Winter Newsletter 2026

Anniversary Message from the President

Ninety years ago, two visionary principals came together with a simple but profound idea: a financial institution built not just to conduct business, but to serve. What began as a modest operation with a mission of helping people build more secure futures has grown into the organization we are today, a trusted partner to individuals, families, and businesses across our community.

While much has changed over the decades, the heart of our institution has not. We have always believed that people come first, in every decision we make, every product we design, and every relationship we build. Our success has never been measured solely in numbers, but in the impact we create, helping our neighbors achieve milestones, supporting local growth, and showing up when our community needs us most.

I’m incredibly proud of the culture we continue to cultivate that is grounded in service, integrity, and responsibility. These values are lived every day by our team. It takes intentional effort, constant learning, and a shared commitment to ensure that the spirit our founders instilled remains alive throughout our entire organization.

As we celebrate 90 years, we honor our humble beginnings, we recognize the dedication of those who came before us, and we look ahead with optimism and purpose. Thank you to our members, team members, volunteers, partners, and community members who have helped shape our story. Together, we will continue to build a future where people always come first and where our impact extends far beyond the walls of our institution.

With gratitude,
Roy Bibb, President & CEO

 

Make This the Year You Move Into Your Dream Home

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, or refinancing, we can help you achieve your dream of home ownership with a competitive mortgage!

  • Competitive Rates and Flexible Terms
  • FHA, VA, USDA, and Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loans
  • Zero Down Payment Loans
  • Guidance from Qualified Mortgage Loan Representatives
  • Pre-Approval Options

Take the stress out of home financing and start the year with confidence.

Apply for your mortgage today at www.ourmortgageteam.org and make this the year you move into your dream home!

*All loans are subject to credit approval. All credit union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to credit approval and may change at any time without notice.

MidSouth Community FCU: NMLS #402169 | Our Mortgage Team: NMLS #645585
 

New Year, New Website!

We’re excited to share that our brand-new website is coming soon! Designed with a fresh look, easier navigation, and helpful resources, it will make staying connected and finding what you need simpler than ever.

Stay tuned – more details and launch date are coming soon!

 

Get a Head Start on the Next Holiday Season!

The next holiday season may feel far away, but saving for it early can make all the difference. With a Holiday Club account, you can save a little each month now and have a lump sum ready when the gift-giving season arrives.

Stop by the branch today to get a head start on the next season!

 

Save the Date – Annual Meeting

Mark your calendar! Our Annual Meeting and Board Election is coming soon, and all members are invited to attend.

Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Location: Harry Trawick Operations Center, 148 Steven Drive, Macon
Registration begins: 3:30 pm
Business Meeting begins: 4:00 pm

Join us for important credit union updates, the election of your Board of Directors, and a look at what’s ahead for 2026.

Special Notice to Members (BOD Elections)

The Board Nominating Committee of MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union would like to present the following slate of nominees to serve a three-year term as Directors of MidSouth Community FCU:

Jerri Hall
Brannon Hicks
Roy Bibb

All have been contacted and have agreed to serve.

Board Nominating Committee:

Jeanette Lamar
Dominique Nichols
Harry Trawick

Nominations may be made by petitions submitted by members. Members who desire to name a nominee, or nominees, for a vacancy should prepare and submit a petition in accordance with the following procedures:

  • Petition must be signed by 435 current members of MidSouth Community FCU.
  • Petition must be accompanied by a completed Volunteer Application as indication that the person agrees to nomination and will serve if elected to office.
  • The nominee must state his/her willingness to attend Board meetings and devote such time as is needed to fulfill this obligation.
  • Petition must be filed with the Board Secretary of MidSouth Community FCU by February 20, 2026. Petitions may be mailed to the following address:
    MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union
    ATTN: Board Nominating Committee
    4810 Mercer University Drive
    Macon, GA 31210
  • Only members 18 years of age or older can be nominated for the Board and are eligible to vote.

The election of the Board of Directors will take place at our Annual Meeting on March 25, 2026.

Save the date and make plans to attend – we look forward to seeing you there!

 

Apply Now – 2026 Scholarships Available!

We’re proud to support the educational goals of our members and their families. The 2026 Tom Bentley Scholarship Program is now open, offering financial assistance for students pursuing college, trade school, or continuing education.

Why apply?

  • Scholarships can help cover tuition, books, and school expenses
  • Open to eligible credit union members or their dependents
  • Simple application process

Invest in your future with the support of your credit union.

NEW THIS YEAR! We’ve adjusted the award amount and payout process.

  • Graduating High School Senior Scholarship: Two scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded
  • Continuing Education Scholarship: One scholarship of $2,000 will be awarded
  • All scholarship recipients will receive their full award amount as a one-time lump-sum payment.

All completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026.

Apply online and take one step closer to achieving your educational goals!

