As we bring another year to a close, I would like to once again thank you for your membership. We have enjoyed an outstanding year. I hope you saw the recent news about our exciting headquarters expansion in Downtown. We are very proud of how this financially prudent investment enables us to expand our HQ operations and provide enough room to accommodate our employees for the next decade. The building we have purchased checks all of the boxes in terms of price, functionality and proximity to our existing HQ. Renovations will commence shortly and we look forward to occupying the building in the late summer or early fall.

We are looking forward to January when we will expand our branch network by adding a freestanding branch in Neptune Beach. Building on the design of the renovated Jacksonville Beach branch, this new, full-service facility offers the added convenience of drive-thru tellers along with a spacious, modern interior.

We made vast strides this year in improving your digital banking experience by upgrading our mobile banking app and rolling out new digital enhancements including a free online payment tool and a dedicated credit card app. This app empowers you to make payments, view statements, and create travel notifications, along with many other functions. In 2020 we’ll build upon these enhancements by improving the mobile interface while adding cash management features for our commercial banking clients.

Just last week, we held our largest ever and most successful moveUP Money Experience for Teens, this time at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. More than 300 teens and their parents attended and learned how to navigate through life as an adult. It’s always an eye-opening experience for teens as they make choices and harmless mistakes to learn from. We thoroughly enjoy putting on these events and are in the planning stages for another large event in 2020. Stay tuned for details!

I look forward to doing even more in 2020 to improve your banking experience with us so  you can continue to Love Where You Bank. If you feel there are ways we can improve our services, please let us know. Have a wonderful holiday season and look for our January edition of the Community First Insider after the New Year! ■

As the holidays approach, we want to ensure you are aware of changes to our operating hours during this time. The credit union will close early at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24 and will remain closed all day on Wednesday, December 25. The credit union will also close early at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31 and remain closed all day on Wednesday, January 1. For your convenience, Online and Mobile Banking services are available 24/7!