since 1935 | #justbeyourself
Volume 7 | Issue 4 | April 2024
Our Mission: Providing financial solutions for every stage of life.
State of the Credit Union
A letter from our CEO, John Hirabayashi
Dear Valued Member,
As the CEO of Community First, I am proud to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of our dedicated employees. Each year at our annual meeting in March, we honor individuals who exemplify our organization's core values and make exceptional contributions to our members, team, and community. The recipients of this year's awards embody the essence of our credit union's mission, demonstrating commitment to serving our members and fostering a culture of excellence. Their dedication, compassion, and leadership set a standard for us all, inspiring others to make a positive impact on the lives we touch. Join me in congratulating these individuals who went above and beyond in 2023.
Our Headquarters Manager of the Year is Jeff Stone. He manages our Express Team. His leadership is characterized by a focus on personalized customer service, driving success through adaptability, team building, and a steadfast commitment to member satisfaction. Colleagues praise his positivity, wealth of experience, inclusive team approach, and ability to foster a culture of trust and continuous improvement, making him an invaluable asset to Community First.
Our Branch Manager of the Year is Stephanie Huskisson from our Baymeadows branch. She exhibits a dedication to community service and a focus on fulfilling member needs. Her leadership style is characterized by personalized guidance, fostering professional growth, and a passion for empowering her team to achieve their goals. Through her engagement in community initiatives and support for her colleagues, she sets a high standard of leadership and cultivates a culture of success within the organization.
The Assistant Branch Manager of the Year is Anthony Harris from our Westside branch. He is recognized for fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and teamwork within the branch, resulting in exceeding branch goals across various metrics. Leading by example, he demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting his colleagues and fostering relationships with the team. His proactive approach to branch operations and member service contributes significantly to the branch's success, reflecting his dedication to continuous improvement.
Our Supervisor of the Year is Jaclyn Martinez from the Member Experience Center. She creates a supportive environment where personal development opportunities are provided to every team member. Known for her compassion and dedication, she goes the extra mile to assist her colleagues, fostering a culture of success and inclusivity. Colleagues express gratitude for her caring and support, describing her as a manager who prioritizes both professional and personal well-being.
Our Core Values Award is given based on nominations from fellow employees. The winner of this award demonstrates the best of our core values, making this one of the most prestigious forms of recognition at Community First. This year’s winner is Miko Greene of the Arlington Branch. She is highly dedicated to members, consistently delivering exceptional customer service focused on members’ individual needs and goals. Through fostering strong relationships, she creates an environment where members feel valued and supported. Her collaborative spirit extends to her team, contributing to a positive work environment, while her commitment to community service further improves the quality of life in our community.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all award recipients for their remarkable contributions and commitment to our credit union's purpose, mission, and values. Their dedication to excellence, compassion for our members, and commitment to collaboration are the driving forces behind Community First’s continued success and positive impact on the communities we serve. We are inspired by the example they set serving our members with integrity, empathy, and commitment to their financial well-being. Congratulations once again to our deserving award recipients and thank you to all our employees for your dedicated service. ■
Jacksonville Icemen Playoff Tickets
Hockey playoff season is here! Secure your tickets today to support our Jacksonville Icemen! Don't miss out on the chance to grab some delicious snacks, cheer alongside Fang, and help get our Icemen to the Kelly Cup!
As a valued Community First member, don't miss out on your exclusive discounts via the Corporate Rewards Program! Simply use promo code CFCU.
Clay County Fair
Since 1987, the Clay County Agricultural Fair has been a cherished tradition in Clay County and throughout Northeast Florida, offering a blend of entertainment and education within a wholesome family environment.
We take great pride in partnering with the fair and can't wait to see you there!
Mark your calendars: the fair will run from April 4th to April 14th, 2024.
Riverside Avondale Preservation 50th Home Tour
Jacksonville's beloved springtime tradition is back! The 50th Annual Home Tour, a cornerstone fundraiser for Riverside Avondale Preservation—one of the nation's pioneering neighborhood advocacy organizations—is scheduled for the weekend of April 13th and 14th.
We extend a warm invitation for you to join us and our partners in touring the historical homes in Riverside and Avondale.
Navigating Buy Now Pay Later Apps
During your online shopping experiences, you've likely encountered an array of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps—Affirm, Klarna, Uplift, Afterpay, Paypal, Zip, Sezzle—having dominated the BNPL scene.
Join us as we dive into the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing these services, empowering you to make informed decisions as a consumer.
Kindness in our Community Spotlight
For additional information on how you can lend your support to this nonprofit organization and their vital mission, please visit their website.