 

Discounted Tax Services

As a MidSouth Community FCU member, you can save big with exclusive discounts on tax prep – plus, save even more with early-season pricing when you file by February 28th. Take a few minutes now to lock in your discount, right from your phone.

And as a credit union member, you can enter for a chance to win $10,000 from Love My Credit Union Rewards.

TURBOTAX

  • SAVE 20% for new and returning TurboTax users
  • Online tax prep, with expert help if you need it
  • Click below to log in or sign up to lock in your member discount

H&R BLOCK

  • New customers SAVE $25 and returning customers SAVE $10
  • File in-person, drop off, or virtually at your local office
  • Click below to get your code and present it to your tax pro to lock in your discount

Visit our partner website to get started TODAY!

 

Share the Benefits: Invite Your Family to Join!

One of the greatest advantages of being a credit union member? Your family members can join too! As a member, you can extend many of the same financial products and services to your loved ones — helping them enjoy lower rates, personalized service, and member-first banking.

Upon joining, your family members can enjoy:

  • Lifetime Membership in the Credit Union
  • Access to Lower Loan Rates, Higher Dividends, and Fewer Fees
  • Financial Education Tips and Resources, and More!

Start 2026 by giving your family the gift of smart financial tools. Encourage them to join our credit union family today! Learn more at www.midsouthfcu.org.

 

Harry Trawick Operations Center

MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the dedication of its new Harry Trawick Operations Center, named in honor of Mr. Harry Trawick, who has served with distinction on the organization’s Board of Directors for over 50 years. Mr. Trawick’s decades of unwavering commitment and visionary leadership have been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission and impact. Naming the new facility after him is a tribute to his extraordinary legacy and a symbol of gratitude for his lifetime of service.

“This building stands not only as a center for our operations but as a testament to the dedication and values that Mr. Trawick has exemplified throughout his many years of service,” said Roy Bibb, MidSouth Community FCU President/CEO. “His impact on our organization and the community is immeasurable.”

The Harry Trawick Operations Center houses key support departments – including the credit union’s Member Contact Center, Human Resources, Training & Development, Risk Management, Marketing, and Executive Offices – enhancing the organization’s ability to operate efficiently and serve its membership more effectively.

 

Backpack Ministry

Our team members had the privilege of volunteering with the Backpack Buddies Ministry numerous times throughout 2025. This incredible organization ensures that children who may face limited access to nutritious food on weekends and holidays receive child-friendly, supplemental meals. By helping prepare snack bags, we are supporting a mission that allows students to return to school nourished, focused, and ready to learn. We’re truly honored to partner with an initiative that makes such a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of children in our community.

 

Read for the Record

Our team members had a blast visiting local schools in Bibb and Houston Counties for the annual Read for the Record event.


 

Johnny Appleseed Winner

Join us in congratulating 11-year-old London Torrence, our quarterly Johnny Appleseed Birthday Winner! London was awarded a $50 deposit into her Johnny Appleseed account. Way to go!

 

Tax Season Prep Starts Now — Get Organized Early for a Smoother Filing

Tax season may not officially begin for a few more weeks, but the best time to prepare is right now. Getting ahead early can help you file faster, reduce stress, and even uncover opportunities to lower your 2025 tax bill before the deadline.

Start by gathering key documents now, so nothing is missed when it’s time to file:

  • W-2s and 1099s (Employment, Investment Income, Freelance Work)
  • Mortgage Interest or Student Loan Interest Statements
  • Charitable Donation Receipts
  • Child Care, Tuition, and Education Expense Records
  • Retirement or HSA Contribution Statements

You may also still have time to make tax-advantaged moves before you file — such as contributing to an IRA or Health Savings Account (HSA), both of which could reduce your taxable income.

If you’re expecting a refund, filing early may help you receive it faster — and it also lowers your risk of tax-related identity theft.

Our credit union offers savings options like IRAs and certificates that can help you make smart, tax-advantaged decisions before it’s too late. If you’d like help getting prepared, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

 

Stay Alert: Latest Financial Scams & How to Protect Yourself

Fraudsters are getting smarter — and scams are becoming harder to spot. From fake text alerts to social media impersonations, it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant.

Common scams we’re seeing right now:

  • Fake account alerts claiming your card is locked or needs verification
  • Phishing emails or texts that look like they’re from trusted companies
  • Scammers posing as family or friends asking for emergency money
  • “Too good to be true” investment or loan offers

How to protect yourself:

  • Never click links from unexpected emails or texts.
  • Verify requests for money — even if they seem urgent.
  • Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
  • Monitor your accounts regularly using online or mobile banking.

Remember – We will never ask you to provide personal information like your password or account number, click on suspicious links, or send money via gift cards or Zelle to resolve a problem. Instead, if you receive an unexpected or suspicious message, call us before you respond!

 

Holiday Closings

New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026

Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 16, 2026