One of the Gulf Coast’s larger member-owned financial institutions is getting a new identity. Gulf Winds Credit Union announced plans to operate under a new name and brand — TruWorth Credit Union — with the rebrand slated to take effect in spring 2027.
The name change arrives alongside bigger news: Gulf Winds and Madison County Community Bank (MCCB), headquartered in Madison, Florida, jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Gulf Winds will acquire MCCB. The proposed transaction was announced together with MCCB’s parent holding company, Madison Community Bancshares Corporation, also headquartered in Madison.
What the acquisition brings
Upon completion of the proposed transaction, Gulf Winds will add approximately $200 million in assets as well as MCCB’s two branches, located in Madison and Perry, Florida. That will bring the combined organization’s expected total asset size to more than $1.7 billion and expand its retail network to 15 locations across Florida and Alabama, serving more than 87,000 members.
Leadership: the values stay the same
Leadership officials said that throughout the transition, the values that define the institutions will remain the same, creating a stronger foundation for future growth, innovation and service.
“This new identity is about putting a name to what Gulf Winds and Madison County Community Bank have always believed: people come first,” said Daniel Souers, president and CEO of Gulf Winds. “As a full-service financial provider serving first-time savers, growing families, small business owners, and future retirees, TruWorth Credit Union will be dedicated to helping people move forward for generations to come.”
“Madison County Community Bank was founded on a simple belief: people deserve a bank they know and trust,” said D. Edward Meggs Sr., president and CEO of Madison County Community Bank. “That belief remains at the heart of this decision. TruWorth Credit Union will allow us to carry the best of Madison County Community Bank forward while combining our strengths with Gulf Winds’ strengths to create something even bigger for the future. This is not about leaving our history behind. It is about honoring it by building upon it.”
What happens next
The proposed transaction remains contingent on approval by Madison Community Bancshares Corporation shareholders, the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and the fulfillment of customary closing conditions. Final regulatory approval is expected in mid-2027, and the two organizations are expected to be fully integrated by the beginning of 2028.
Until the rebrand takes effect in spring 2027, Gulf Winds will continue operating under its current name. Members and prospective members can learn more at GoGulfWinds.com/growingforgood.