TAMPA, Fla. — GTE Federal Credit Union's New Tampa branch becamethe destination for some 500 members and guests during its grandopening festivities.

Everyone enjoyed refreshments including hot dogs, ice cream andlemonade, and a variety of music played by a disc jockey at theevent. Those over age 18 were invited to enter a drawing for a20-inch television set, a $500 share certificate and restaurantgift certificates.

For the children, there were goody bags, an inflatable jumphouse and an inflatable slide, which proved extremely popular.

New members took advantage of the $50 new member referralprogram, as well as the Free Checking offer, in which $25 isdeposited into a member's new Free Checking account.

GTE FCU headquarters and other branch staffers also participatedin the event, handing out giveaway items, providing brochures andfact sheets about GTE FCU's products and services, and answeringquestions.

The branch, which has a staff of five, is strategically locatednear the Meadowbrook residential community and is at the entranceto a brand-new

shopping plaza.

GTE FCU relocations and expansions in 2007 include downtownTampa in January; and Bradenton, Fla., and Portland, Maine, inMarch. A new branch is scheduled to open in North Lakeland by theend of the year.