By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
With the sun shining over the shoulders of officials with Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union and the city of Brewton, ground was broken for the new financial institution expected to be open later this year.
Chris Rutledge, president of Gulf Winds, addressed the crowd gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday.
Mayor Ted Jennings said he was excited about the now-started construction of the facility.
Rutledge said ground clearing will begin later this week with construction of the facility expected to be complete by late 2009.
Rutledge said the facility will feature six drive-up lanes as well as an ATM drive-up terminal. “We want to serve the community with the services they need,” Rutledge said.
Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union recently earned a five-star superior rating with the Bauer Financial, Inc. organization. The rating was based on the institution’s ability to provide financial strength and stability.
Construction for the facility will be completed by Level(5), a facilities development firm that works with financial institutions across the country.