April 1, 2026
2026 is off to a fantastic start, with our teams building on last year’s innovation, service enhancements, and community impact. Guided by our NextGen philosophy, we are excited to carry this momentum forward and deliver greater value to you as a GECU member.
An important part of our NextGen philosophy is recognizing the broader economic environment and what it means for you. While most forecasts indicate steady but moderate growth for this year—supported in part by technology and infrastructure investment—many households may continue experiencing restrained spending. As always, we remain committed to providing you with the tools, guidance, and service you need to navigate the year ahead with financial confidence.
One way we are working to support you is by making your everyday banking more seamless and intuitive. As you may have seen, we recently made several updates to our Online Banking and mobile app, including navigation modifications and customization options. We have also integrated Violet, our virtual assistant, into our phone system for a smoother experience when you call. Instead of going through complicated phone menus, you can now simply ask your question and be connected right away—just like chatting with Violet on our other platforms.
Other enhancements this year include improved card controls and new tools designed to give you greater control and convenience in how you manage your accounts. At the same time, we are developing a new system that will help us better understand and support your financial needs through more personalized and seamless interactions. And last but not least on the technology front, a redesigned GECU website is currently in the works. Separate from Online Banking and our mobile app, our new website will offer a cleaner layout, easier navigation, and improved functionality. Stay tuned for more information soon.
This year will also see us begin to expand our physical footprint throughout the Tri-State. Following the opening of our Dent branch, I am excited to share that additional branch locations are in the early stages of planning. These new branches will allow more of our members to visit us in person, and I look forward to sharing updates as our plans progress.
Through our GECU Cares volunteer program and the dedicated efforts of our team members, giving back and connecting with others continue to be a central part of who we are. That same spirit of connection guides many of our broader community efforts, including our commitment to supporting education. This year, we introduced the Next Step Career Path Scholarship, designed for individuals pursuing trade-related programs, alongside our annual Robert A. Cunningham Memorial Scholarship. Look for our scholarship recipients in the next edition of Bright Horizons.
We also continue to invest in and engage with events that bring our community together. In February, we were proud to serve as the primary financial institution sponsor for the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show. This year, GECU will also be the presenting sponsor for the Cincinnati Zoo’s Zoo Babies and HallZOOween events, and for the fourth year in a row, we will join the Reds Opening Day Parade to cheer on our hometown team.
As we continue through the year, we look forward to strengthening your experiences and deepening our impact within the communities we serve. As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. It is an honor to serve you.
Sincerely,
Tim Ballinger
President and CEO
General Electric Credit Union is a full-service financial institution headquartered in Cincinnati with branches in Ohio and Kentucky.