WALLA WALLA, WA -- (Marketwire) -- 12/10/12 -- The Power House Theatre and Gesa Credit Union have jointly announced today they have entered into an 11-year, $1 million naming rights agreement. The Power House Theatre will now be referred to as the Gesa Power House Theatre.

The first production to be performed at the newly-named Gesa Power House Theatre will be It's A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play opening December 14th. Performances run through December 23rd.

The agreement gives Gesa the exclusive naming rights to the theater, including Gesa Power House Theatre signage to be installed on the building following installation of a new roof, which, along with many other elements of the theater's on-going extensive remodeling project, will be funded in large part through Gesa's financial commitment.

"Gesa Credit Union is excited to partner with the Power House Theatre to strengthen and grow professional theatre performances for audiences in Southeastern Washington," said Christina Lethlean, Gesa Credit Union President and CEO. "Supporting a vibrant performing arts organization, such as the Power House Theatre, aligns with our credit union's core values. We look forward to developing this partnership and deepening our relationships within the community of Walla Walla."

Of Gesa's total $1 million commitment, $250,000 is to be used at fundraising events benefiting the theater or specific capital campaigns designed to enhance the theater's facilities as an incentive for future donors to have their contribution dollars matched.

Since the Power House Theatre's debut in 2011, management has brought only the highest quality, professionally produced shows to the stage, drawing patrons from around the state, bolstering tourism in the Walla Walla Valley, as well as attracting a loyal audience of local patrons. With each season the Theatre has expanded its audience and now, with the support of Gesa, it remains certain that the Gesa Power House Theatre will continue to succeed at attracting high-quality talent and cultural events to Eastern Washington.

Harry Hosey, the Managing Director of Power House Theatre, LLC, said, "The additional funds to be raised through the donation matching will assist the Gesa Power House Theatre in adding a new elevator to the north side of the building, restoring the original woodwork around the windows, adding HVAC equipment, adding technical infrastructure above the stage, while also providing for future operational growth."

About Gesa Credit Union

Gesa Credit Union has served Washington State's Tri-Cities community since 1953, and is one of the state's largest credit unions with $1.2 billion in assets and 111,000 members at September 30, 2012. Gesa is a full service financial institution that offers a complete array of consumer, mortgage and business products and services. Headquartered in Richland, Washington, Gesa currently operates 10 branch offices in the Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, Walla Walla and Wenatchee communities. Gesa also supports seven student-operated high school branches -- the most in the state. Gesa's commitment to local communities includes support for Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, annual youth scholarships, and free financial seminars open to members and the general public. For more information visit www.gesa.com

About the Power House Theatre

The historic Power House Theatre is a world-class, 368-seat performing arts theatre located in downtown Walla Walla, Washington. The 120 year-old building was once the Walla Walla Gas Plant, originally built to produce coal gas and pipe it underground to light the streets, businesses and homes of Walla Walla. The building was converted to generate electricity around the year 1905 by installing steam driven dynamos and transformers. In 2011, the interior of the building was transformed into a state-of-the-art performing arts theater. The interior design, featuring a thrust stage and balcony seating, was inspired by Shakespeare's own intimate Blackfriars Theatre in London, England and is home to the performing arts company Shakespeare Walla Walla. The Power House Theatre is named by the Washington State Building Preservation Commission to the list of the State historic buildings and in January 2012 the Theatre was officially accepted to the National Register of Historic Places. The Theatre stages professional theatrical productions including the works of William Shakespeare as well as concerts, community events and all manners of popular entertainment. For more information visit www.PHTWW.com

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