LUBBOCK, Texas — GECU, one of the largest locally owned federal credit unions in Texas and New Mexico, celebrated the grand opening of its first Lubbock branch.
The GECU Neighborhood Branch at Canyon West, 5035 Milwaukee Ave., marks GECU’s continued expansion across Texas and deepens its commitment to bringing the people helping people philosophy to new communities.
GECU celebrated the opening with $32,000 in donations to eight local nonprofits and a Purple Heart Business designation honoring Veterans and military families, reflecting the credit union’s commitment to the communities it serves.
The grand opening featured a morning ribbon-cutting ceremony with GECU staff, Lubbock city officials, and community partners, followed by an evening community celebration. Texas Tech University’s mascot and cheer team were on hand for an evening of activities, refreshments, giveaways, and raffle drawings.
“We are honored to become part of the Lubbock community. Opening our doors here represents our long-term commitment to building relationships and growing alongside the people who live and work in Hub City,” said Alex Rascón, president and CEO of GECU. “The response to our Community Vote for Impact initiative reflects the strong spirit of this community. Supporting the communities we serve has always been at the heart of what we do, and this initiative is one way we demonstrate our commitment to giving back, strengthening local families, and creating opportunities that help communities thrive.”
Highlights of the celebrations included:
- Check presentations to the winners of GECU’s inaugural Community Vote for Impact initiative, an effort that invited the Lubbock community to vote for the local organizations making the greatest difference in their neighborhoods. GECU and the GECU Foundation presented $32,000 in donations to eight Lubbock nonprofits, with the two community-selected winners each receiving $10,000:
o Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Center, which has spent more than 60 years empowering children and families in Lubbock through education, mentorship, and opportunity
o Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Southwest, which provides a home away from home for families of critically ill children receiving treatment nearby
o Also receiving donations as part of the initiative were Family Promise of Lubbock, Lubbock Area United Way, Lubbock Habitat for Humanity, Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 900, South Plains Food Bank, and The Salvation Army of Lubbock, each awarded $2,000 in recognition of their contributions to the Lubbock community.
- A Purple Heart Business designation presented by representatives of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 900, honoring GECU’s commitment to active-duty service members, Veterans, their families and caregivers. The recognition carries particular meaning in Lubbock, a city with one of the proudest military legacies in West Texas.
A Branch Built for the Lubbock Community
The GECU Neighborhood Branch at Canyon West is designed with members’ everyday financial needs in mind, including:
· New account openings and one-on-one guidance from GECU financial experts
· Home, auto and commercial loan services
· Three drive-up lanes with Personal Teller services and 24/7 ATM access
· Availability of free financial education and coaching
The branch also features a custom mural created by a member of the GECU team, bringing together the icons that define Lubbock: the Masked Rider and Galaxy Stadium to Buddy Holly and the West Texas skyline. It reflects the credit union’s commitment to being a genuine part of the community it serves.
