Gesa Credit Union Launches W.F. West and Centralia High School Affinity Debit Cards, Hosting Community Open House on June 18

RICHLAND, WASH. (June 11, 2026) ‒ Gesa, a leading credit union in Washington dedicated to driving meaningful change in the communities it serves, is proud to announce the launch of the new W.F. West and Centralia High School Affinity Debit Cards, now available to Gesa members in Southwest Washington.

To celebrate, Gesa will host a Community Open House on Thursday, June 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at its newly remodeled Louisiana Avenue / Airport branch (1431 NW Louisiana Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532), bringing the community together to recognize two new high school partnerships and introduce a scholarship fund that turns everyday spending into an opportunity for students.

The Affinity Debit Card Program is one of Gesa’s signature community investments and is unique in that each time a member uses a co-branded card, a portion of the transaction fees is directed to the partnering school at no additional cost to the cardholder or the school. Since 2015, Gesa’s affinity debit cards have delivered more than $1.8 million to school districts across Washington, with partner schools using the funds to support academic programs, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The cards are free to current Gesa members with a checking account, and anyone in the community who lives or works in Washington can join Gesa to participate.

“Southwest Washington is a meaningful part of Gesa’s story,” said Bill Williams, VP of Branches at Gesa Credit Union. “These new cards give Chehalis and Centralia community members a simple, cost-free way to invest in their local schools every time they spend. That’s what being a trusted lifelong financial partner looks like.”

The Community Open House marks the completion of a full remodel of the Louisiana Avenue / Airport branch and serves as the launch event for both new affinity cards. Community members are invited to stop by for complimentary treats from local vendors, Gesa giveaways, and co-branded school swag. Members who select a W.F. West or Centralia High School Affinity Debit Card will receive a special gift while supplies last. A formal check presentation and special announcement will take place from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

“We believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities,” said Brandon Allison, Gesa VP of Community Impact. “Launching these cards alongside the Community Open House is a commitment to Chehalis and Centralia students and the people who root for them every day. When our members swipe their cards, they’re funding opportunities for local students.”

“We are grateful for Gesa Credit Union’s partnership and continued investment in our students, schools, and community,” said Don Bunker, W.F. West High School Career and Technical Education Director. “Preparing students for the journey ahead means helping every student discover their strengths, pursue meaningful opportunities, and build a successful future beyond high school. Through our shared commitment and the support of the GESA Affinity Debit Card program, we are able to strengthen opportunities for students while advancing our ‘75 by 35’ goal of ensuring more graduates earn postsecondary credentials by the Class of 2035. We truly appreciate Gesa’s belief in our students and their commitment to supporting the future of our community.” 

“The Centralia School District is thrilled to partner with Gesa Credit Union on the Affinity Card program that gives families, alumni, staff, and community members a free and meaningful way to show their Tiger pride while directly supporting students and student programs,“ said Superintendent Lisa Grant. “Each card purchases invests in our students and enriches their learning experience. We are grateful to Gesa Credit Union for their partnership and support of our students and our schools.“

The W.F. West and Centralia High School Affinity Debit Cards are available now. Members can choose their card at any Gesa branch, online at gesa.com, or by calling (888) 946-4372. The Community Open House on June 18 is open to all community members, with no RSVP required.

Gesa in the News

Support local heroes: apply for Gesa’s 2026 grant program

Local Heroes Grant Program has provided more than $2.2 million in grants

Gesa Credit Union Awards $150,000 in Scholarships to nearly 70 Students Across the Pacific Northwest

This year, the program awarded $150,000 in scholarships to 69 students across the Pacific Northwest.

Gesa Credit Union to Sponsor the Stage at Chehalis’ First-Ever Fourth of July Celebration

Community members invited to nominate local heroes for recognition during the event

Gesa Credit Union Members Help Plant More Than 97,000 Trees Across the Pacific Northwest in 2025 Through the Forevergreen Affinity Card

Program surpasses 200,000 trees planted since its launch in 2023

Let’s get in touch

Have questions or inquiries about our involvement in local  communities across Washington state?

