since 1935 | #justbeyourself

Volume 7 | Issue 2 | February 2024
Our Mission: Providing financial solutions for every stage of life.

Dear Valued Member,

Online banking and many other digital tools have greatly enhanced the convenience of modern banking, but Community First Credit Union members continue to appreciate the personal touch of a visit to their local branch. And the reason why is right in our name — Community.

Like a coffee shop, beauty salon or grocery store, a bank branch is a place where neighbors greet each other and get to know the people who serve them. Community First’s network of 20 branches also provides our members with the benefit of never being far from a CFCU branch as they travel the Jacksonville region.

Because you consistently tell us how much you value personalized service, we are proud to continue opening new branches where we see opportunities to meet the needs of our members and their neighborhoods. Our new Northpoint Village branch, which opened in October at the intersection of Yellow Bluff and New Berlin roads, is a great example.

Members welcome Northpoint Village branch

The Northpoint Village branch fills a community need in a growing area that has few in-person banking options. And it didn’t take long for new and existing members to express their appreciation for the new location. One long-time Community First member, Liszette Kendrick, told us, “The Northpoint branch is very convenient and within walking distance to me. Thank you for providing this area with a qualified financial institution with such an outstanding reputation.”

For Community First member Patricia Pough, the Northpoint Village branch is close to where she works, which means she can count on the quality CFCU experience when it best suits her schedule. “I love the [new] location,” she told us. “Everyone is so friendly and helpful.”

Friendly and helpful are two descriptions we hear frequently from our members, and that tells me we’re providing a level of service that fulfills our purpose of helping members live their best lives. Member comments about Northpoint Village mentioned two employees by name, and our branch manager, Stella Wilson, is already earning praise for hands-on, customer-friendly leadership.

More locations on the way

Looking ahead, we’re planning to open two additional branches this year and to break ground on two more. Those coming this year — Boulevard Crossing opening this month and Murabella in June — are especially noteworthy because they also demonstrate our commitment to commercial investment in the neighborhoods we serve.

Boulevard Crossing, in addition to being a convenient location for members who live between our existing Arlington and Lakewood branches, anchors a four-unit shopping center that our credit union has built at the intersection of Beach and University boulevards. By taking the initiative to develop the center to house our branch, we’re contributing to the neighborhood’s revitalization.

We’re also very proud of our Murabella location in St. John’s County, where we provided the financing for a commercial development next to our free-standing branch. Currently announced tenants for the center include a Learning Experience daycare and a Mellow Mushroom restaurant. The development is at the intersection of International Golf Parkway and Highway 16.

Annual report insights

By opening new branches and financing commercial development, Community First is helping strengthen neighborhoods and support economic growth in the region. You’ll see these themes reflected in our 2023 annual report, which will be coming out in March.

Our credit union had an excellent year in many ways, and our strong commercial lending performance was definitely among the highlights. We’ll also be recapping our highly successful people initiatives, such as our Day of Purpose and professional development for employees, as well as our recognition as a Best Place to Work in Northeast Florida by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

I hope you’ll look for our upcoming annual report and continue to support Community First Credit Union, as we support the neighborhoods where we live and work. ■