Press Releases from Community First Credit Union

Community First Credit Union Appoints New Audit Committee Member

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 2/6/2020 12:00:00 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 6, 2020 – Community First Credit Union, announces it has appointed Naomi Paulino, CPA to its Audit Committee. Paulino serves as accounting manager for MODE Transportation (formerly SunteckTTS) in Jacksonville.

Community First Credit Union Opens New Neptune Beach Branch

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 2/2/2020 4:29:10 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 11, 2020 – Community First Credit Union has officially opened its newest, freestanding branch in Neptune Beach.

Community First Credit Union Expands in LaVilla with Real Estate Purchase

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 11/21/2019 11:29:10 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 21, 2019 – Community First Credit Union, Downtown Jacksonville’s longest continuously operating financial institution, has closed on a deal to expand its headquarters campus, which has been in LaVilla since 2002. Community First purchased the former Elkins Building known now as the Diamond-S building at 701 W. Adams St.

Community First Credit Union Renews UNF Campus Branch

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 11/5/2019 12:00:00 PM

The credit union’s only on-campus branch renewed for 10 years

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 1, 2019 – Community First Credit Union announces it has signed a long-term lease agreement to continue its branch on the campus of the University of North Florida (UNF). Community First and the university executed the 10-year lease deal in September.

Community First Credit Union Launches Contactless Credit Card

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 9/16/2019 9:00:00 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 16, 2019 – Community First Credit Union has launched its new contactless credit card as part of its dedication to providing the latest technology and security to its members. Contactless cards – also known as “tap to pay” cards – allow cardholders to pay at terminals with the technology without compromising any data, pin numbers or credit card numbers at the point of sale. Community First is one of the first credit unions in Florida to launch the technology and make it available to both its personal and commercial members.

Community First Credit Union Funds Jacksonville Beach Hotel Construction

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 7/22/2019 5:00:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 16, 2019 – Community First Credit Union and Shivam Properties II, LLC have closed a deal to fund the construction of the company’s newest hotel project, the Element by Westin in Jacksonville Beach. The hotel, located on a strategic parcel on the southeast corner of Beach Blvd. and Third St., will be the first and only Element hotel property in North Florida and one of only three in Florida. Total construction project cost is $16 million.

Community First Credit Union and U.S. Green Chamber Launch Green Loans Program

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 7/17/2019 11:00:00 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 16, 2019 – Community First Credit Union has partnered with the North Florida Chapter of the U.S. Green Chamber to launch the region’s only Green Chamber-endorsed Green Energy Loans program to fund commercial and personal projects that seek to improve the environment through lowering energy use and conservation. In 2018, $32 billion were invested in green loans across the U.S., but none were available in the Jacksonville area.

Community First Credit Union Scores Best Place to Work Honor

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 6/5/2019 9:00:00 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 5, 2019 – Community First Credit Union has been named a 2019 Best Place to Work in an employee-based survey conducted by Quantum Workplace and led by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Community First earned a score of 91.009, the second highest score in the extra-large business category, which included all industries. The credit union scored the highest score among all credit unions based in Jacksonville.

Community First Credit Union to Begin Renovations at New Neptune Beach Branch

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 6/3/2019 5:00:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 3, 2019 – Community First Credit Union announces it has submitted its permit application to begin renovations/expansion of a former bank branch location in Neptune Beach. Community First purchased the former Atlantic Coast Bank branch and property at 1425 Atlantic Blvd. in December 2018. The credit union has also unveiled interior and exterior digital renderings to its members and the wider beaches community.

Community First Night Owl Cinema

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 5/10/2019 4:52:06 PM

May 9, 2019 (St. Augustine, Fla.) – The Amp St. Augustine and Community First Credit Union proudly announce the return of the free, family-friendly summer film series, “Community First Night Owl Cinema.” The wildly popular film series draws thousands of moviegoers who come to enjoy free, family-friendly films projected on a giant 18 by 32 foot screen on the Amp’s main stage. The series is free and open to all ages, with free parking and concessions available for purchase.

Community First Credit Union Annual Report Shows Strength, Lending Power and Rapid Expansion

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 3/15/2019 5:00:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 15, 2019 - Community First Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in Florida, released its 2018 annual financial report at its 85th annual meeting held Thursday, March 14 at the credit union’s headquarters in LaVilla. The annual report shows strong deposit and loan growth for the sixth year in a row and the credit union earned a record income of $20 million to reinvest in the credit union’s network, services and lending power.

Community First Credit Union Expands Federal Worker Relief Program

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 1/18/2019 4:00:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 18, 2019 – Community First Credit Union, headquartered in Jacksonville, announces it has expanded its special program designed to help affected federal workers during the government shutdown. On January 10, the credit union announced a program in advance of workers’ first missed payday on January 11. The shutdown’s protracted duration has impacted federal workers beyond just their first payday.

Community First Credit Union Announces Federal Shutdown Relief Program

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 1/10/2019 4:00:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 10, 2019 – Community First Credit Union, headquartered in Jacksonville, announces it has instituted a special program designed to help affected federal workers during the government shutdown. Friday, January 11 marks the first payday workers will miss under the shutdown that began on
Dec. 22, 2018.

Community First Credit Union Purchases Former Atlantic Coast Branch

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 12/13/2018 12:00:00 PM

Strategic Neptune Beach site to become new Community First branch by 2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 12, 2018 – Community First Credit Union announces it has acquired an existing bank branch location in Neptune Beach. The credit union purchased the building and property at 1425 Atlantic Blvd. which was formerly an Atlantic Coast Bank branch. Community First purchased the land and building for $2.2 million and closed on the sale Wednesday.

