Heading Into the Great Outdoors with Every Swipe
You ever feel like your money's going nowhere useful? Well, folks in Washington are about to flip the script thanks to Sound Credit Union and the Washington Trails Association (WTA). They've cooked up a slick new money move—a co-branded debit and credit card program—where every swipe backs the state's beloved trails.
A Partnership Grounded in Community
This isn't just some corporate fluff—Sound and WTA have laid out a solid three-year game plan. Come April 1, 2027, they'll be rolling out snazzy co-branded cards. Every time you swipe, tap, or make a purchase, a neat five cents shifts into WTA's coffers to amp up those trail paths. And folks using these cards? They'll snag a WTA membership on the house, unlocking a year of outdoor fun.
"We’re excited about this partnership. Sound and WTA are both deeply connected to Washington State and the communities we serve," shared Ryan Zilker, EVP at Sound Credit Union.
Paving the Way for Trail Sustainability
Five cents might not sound like much, but wait till you see how it compounds over a state full of hikers pulling out plastic. Sound Credit Union's not messing around—they've pledged a minimum of $50,000 annually. That’s real change hitting the trails, ensuring they stay spruced up and ready for every adventurer, regardless of how small these steps might seem.
Strengthening Community Bonds
This partnership’s not just about cash, it’s about rolling up sleeves too. Sound’s whipping up opportunities for its members and employees to dive into volunteer trail activities. Talk about blending financial with physical effort—all pushing towards a shared goal: "Trails for everyone, forever," if you ask WTA.
Strategic Moves and Shared Goals
There's a sharp mind orchestrating all this—Adam Broetje from Odd Dog Media. He's the mastermind gluing Sound and WTA together and chiseling out this launch strategy. This program, set to go live in spring 2027, perfectly coincides with Washington's hiking season. It's not a coincidence, it's a downright tactical decision.
"This card will give people a tangible way to invest in trails with every purchase," noted Jaime Loucky, CEO of Washington Trails Association.
More Than Just Financial Support
Sound Credit Union isn't an amateur when it comes to community touchpoints. With over 187,000 members and 26 branches within the Puget Sound, they've got the reach. Meanwhile, WTA, backed by the passion of 5 million hikers, is about more than just boots on the ground. Together, they're forging a path where public lands stay accessible, advocating for a future where everyone can feel the trail beneath their boots.
Here's your takeaway: what's being built isn't just a card; it's a bridge to a community-backed support system for Washington's natural beauty. And if you’re one of the lucky locals to get your hands on one of these cards, you're part of something bigger. Every swipe counts—literally.
