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Volume 6 | Issue 4 | April 2023
Our Mission: Providing financial solutions for every stage of life.

Dear Valued Member,

A new sign appearing along Interstate 95 this month will capture the spirit of our city and announce the location of a premier recreational and competitive sports venue for Jacksonville and the region — the Community First Igloo.

With support from our organization and many other businesses and individuals, the Jacksonville Icemen ownership team has transformed the Community First Igloo, located just south of San Marco, into a first-class sports facility for youth and adults as well as a symbol of the civic pride that makes our city a great place to live and pursue your dreams.

The corporate home and practice center of the Icemen professional hockey team, the remade facility features two NHL-sized ice rinks, Icebreakers Bar and Grill, an esports lounge and more. And it’s already bustling with activity, attracting beginning and experienced skaters from Jacksonville as well as youth hockey tournaments for teams from far and wide. In addition to hosting two hockey tournaments, the Community First Igloo has seen a tremendous increase in youth and adult recreational skating and hockey programs. The Learn to Skate program currently has more than 500 students, youth hockey league participation has nearly tripled to more than 200 players, and more than 30,000 people visited the facility for public skating sessions in December alone. Plus, the facility offers sled hockey, curling and broomball.

The totally redesigned and renovated facility aligns with our credit union’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the areas we serve by providing affordable, family-oriented recreational opportunities. Community First members will be pleased to know that one of the perks of being part of our credit union family is a discount on admission to public skating sessions as well as learn-to-skate and beginner hockey classes. You also receive a discount on food and beverage items at the super cool Icebreakers Bar and Grill.

I also believe the Community First name, appearing on a 60-foot sign above the facility, accurately describes the spirit of cooperation that has made it a reality. The Jacksonville Icemen deserve most of the credit for their vision, but the project would not have been possible without widespread support from the community. In addition to our credit union, nearly 50 investors have contributed to the project.

A ribbon-cutting for the completed facility — along with the unveiling of the Community First Igloo sign — is planned for the near future. I hope you’ll visit the Community First Igloo and experience firsthand all that it has to offer Community First members and everyone throughout the region.

Saluting our employees

I also want to devote part of my message this month to congratulating the Community First employees who were honored at our credit union’s annual meeting in March. As I often say, our employees are the heart and soul of Community First, and our commitment to member service begins with them. Each year, we recognize five employees who are nominated by their colleagues and chosen by an award committee representing the entire organization.

Here are the winners for 2023:

Core Values Award — Andrea Crutchfield, Central Lending. Andrea is truly an ambassador for our credit union and our core values. Driven by a desire to help others, her attitude is unfailingly positive, and she willingly takes on any task or need. She is active in our outreach projects and devoted to helping our members and everyone in our community live their best lives.

Branch Manager of the Year — Daniel Kineke, Beach Branch. Daniel is an effective coach and team builder who genuinely cares about the success of the people in his branch. He leads by example through his willingness to work any job when necessary, and his relentlessly positive attitude is infectious among employees.

Assistant Branch Manager of the Year — Bruno Sangster, Beach Branch. Bruno is admired and beloved by his colleagues and members alike. He is described as being exceptionally knowledgeable and always willing to share his expertise to help employees improve and ensure that members receive the assistance they need.

Headquarters Manager of the Year — Kristine Collison, Records. A tireless advocate for her employees and for process improvement, Kristine has nurtured a loyal team that works hard on behalf of Community First and its members. Her team praises her openness to new ideas and her ability to “make the impossible possible.”

Supervisor of the Year —David McElroy, Member Experience Center. Supervising a team that is critical to serving Community First members, David backs up his high expectations with transparency and a commitment to supporting team members with the tools and guidance they need to succeed.

Congratulations to these outstanding employees who consistently contribute to making Community First a great place to work and bank. ■