TAMPA, Fla.–– GTE Financial Credit Union reported it has reached a member milestone of 250,000 members, while separately providing support for Southeastern Guide Dogs.
The member milestone puts GTE Financial within the top 1% of credit unions nationwide, based on membership.
“The financial institution has become a staple in the bay area since opening its doors in 1935 at 610 Morgan St., Tampa,” the credit union said. “The credit union now has 22 locations and has become deeply ingrained within the communities it serves. This is apparent due to its impactful philanthropic efforts. GTE donated more than $600,000 and volunteered more than 2,500 hours last year to numerous nonprofit organizations and individuals in need.”
“We have grown our membership by more than 3.5% in the last year, which is a testament to our level of service and commitment to our community,” said Brian Best, president and CEO of GTE Financial. “This is a historic day. We’re honored that a quarter of a million people in the Tampa Bay area believe in us, our mission and our vision, and trust us as their financial institution.”
The cooperative’s 250,000th member was Keith White II from Winter Haven, Fla. White was in the market to buy a new vehicle and opened an auto loan with GTE Financial. To celebrate, he will receive a $250 gift card and will be featured on the credit union’s main website as the 250,000th member.
GTE Financial is also celebrating with a small employee event at the credit union’s headquarters to thank them for reaching this milestone. Local food trucks will be onsite and each employee will receive $10 to purchase a meal of their choice. The credit union will also have cool pins for employees to wear, commemorating this very important moment.
Separately, employees at GTE Financial got a dose of puppy love from the Southeastern Guide Dogs. Each year, credit union employees raise funds for the SE Guide Dogs program.
The pup-visit put smiles on faces and inspiration in the hearts of employees who are planning their March fundraising event, the credit union said. Last year, they raised enough funds to name two guide dog puppies. In addition, employees will also participate in the program’s annual walk at Vinoy Park.