Local not-for-profit credit union GTE Financial is proud to announce they won Philanthropist of the Year in the Corporate Business Larger Category (500+ employees) at Tampa Bay Business and Wealth's 2023 Philanthropists of the Year Awards. This award honors those who lead the way in Tampa Bay through philanthropic devotion.

"We are proud to accept this award as our charitable efforts infuse our work with deeper meaning and purpose, thus fueling our employees and the success of our organization,” said Brian Best, President and CEO of GTE Financial. "Our commitment to the Tampa Bay community and giving back is felt, cherished, and protected at all levels of our credit union.”

GTE has been recognized as a finalist since the award's inception three years ago. This is the second year the credit union has been selected as a winner in their category. Winners of this award are leaders who continually set the bar for excellence in community leadership and represent the change-makers the business community aspires to be.

Presenting sponsors for the event included the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, Duke Energy, LMCU, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa, Valspar Championship, Copperheads, and the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Valspar Championship and Copperheads donated $10,000 to the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay. In addition, the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast and Tampa Bay received the evening's silent auction proceeds.