FREE YOURSELF FROM HIGH INTEREST RATES
In Celebration of our 85th Anniversary, get a DEBT CONSOLIDATION LOAN with rates as low as 8.5%!
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates as low as 8.50% for up to 72 months. Credit criteria, additional terms and restrictions may apply. Minimum of $5,000 to be eligible for the 72-month term. Monthly payment would be $89.00 on $5,000 borrowed for 72 months at 8.50%. Monthly payment includes principal and interest and may be higher or lower depending on the loan amount, APR, and term. All Gulf Credit Union loan programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. GCU membership is required. For more information, please contact a Gulf Credit Union loan representative at 409.963.1191 or 800.448.5328 or visit us at gulfanywhere.org. Offer expires March 31, 2025. Federally insured by NCUA. APPLY NOW!
A Letter From The President
As we enter the exciting year ahead, we want to take a moment to thank you for being a valued member of Gulf Credit Union. Your trust and support have been instrumental in our success, and we are grateful to have you as part of our community.
Todd L. Gaudin President/CEO
In 2025, we are committed to continuing to serve you with innovative financial solutions, personalized service, and a steadfast dedication to helping you achieve your financial goals. Whether it’s saving for the future, buying your dream home, or managing your everyday banking needs, we are here to make your journey easier and more rewarding.
We look forward to another year of growth, opportunity, and success together. Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling 2025, filled with new possibilities and financial well-being!
Thank you for choosing Gulf Credit Union.
Enroll in Gulf Credit Union's Change Saver program to start saving today. The change from your electronic debits will be transferred to the savings account of your choice.
Debit transactions: $21.64
Change Saver transfer: $0.36
transaction amount: $22.00
Ask a Gulf Credit Union Representative for details!
ANNUAL MEETING
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 6:00 pm Gulf Credit Union - Groves 5140 West Parkway | Groves , Texas 77619
AGENDA : Election of three (3) board members
• In order to vote in the election, members must have an account in their own name, social security number and be at least 16 years of age.
• Members interested in seeking election to the Board of Directors, please contact Kathy Wolford, Executive Assistant, at 409.984.7443, for more information and to receive a director application.
Please contact a credit union representative at 409.963.1191 or 800.448.5328 to update your email address, home address, cell phone number and/or any other contact information that may have recently changed.
Employee Spotlight Employee
It is our pleasure to introduce Derek Landry as our new Senior Vice President - Chief Lending Officer.
Derek is a native of Port Arthur and graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He earned his B.S. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M and is a 2022 graduate of the Southwest CUNA Management School. With over 24 years of lending experience, he brings a wealth of expertise to Gulf Credit Union.
Welcome to the team, Derek!
We are thrilled to share some fantastic news about our Leadership Team! Amanda Baldwin has been promoted to the position of Human Resource Director.
Amanda joined the credit union in 2021 and has since made a significant impact through her dedication and expertise. Over the years, she has excelled in various roles within the HR department, most recently serving as the Talent and Benefits Director. Her extensive knowledge and commitment to excellence have been invaluable to our team, and we are confident she will continue to drive success and innovation in her new role.
Congratulations, Amanda on this well-deserved promotion!
Please join us in congratulating Maria Farias on her recent promotion! Maria has been a familiar face in the lending department since 2015 and worked as a Teller prior to joining the lending team.
Maria was recently promoted to the Compliance Specialist position and joined the Compliance and Internal Audit team!
Congratulations Maria, we know you will be a dynamic addition to the team.
Volunteer of the Year
Gulf Credit Union is committed to community involvement and we are thrilled to have donated over 1,000 hours to various organizations in 2024. Please join us in congratulating the 2024 Volunteer of the Year, Deborah Bell!
Deborah has been with the credit union since 2019 and is currently a Financial Service Representative III. She always has a smile on her face and is the first to volunteer for any event. Deborah’s dedication to the communities we serve and the energy she brings to these events is one of a kind!
Congratulations, Deb!
Amanda Baldwin Human Resource Director
Derek Landry Senior Vice President/CLO
Maria Farias Compliance Specialist
COMPLAINT NOTICE
If you have a problem with the services provided by this credit union, please contact us at: Gulf Credit Union
PO Box 848
Groves, Texas 77619
Telephone: 409.963.1191 • Email: info@gecu.org
The credit union is incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas and under state law is subject to regulatory oversight by the Texas Credit Union Department. If any dispute is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may also file a complaint against the credit union by contacting the Texas Credit Union Department through one of the means indicated below: in Person or U.S. Mail: 914 East Anderson Lane
Austin, Texas 78752-1699
Telephone: 512.837.9236
Fax: 512.832.0278
Website: www.cud.texas.gov
Email: complaints@cud.texas.gov
ACCESS TO CREDIT UNION DOCUMENTS
According to Section 91.315 of the Texas Administrative Code, upon request members of Gulf Credit Union are entitled to review or receive a copy of the most recent version of the following credit union documents: balance sheet and income statement, summary of the most recent annual audit, written board policy regarding access to the articles of incorporation, bylaws, rules, guidelines, board policies and copies thereof and Internal Revenue Service Form 990.
Please make requests by writing to: Gulf Credit Union
ATTN: Office of the President/CEO
PO Box 848
Groves, Texas 77619 or by phone: 409.963.1191
GULF CREDIT UNION SCHOLARSHIP
We believe in investing in our future. This spring, Gulf Credit Union is proud to offer up to $20,000 in scholarships to support graduating high school seniors as they take the next step toward achieving their dreams. Applications will be available online January 15, 2025 at gecu.org. Each applicant must apply by March 1, 2025.
Please see the scholarship application for more details at gecu.org.
Please be aware of a current phone scam targeting our members.
Scammers are pretending to be from Gulf Credit Union’s fraud department and requesting sensitive information.
