December 4th, 2025114Pensacola, Florida – Gulf Winds Credit Union is proud to announce plans to soon break ground for a new headquarters on Nine Mile Road in Pensacola, Florida. This will mark a major milestone in the credit union’s continued growth and commitment to serving the community.
For more than 70 years, Gulf Winds has been dedicated to helping individuals, families, and local businesses succeed financially. The full-service financial institution has consistently focused on providing products, services, resources, and financial guidance that helps members achieve their goals with confidence and peace of mind.
This groundbreaking will be a...
December 4th, 2025010Pensacola, Florida – Gulf Winds Credit Union is proud to contribute a $10,000 gift to Council on Aging of West Florida to advance programs that help aging adults maintain healthy, independent lives. On Giving Tuesday, Gulf Winds presented the second half of the donation -- $5,000 -- as the final part of a month-long matching campaign.
For over 50 years, Council on Aging of West Florida has transformed the lives of aging adults in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Through vital programs like Meals on Wheels, The Retreat, and Senior Companion services, they ensure seniors have the resources to live a life that’s healthy, safe, and full...
December 3rd, 202519JACKSONVILLE, FL - VyStar Credit Union has been awarded two prestigious honors at the 2025 Credit Union Times Luminaries Awards, recognizing the organization’s outstanding achievements in both community impact and technology innovation. The Luminaries Awards shine a national spotlight on individuals and organizations transforming the credit union industry through innovation, leadership, and community impact.
VyStar Credit Union was honored with the Community Impact Luminary Award for its unwavering commitment to “Do Good” across Florida and Georgia. In 2024 alone, VyStar employees contributed over 40,000 volunteer hours and the...
December 3rd, 2025011County Clerk Victor Crist Honors USF CU With Outstanding Service Award
TAMPA, Fla. – A volunteer team from USF Credit Union (USF CU), using secure AI technology and rigorous human review, helped Hillsborough County uncover a surprise estimated $6 million in savings for taxpayers.
Earlier this year, Hillsborough County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Victor Crist requested assistance from USF CU to help evaluate the county’s banking service agreement. A team of ten USF CU employees used a secure AI platform to analyze more than 1,200 pages of documentation and produce a detailed 100-page review.
However, the credit union...
December 3rd, 202508PANAMA CITY, FL – Innovations Financial Credit Union announces the upcoming retirement of Chief Executive Officer David Southall, effective December 31, 2025. His retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished 39-year career in the credit union industry and more than three decades of service to Innovations and its members.
Southall began his career in 1987 with NCSC Federal Credit Union—now Innovations Financial Credit Union—starting as a teller and rising through roles including Senior Teller, Assistant Branch Manager, Branch Manager, and Vice President of Lending. From 2000 to 2004, he served as an Account Relationship Manager...
December 3rd, 202509Pensacola, Florida – Gulf Winds Credit Union recently donated $20,000 to Manna and presented the check at their annual Fill the Mayflower event, one of the community’s most impactful annual food-drive events. This year’s donation helps strengthen Manna’s ability to deliver consistent, sustainable hunger relief, supporting programs that ensure children, families, and seniors have dependable access to nutritious food year-round.
“Every county in the U.S. faces food insecurity, and it is our mission to create lasting, local impact,” said Daniel Souers, President and CEO of Gulf Winds Credit Union. “By supporting Manna,...
December 3rd, 202508VyStar recognized nationally for empowering members with practical tools to take control of their financial future.
JACKSONVILLE, FL — VyStar Credit Union’s commitment to helping members build financial confidence and reduce financial stress has earned national recognition. The 2025 Ragan Zenith Awards honored the VyStar Savings Challenge with the top award in Content Marketing for its impact in helping individuals and families create durable saving habits during a year marked by rising costs and economic uncertainty.
Through actionable steps, practical tips, and personalized guidance, the 90-day Savings Challenge helped more than...
November 21st, 20250182026 East Central Florida Diamond Award Recognizes Program’s Impact on Homeless and Low-Income Students
LAKE MARY, Fla. – The Addition Financial Foundation has earned the 2026 Executive Award of Regional Significance, a top honor in the East Central Florida Diamond Awards, for the transformational impact of its Renovate to Educate program. The Diamond Awards, established by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council (ECFRPC), celebrate outstanding projects that exemplify regional collaboration, innovation, and long-term benefit across an eight-county region.
Renovate to Educate, originally launched as a classroom makeover...
November 21st, 202508JACKSONVILLE, FL — VyStar Credit Union launches its “When in Doubt, Just Reach Out.” fraud-prevention campaign during International Fraud Awareness Week. This member-focused initiative strengthens VyStar’s partnership with members by giving them easy to use tools, and clear guidance to identify fraud and find help when something feels suspicious.
The message is simple, direct and action-oriented. If something doesn’t feel right whether it’s a phone call, text message, email, online seller or payment request, members should question the situation and protect themselves by reaching out.
“At VyStar, fraud prevention is...