Notes & Fees Glossary

Search for disclosures

	Disclaimer
SmartPlus Checking	[APY] Minimum opening balance of $25 required if the account is opened online. In order to earn APY and receive unlimited domestic ATM fee refunds, you must meet the following requirements during each monthly qualifying period: provide and maintain valid email address, apply for and use your Visa debit card to make 15 debit card transactions that post and settle to your account, have at least one direct deposit of $200 or more post to your account, and enroll to receive eStatements. If the requirements are not met during the monthly qualifying period, the “non-qualifying” 0.01% APY will apply to the entire balance. Dividends on a SmartPlus Checking account will be compounded and credited to a member’s account each month. Dividends are calculated using the daily balance method. Qualifying account balances must meet minimum requirements. Rate may change after the account is opened. The qualifying period begins with the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time. ATM fees of $4.99 or less will be reimbursed up to a maximum of $4.99 per individual transaction. No monthly fees and no minimum balance required to open or maintain account unless opened online. Fees could reduce earnings on the account. Limit of one SmartPlus Checking account per member. APY is accurate as of , the last dividend declaration date.	A7KD4W9LQXZT
Smart Checking	*There is a minimum opening balance requirement of $25.00 if the account is opened online. Regular users of Gesa’s electronic services may want to consider SmartPlus Checking for additional benefits. [Courtesy Pay]	M3VY82CNRLKP
Student Checking	[APY] Dividends on Student Checking Accounts are calculated using the daily balance method and will be credited to the member’s account every month. Rate may change after the account is opened. If you close your account before dividends are paid, you will not receive the accrued dividends. The minimum balance to open an account is $5.00, the par value of a share. Courtesy Pay is not offered on Student Checking Accounts. Only electronic transactions such as debit card or ACH transactions are permitted. Fees could reduce earnings on the accounts.	JXZ7V5MWLQ92
Smartplus Savings	[APY] In order to earn a high dividend rate, you must meet the following requirements during the qualifying monthly period: a) provide and maintain a valid email address; and b) be enrolled to receive e-statements. If the requirements are not met during the monthly qualifying period, the “non-qualifying” 0.01% APY would apply to the entire balance. Dividends on an SmartPlus Savings Account will be compounded and credited to a member’s account each month. Dividends are calculated using the daily balance method. Qualifying account balances must meet minimum requirements. Rate may change after the account is opened. The qualifying period begins with the first day of the calendar month and ends on the last day of the calendar month at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time. No monthly fees and no minimum balance required to maintain account. Minimum opening deposit of $5. Fees could reduce earnings. Limited to one SmartPlus Savings account per member.	P9T6QF2XJBLC
Smart Savings	[APY] Dividends on Smart Savings are calculated using the daily balance method and are paid monthly. Rate may change after the account is opened. No monthly fees and no minimum balance required to maintain account. Minimum opening deposit of $5. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.	Y4MKZ3WVTPQ8
High-Yield Savings	[APY] Dividends on the High Yield Savings account are calculated using the daily balance method and are paid monthly. No monthly fees and no minimum balance required to maintain account. Minimum opening deposit of $5. Fees could reduce earnings.	NDLXQ98R5VTE
Money Market	[APY] Dividends for the Money Market Account are calculated using the daily balance method which applies a daily periodic rate to the balance in the account each day. You must maintain a minimum daily balance of $2,500.00 in your account each day to obtain the disclosed annual percentage yield. The minimum balance required to open this account is $2,500.00. There is a minimum average daily balance of $2,500.00 required to avoid a service fee for the calendar month. If the minimum average daily balance requirement is not met, you will be charged a service fee as stated in the Consumer Fee Schedule. New rates are set on the first of each month; rate may change after the account is opened. Fees could reduce earnings on the account.	GQ37ZVKY1WLM
Fixed Certificate	[APY] A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. The minimum balance to open the certificate is stated in the chart. Early withdrawal penalties apply (a penalty may be imposed for withdrawals before maturity): If your account has an original maturity (term) of less than 12-months: The penalty will equal 90 days interest on the amount withdrawn subject to penalty. If your account has an original maturity (term) of 12-months or more – up to, but less than 36-months: The penalty will equal 180 days interest on the amount withdrawn subject to penalty. If your account has an original maturity of 36-months or more – up to, but less than 48-months: The penalty will equal 365 days interest on the amount withdrawn subject to penalty. If your account has an original maturity of 48-months or greater: The penalty will equal 540 days interest on the amount withdrawn subject to penalty. In certain circumstances such as the death or incompetence of an owner of this account, the law permits, or in some cases requires, the waiver of the early withdrawal penalty. For any account which earns an interest rate that may vary during the term such as a bump certificate, the interest rate we will use to calculate this early withdrawal penalty will be the interest rate in effect at the time of the withdrawal. You may make withdrawals of principal from your account before maturity. In making such withdrawals, your balance may not fall below the minimum or we will close your account. Principal withdrawn before maturity is included in the amount subject to early withdrawal penalty. You can withdraw interest only on the crediting dates without penalty. A $500 minimum deposit is required for consumer, IRA, and business certiﬁcates. Early withdrawal penalties may apply and may reduce earnings. Certiﬁcate rate is for a limited time only and could end at any time. Stated rate as of the first day of the month.	H85PLKJXZ2QM
Bump Certificate	[APY] A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. The minimum balance to open the certificate is stated in the chart. The Certificate owner must contact Gesa Credit Union to request the one-time rate increase on Bump Certificate accounts. The rate on the Bump Certificate will be changed on the following business day of the date Gesa Credit Union receives the request. The bump option can only be exercised once during the term of the Certificate and does not increase the term of the certificate. The new interest will not be applied retroactively. The new interest rate will be the interest rate we are then offering on regular certificates (non- bump rate certificates) that have the same term and minimum balance. Bump Certificates are only available for consumer and IRA Certificates. Early withdrawal penalties will apply. Minimum deposit balance must be maintained to earn APY and fees may reduce earnings on the account. Special offer for a limited time only.	RXNQ72MLYV9C

Gesa Credit Union Launches W.F. West and Centralia High School Affinity Debit Cards, Hosting Community Open House on June 18

Gesa in the News

Support local heroes: apply for Gesa’s 2026 grant program

Gesa Credit Union Awards $150,000 in Scholarships to nearly 70 Students Across the Pacific Northwest

Gesa Credit Union to Sponsor the Stage at Chehalis’ First-Ever Fourth of July Celebration

Gesa Credit Union Members Help Plant More Than 97,000 Trees Across the Pacific Northwest in 2025 Through the Forevergreen Affinity Card

Gesa CIO Andrew Chung Wins 2026 ORBIE Award

Gesa Credit Union Opens First Full-Service Branch in Vancouver, Washington

Gesa Credit Union Partners with Everett AquaSox to Honor Military Heroes and Celebrate Baseball in the Pacific Northwest

Gesa Partners with Wenatchee Valley’s Super Oval

Gesa Names Holden Bistline VP of Internal Audit

Gesa Credit Union Strengthens Centralia Financial Education Network Through Partnership-Driven Workshop Series

Let’s get in touch

Getting started is easy!

Already a member?

Notes & Fees Glossary

* * * * *