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

Everyone enjoyed refreshments including hot dogs, ice cream and lemonade, and a variety of music played by a disc jockey at the event. Those over age 18 were invited to enter a drawing for a 20-inch television set, a $500 share certificate and restaurant gift certificates.

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

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

GTE FCU headquarters and other branch staffers also participated in the event, handing out giveaway items, providing brochures and fact sheets about GTE FCU's products and services, and answering questions.

The branch, which has a staff of five, is strategically located near the Meadowbrook residential community and is at the entrance to a brand-new

shopping plaza.

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