Remember, Gulf Credit Union will never ask for your personal information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and contact us directly at 409.963.1191 to report it. Please do not send funds. Stay vigilant and protect your personal information!
Commercial Lending: New Year, New Loan!
Are you interested in a business loan, but don’t know where to begin? Check out our website at gecu.org and look for the Commercial Lending section, or follow the QR code below to bring you directly there. Here we have the details on types of business loans we offer, as well as a list of information needed to get started. If you need to speak with one of our representatives, feel free to call to discuss, email us, or set an appointment to come in and visit with us regarding your request. If you’re ready to begin, you can download our application & submit today! We’re here to help you, so that you can get back to running your business as quickly as possible!
Interested in learning more about commercial loans? Call or email our team today! You also have the option to download an application from our website at www.gecu.org!
The Ease of E-Signatures
Did you know that you can sign certain credit union documents with an electronic signature? This provides convenience for you to sign from work, home, or any location so that you can make the most of your day. Simply sign in via the email or text sent from the credit union representative, select your signature and sign where indicated, then save a copy for your records. The signed paperwork is automatically delivered back to your representative so they can finalize the transaction, and you can relax!
*E-Signatures may not be available on all forms, loan types, or Texas title forms. Real estate transactions are excluded from the use of electronic signatures.
IRA CONTRIBUTIONS
IRA Contributions for 2024 Tax Year:
What You Need to Know
As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time to think about your retirement savings. If you're planning to contribute to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for the 2024 tax year, you have until April 15, 2025, to make your contributions. This gives you a few extra months to take advantage of potential tax deductions and boost your retirement savings.
Key Dates:
• Contribution Deadline: You have until April 15, 2025, to make IRA contributions for the 2024 tax year. This means you can still contribute in 2025 and have it count for the previous year.
• Tax Form 5498: Please note, you will not receive your tax form 5498 for the 2024 tax year until after May 2025. This form is used to report IRA contributions and account balances to the IRS.
Why Contribute Now?
• Tax Benefits: Depending on your income and the type of IRA you choose (Traditional or Roth), your contributions may qualify for tax deductions, which can reduce your taxable income for 2024.
• Growth Potential: Contributing early allows your investment to grow and accumulate interest, dividends, and capital gains over time, helping you to build a more secure retirement.
• Catch Up: If you're 50 or older, you can make "catch-up" contributions to your IRA, allowing you to contribute more than the standard limit for additional savings.
A Quick Reminder:
• Ensure that your contributions are made before April 15, 2025, to take advantage of tax deductions for the 2024 tax year.
• Keep in mind that you will receive Form 5498 after May 2025, which will reflect your contributions, including any made during this extended period.
We encourage you to consult with a tax advisor or financial planner to make the most of your IRA contributions and to ensure you're meeting your retirement goals.
HOW TO AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF "JUGGING"
Jugging involves thieves staking out unsuspecting victims at financial institutions or retail stores before following and robbing them while they juggle smartphones and car keys in parking lots or at home.
HOW IT WORKS:
Juggers wait in parking lots and watch people withdraw money from ATMs or financial institutions. Suspected juggers also walk malls and stores to scout for large purchases. Jugging can occur in a parking lot or after being followed home. Jugging can also take place if the victim leaves the car for a period of time and the juggers steal the money or valuables left in the vehicle.
TIPS TO AVOID JUGGING
1. Be Aware:
When withdrawing money, be mindful of your surroundings and check if anyone is watching you. Stay alert after leaving the bank or ATM.
2. Be Discreet:
After withdrawing cash, avoid counting it, and NEVER leave cash in your car.
3. Be Unpredictable:
Changing your routine is vital to keeping you and your accounts safe. Mix up your daily routine!
Skip your payment, keep the cash! Get all the details and submit your application at gecu.org
> Kasasa Saver® Account
> Kasasa Play® Checking
> Kasasa Eats® Checking
> Kasasa Cash® Checking
> Kasasa Cash Back® Checking
Choose the Kasasa® account that will work best for you and your lifestyle.
Kasasa® accounts at Gulf Credit Union offer more than just banking! Enjoy free checking with cash rewards, high interest, or ATM fee refunds — your choice.
Plus, there’s no minimum balance to earn rewards. Bank smarter and get rewarded with Kasasa! Learn more at gecu.org.
We
VISION STATEMENT
Be the trusted financial partner by delivering innovative solutions that provide value and convenience to our members.
Lobby Hours
Drive-Thru Hours
Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am – Noon
MAILING ADDRESS PO Box 848, Groves, TX 77619-0848 memberservice@gecu.org
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
NAME TERM ENDS
Lobby Hours
Drive-Thru Hours
Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Friday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
2025 HOLIDAYS
JANUARY
New Year's Day Wednesday, January 1
JULY
Johnny Lewallen, Chairman 2025
Robert Lovelace, Vice Chairman 2025
Logan Delcambre, Secretary/Treasurer 2027
Karen Brown 2026
Barry Gorman 2026
ADVISORY DIRECTOR:
Independence Day Friday, July 4
Jason Howard 2025
Joshua Lege 2027
MLK Jr. Day Monday, January 20
SEPTEMBER
FEBRUARY
Labor Day Monday, September 1
OCTOBER
President's Day Monday, February 17
Columbus Day Monday, October 13
APRIL
NAME TERM ENDS
Dustin Marsh 2025
Good Friday/Easter Friday, April 18 Saturday, April 19
NOVEMBER
Veterans Day Tuesday, November 11
MAY
Memorial Day Monday, May 26
Thanksgiving Thursday, November 27
Friday, November 28
Saturday, November 29
JUNE
Juneteenth Thursday, June 19
DECEMBER
Christmas Thursday, December 25
Friday, December 26
Saturday, December 27
