since 1935 | #justbeyourself

Volume 4 | Issue 5 | May 2021
Our Mission: Providing financial solutions for every stage of life.

Dear Valued Member,

As we continue our cautious emergence from the coronavirus pandemic, the Community First team is reminded of Mahatma Gandhi’s observation that “adversity is the mother of progress.” Although we cannot discount the personal and financial struggles experienced by many of our members over the past year, we can resolve to embrace the opportunities created by adversity to continue improving our services.

All of us can cite many examples, across all aspects of our lives, of increased virtual options for conducting business and interacting with colleagues, friends and family. Rather than fading away as pandemic restrictions ease, the best of these virtual tools will become a lasting part of our lives. Here at Community First, we have tried not only to offer convenient and easy-to-use online options, but also to prepare for a future that optimizes the balance between digital and human interaction.

One example of what this means is the new online banking chat feature that we launched in April. The service offers the convenience of quickly initiating an online conversation with a member service representative while giving you the option to convert to a voice call or video session if your question becomes complex. So far, more than 1,500 members have used the chat feature, which eliminates the wait involved when sending a secured message through online banking or our mobile app. Secure messaging is still available, but we have seen a 13 percent reduction in the number of messages sent, indicating how quickly members are embracing the real-time chat option.

Another example is our plan to introduce video conferencing with a member service representative at your local branch. This will provide you with the same level of personalized service you would enjoy when visiting a branch without having to leave your home or business. The video feature builds on another recently launched service that enables you to schedule in-person or phone appointments with branch member service representatives.

We’re also making it easier for our members to access personalized products and services without spending a lot of time on the phone or at one of our offices. In mid-April we introduced pre-approved offers for auto loans, credit cards, and signature loans that members can quickly and easily redeem online or in-person.

Improving existing technology is yet another way that we’re making your banking experience more convenient. In the first week of May, we will complete a major upgrade of our ATMs by replacing 2003-vintage devices with new machines that feature enhanced security, personalization options, and the ability to withdraw money using a mobile device.

In addition, we’re upgrading our debit card processing as well as credit and rewards program. You will be able to make contactless debit card payments — known as “tap and pay” — and manage your debit card using a separate mobile app that allows you to view and redeem reward points; view statements and account activity; and place a notification on your card account that lets us know when you’ll be traveling and using your card in places you don’t normally frequent.

Meeting your needs more conveniently and continuously enhancing our services have always been essential to our mission at Community First. The challenges of the past year have reinforced that commitment by accelerating our adoption — and your embrace — of online tools and convenience upgrades. Together, we have discovered opportunity in adversity, and we are grateful that you have chosen to join Community First as we evolve to serve you better. ■