T he 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is underway and expected to bring “above-normal activity,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Forecasters with the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center are calling for a busy season with as many as 19 named storms, six of which could become major hurricanes. A major hurricane is categorized as a Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. For reference, an average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, with half becoming hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. The combination of several climate factors are driving the prediction for above-normal activity in the Atlantic this year. Warmer-than-normal water temperatures are anticipated to provide more fuel for tropical cyclone formation and intensification. They are also associated with a more unstable atmosphere and moister air, both of which contribute to organized thunderstorm activity that is necessary for hurricane development. In addition, El Niño tends to increase upper-level winds across the Caribbean into the tropical Atlantic, breaking apart hurricanes as they try to form. This pattern is not currently trending for the peak of hurricane season.
Germania turns votes into hope for childhood cancer research The final numbers are in, and Germania ended its 2020 board of directors election with 19,464 ballots cast – more than 5,000 votes than last year! Germania welcomes back to the board the following individuals who were elected for a three-year term: • K. Don McAfee (Mabank) • C. H. Herring, Jr. (Breckenridge) • Ralph A. Beadle (Lubbock) • Dwayne W. Herring (Amarillo) • Russell C. Janecka (Victoria) Earlier this year, Germania President and CEO Paul Ehlert committed Germania to donating $1 to St. Baldrick’s Foundation for every member who voted in this year ’s election. The participation was outstanding, and we are excited to give $20,000 in support of childhood cancer research! The Enterprise Holdings Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Enterprise Holdings, operator of Germania’s Enterprise Rent-A-Car fleet – has also committed $1,500 to St. Baldrick’s Foundation. You can learn more about St. Baldrick’s Foundation and its mission at www.stbaldricks.org/. GCU ranked third- fastest growing credit union in 2019 The Cornerstone Credit Union League has ranked Germania Credit Union (GCU) as the third-fastest growing credit union for credit unions under $50 million in assets in 2019. Each year, the Cornerstone Credit Union League releases economic data for more than 550 of its member credits unions located in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. In 2019, GCU ranked third in both loan and asset growth, increasing by 61.49% and 45.58%, respectively, over a 12-month period. “Consistently assisting our members achieve financial success is the core of GCU’s mission,” GCU President Nick Tonelli said. “It’s an honor to receive recognition for the accomplishments we have achieved in 2019, and we look forward to having another successful year of serving our members.” Opened in 1986, GCU is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides banking services, including loans, deposit accounts, and electronic services, to its more than 2,400 members. Current Germania policyholders are eligible to join GCU. For more information, visit germaniacreditunion.com or call 979-830-7523.
Although predictions are based on sophisticated statistical models using many years of historical data, keep in mind they are a guide and can change at any time. A single season can produce many storms that have little impact, or generate only a few storms with one or more hitting the U.S. coast with major impact. As the country begins to stabilize following the coronavirus pandemic, it remains critically important to make necessary preparations for the hurricane season. Keep in mind, you may need to adjust any preparedness actions based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and your local officials. “Germania stands ready to assist our policyholders, regardless of what the season brings,” said Jeremy Hardwick, catastrophe team manager. “We are sustaining business throughout this pandemic, and we will continue to do so to help our customers in their time of need.” Keep track of the 2020 hurricane season and make necessary preparations to keep you and your family safe by visiting https://www.weather.gov/wrn/ hurricane-preparedness.
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