Press Release provided to NacNewsNow.com by Anna Middlebrook – Executive Vice President – Doches Credit Union
East Texas credit union marks milestone with community birthday celebration on Friday, November 6
Nacogdoches, TX – Doches Credit Union is celebrating 75 years of serving East Texas, marking a milestone which reflects generations of member trust, community partnerships, and a commitment to doing business differently.
Chartered on November 7, 1951, Doches Credit Union began by serving employees of Southwestern Bell and the Lufkin Conroe Telephone Exchange. What started as a financial cooperative for a group of local employees has grown into a community-focused credit union serving members and families across East Texas.
While banks and credit unions offer many of the same financial services, there is a fundamental difference in how they operate. Banks are generally owned by investors or shareholders, while credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives owned by their members. Rather than operating to generate profits for outside shareholders, credit unions return value to their membership through competitive rates, affordable services, and a focus on their members’ financial well-being.
For Doches Credit Union, that difference is both a responsibility and a privilege.
“Seventy-five years is an incredible milestone, but what makes it meaningful is the people behind those years,” said Cody Derouen, President and CEO of Doches Credit Union. “As a credit union, we have the privilege of operating differently. Our members aren’t just customers; they’re owners. That means our decisions are guided by what’s best for the people we serve, not by the expectations of outside shareholders. We’re proud to offer competitive financial products, but what matters most is the opportunity to build relationships, help families reach their goals, and make a lasting difference in our communities. That’s what people helping people has meant to us for 75 years.”
Throughout its 75-year history, Doches Credit Union’s dedicated employees have been at the heart of its success, building lasting relationships with members through personalized service and genuine care for helping them achieve their financial goals. That cooperative philosophy also extends to the Credit Union’s leadership. Doches Credit Union is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors whose members provide oversight and guidance in the best interests of the membership.
Freddie Gibson, Chairman of the Board, has served as a volunteer director since 1996. He originally became a member of Doches Credit Union through his career at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital and has witnessed firsthand the Credit Union’s growth and continued commitment to its members.
“When I became a member through my work at Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital, I saw the value of having a financial institution that truly puts its account holders first,” said Gibson. “I’ve served on the Board for 30 years, and one of the things I’m most proud of is that our mission has never changed. Our directors volunteer their time because we believe in what this Credit Union represents. We’re here to serve our members and help ensure that Doches Credit Union remains a trusted financial partner for generations to come.”
The Community is Invited to Celebrate
To thank the members and communities who have made 75 years possible, Doches Credit Union will host a 75th Birthday Celebration on Friday, November 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at all four member-service branches:
- Main Branch — 920 NW Stallings Dr, Nacogdoches
- University Branch — 823 S University Dr, Nacogdoches
- Center Branch — 792 Hurst St, Center
- Hemphill Branch — 498 Worth St, Hemphill
Community members are invited to stop by for birthday treats, party favors, giveaways, and an opportunity to celebrate with the credit union’s employees. The celebration also includes special anniversary savings and vehicle loan promotions, member appreciation activities, and opportunities to reflect on the Credit Union’s history throughout November.
The 75th anniversary theme, “Rooted in East Texas. Growing Together.”, recognizes both the Credit Union’s history and its commitment to the future.
“Our story has always been about more than banking,” added Derouen. “It’s about being part of the communities we serve. We’re grateful for the generations of members who have trusted us, and we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with the people who made it possible.”
For more information about Doches Credit Union’s 75th anniversary celebration, special offers, and upcoming activities, visit 75 Years! | Doches Credit Union | Nacogdoches, Hemphill, Center – TX.
About Doches Credit Union
Founded November 7, 1951, Doches Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving East Texas. With branches in Nacogdoches, Center, and Hemphill, the Credit Union provides savings, lending, and other financial services guided by the cooperative philosophy of people helping people.
75 Years of People Helping People. Rooted in East Texas. Growing Together.
