site at wta.org.

This partnership is a significant step forward in promoting outdoor recreation while ensuring that Washington’s beautiful trails are preserved and accessible for future generations.