A Letter From The President
As we approach the fourth quarter of 2024, there are still a lot of things that could happen in the financial world. The upcoming election will surely impact the markets regardless of which candidate wins. The Federal Reserve has cut the Fed Funds rate by .50 basis points, and we are already hearing of a possible rate cut again in November. This comes after the fastest increase in rates in 40 years! The Federal Reserve has hiked interest rates a total of eleven times since March 2022 making borrowing more expensive for credit unions, businesses, and people; all in an effort to help curb rampant inflation. Some of the challenges we face going forward will be the rapid advancement of AI (Artificial Intelligence), the continued increase in fraud, and ongoing regulatory burdens. Some of our accomplishments thus far in 2024 are: we are proud to announce we completed the construction of our administration building, finished the remodel of our remaining branches, added an advisory director to our board, and we were voted the Best of the Best in multiple categories by the Port Arthur News and Orange Leader. We also are the proud sponsor of the KFDM Hometown Hero segment with Angel San Juan.
As your Credit Union, we will continue to offer the best products and services at the best prices for our members. We look forward to continuing our mission of building lifelong relationships one experience at a time.
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2023
11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
Join us for refreshments and a complimentary calendar. (available at each location)
ANNUAL MEETING
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 6:00 p.m.
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.
must call from the phone number listed on
for
reissued cards: complete any transaction
Todd L. Gaudin President/CEO
Financial Exploitation Month
October is Financial Exploitation Awareness Month!
We will be collecting items to help fill the needs for the Adult Protective Services Silver Star Room through October 18.
Items needed:
Blankets, Cleaning Supplies
Deodorant (Hygiene Products), Depends (All Sizes)
Fans, Laundry Detergent (Liquid, Pods, or Powder)
Mouth Wash, Shampoo/Conditioner, Shower Gel
Soap, Tissue, Toilet Paper, Toothpaste/Toothbrush
It's a good reminder to look out for and help older adults in our communities. Financial exploitation is the illegal or improper use of another person’s money or property for personal profit or gain. Financial exploitation of older adults and those with disabilities is a major problem. Stopping it is everyone’s business.
Signs of financial exploitation can include:
• Cashing checks without the account owner’s permission.
• Sudden changes in bank account balances or banking practices.
• Individuals accompanying account owner to withdraw large sums of money.
• Adding extra names on a bank signature card.
• Unapproved ATM card withdrawals.
• Forged signature on financial transactions or property titles.
• Unpaid bills despite having enough money.
One of the four Core Values at Gulf Credit Union is Growth.
“We are committed to investing in the growth of our employees, members & communities.”
In 2024, the credit union promoted five non-management employees and each are excelling in their new positions!
Join us in celebrating the growth and career advancement of these employees.
Hope Barras Insurance & Title Representative
Courtney Bennett Commercial Loan Processor
Arianna Koblentz Virtual Service Representative
Stephanie Paessler Fraud Specialist
Pam Sealey Member Service Representative
It's a catchy word for earning cash!
We appreciate your support and your votes!
Discover the benefits of our Kasasa accounts! Kasasa is a FREE - no penalty checking account that rewards you for your everyday purchases. If you use your debit card for most of your online and inperson payments, plus a few other simple banking basics, this account is perfect for you! Get more from your checking account with Kasasa and enjoy the rewards you deserve. Learn more about how you can benefit today!
FREE Kasasa Saver® Account
FREE Kasasa Play® Checking
FREE Kasasa Eats® Checking
FREE Kasasa Cash® Checking
FREE Kasasa Cash Back® Checking
With Gulf Anywhere , you can connect with a local representative for personalized service — all from the convenience of your smartphone or computer. Whether you want to become a member, apply for a loan, or just ask a question about your account, we are here to help! Take care of your financial needs hassle-free. No app required!
Gift Cards are the only gift guaranteed to please.
They’re welcome anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted within the U.S. You choose the amount, and we load the cards in seconds. The recipient can choose where to go and what to buy. It's that simple! To purchase Gift Cards: Visit our nearest branch and talk to one of our representatives. It's easy! You can buy multiple ready-to-use Gift Cards in minutes. The next time you need to buy a gift, come to us for the flexibility and convenience of Gift Cards.*
*The expiration date is printed on the Card and is 7 years from the date of Card manufacture. The following fees and charges are imposed on your use of the Card and will be charged to the Card. Inactivity fee: $5.00 per month following 12 months of inactivity on card.
SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES
Safe deposit boxes are available for rent at all Gulf Credit Union locations. It’s an ideal way to keep important documents and valuables in a safe, secure location. Give us a call today 409.963.1191 or 800.448.5328 for details.
We appreciate your support and your votes!
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
BE IN CONTROL with Remote Control
Cards
Have you ever had a moment when you reached for your debit card and it was not there? No need to panic - remember, you are in control!
Go to the Gulf Credit Union App on your phone or log into Online Banking.
Go to the menu and select Remote Control Cards.
Turn your debit card off when you are not using it, and turn it back on when you are ready to use it again.
You have an additional tool to safeguard your Gulf Credit Union Debit Card from potential fraud and online thieves.
Set up auto payments from an account instead of a debit card, so if the card is compromised you will not need to change the information of the auto payment.
Keep in mind, if you have auto debits tied to the card and it is turned "off" the debit will not clear.
Commercial Lending Spotlight: Convenience
Factors
Did you know that you can email the Commercial Lending Team directly from our website?
Just look for the convenient “Contact Us” button on the Commercial Lending area on our website, and click to create a new email to be sent to the team.
Receive same day responses and answers to all your important questions, with just one click!
You can also find our application and personal financial statement on the website as well as a convenient checklist for you to get started, if you’re ready to apply. Contact us today!
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!
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
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
2024 HOLIDAYS
OCTOBER
Columbus Day Monday, October 14
DECEMBER
Johnny Lewallen, Chairman 2025
Robert Lovelace, Vice Chairman 2025
Logan Delcambre, Secretary/Treasurer 2027
Karen Brown 2026
Barry Gorman 2026
ADVISORY DIRECTOR:
Jason Howard 2025
Joshua Lege 2027
NOVEMBER
Christmas Tuesday, December 24 Wednesday, December 25
Veterans Day Monday, November 11
Thanksgiving Thursday, November 28 Friday, November 29 Saturday, November 30
NAME TERM ENDS
Dustin Marsh 2025