Community First Expands Commercial Lending Division

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 11/2/2018 12:00:00 PM

Longtime community banker joins team as VP of Commercial Lending

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 2, 2018 – Community First Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in Florida, announces it has appointed a new vice president of commercial lending. Greg Bossow joins the credit union from TD Bank where he most recently served as VP, SBA business development officer for North Florida.

Community First Credit Union Opens Relocated Yulee Branch Location

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 11/1/2018 12:00:00 PM

Credit Union opens new location in growing Villages of Amelia Center anchored by Publix, T.J. Maxx and HomeGoods

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 1, 2018 – Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, announces it has relocated its Yulee Branch, now officially open in front of the Villages of Amelia Center. The new branch is located at 463909 Unit 1, SR 200 in Yulee and opened officially on Monday. The credit union relocated from the shopping center just to the west, where it has been since it opened in Nassau County in 2008.

Community First Credit Union CFS Advisor Recognized for Outstanding Performance in Investment Services

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 10/24/2018 12:00:00 PM

Community First Credit Union CFS Advisor Recognized for Outstanding Performance in Investment Services

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., – Oct. 24, 2018 – Community First Credit Union announces that Mark Fitzmorris, a registered representative affiliated with broker dealer and Registered Investment Adviser with CUSO Financial Services (CFS), earned the 2018 Gold Pacesetter Award at the CFS 2018 Annual Conference, recently held in San Diego, California. The award honors the top-producing registered representatives among the more than 200 investment programs administered by CFS. Fitzmorris has been ranked a Gold Pacesetter for the past 13 consecutive years.

Community First Night Owl Cinema Presents “NAPOLEON DYNAMITE”: A conversation with Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Tina Majorino November 14, 2018 at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre this event is B.Y.O.

By: Dianya Markovits, Marketing Manager | St. Augustine Amphitheatre

Posted on 9/12/2018 4:38:13 PM

St. Augustine, Fla. (September 13, 2018) – Heck yes! The beloved film series Community First Night Owl Cinema returns to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and to celebrate, the stars of “Napoleon Dynamite” are coming to St. Augustine for a screening and discussion of the 2004 cult classic film on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. This unique evening will include a full screening of "Napoleon Dynamite" followed by a lively, freewheeling, moderated discussion with fan-favorite cast members; Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Efren Ramirez (Pedro) and Tina Majorino (Deb). Tickets for “Napoleon Dynamite” go on sale this Friday, September 14 at 10 a.m. This event is proudly presented by Community First Credit Union.

Community First Credit Union Opens New Branch, its 19th

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 8/27/2018 4:35:00 PM

Oakleaf Town Center location is an expansion of the credit union’s branch network

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 23, 2018 – Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, announces it has opened its newly constructed expansion branch in the Oakleaf Town Center at 9690 Applecross Rd., Jacksonville, Florida 32222. The branch is the credit union’s 19th branch in the market and its first in the Oakleaf area.

Community First Credit Union Appoints Mortgage Sales Manager

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 7/25/2018 12:00:00 PM

Expansion role is part of the institution’s Mortgage Transformation Project

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 25, 2018 – Community First Credit Union announces it has appointed a mortgage sales manager to better serve members looking to finance a new home or refinance their existing home loan. Eric Krall, previously a branch manager at Community First, has been appointed to the role effective immediately.

Community First Credit Union Unveils Renovated Jacksonville Beach Branch

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 7/2/2018 4:31:55 PM

Credit Union improved and upgraded its existing location to better serve the beaches.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 21, 2018 – Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, announces it has completed the full interior and exterior renovation of its existing Beaches branch at 1451 S. Third Street in Jacksonville Beach.

National Geographic Presents Earth Explorers Exhibition Opens May 28 at MOSH

By: Amy Chamberlin, MOSH Director of Communications & Marketing

Posted on 5/24/2018 3:26:32 PM

National Geographic Presents Earth Explorers
Exhibition Opens May 28 at MOSH

Community First Credit Union Appoints Chief Information Officer

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 5/21/2018 1:26:10 PM

Tim Simpson, formerly the credit union’s VP of IT, to assume role immediately

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 21, 2018 – Community First Credit Union, one of Florida’s largest credit unions with membership open to anyone on the First Coast, announces that is has promoted its Information Security Officer (ISO) to the role of chief information officer (CIO). Tim Simpson has assumed the role effective immediately. The CIO position is a part of the seven-member executive team at Community First.

Sing Out Loud Festival Fall 2018

By: Dianya Markovits-St. Augustine Amphitheatre & Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Posted on 4/30/2018 11:33:03 AM

NORTH FLORIDA’S LARGEST FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL - THE SING OUT LOUD FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY COMMUNITY FIRST CREDIT UNION - RETURNS THIS SEPTEMBER AND WILL FEATURE HEADLINING ACTS JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT, THE DECEMBERISTS, LUCERO, THE MOUNTAIN GOATS AND MORE

Community First Credit Union Board Elects New Chair

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 4/25/2018 10:08:05 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 25, 2018 – The Board of Directors of Community First Credit Union, a state-chartered community credit union open to anyone who lives or works on the First Coast, has elected a new board chair. Elvia S. Williams has been appointed to serve a four-year term effective immediately. She succeeds William Permenter, whose four-year term concluded in March. Williams becomes the first African-American to chair the board.

Community First Credit Union to Move to New Yulee Branch Location

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 4/16/2018 9:14:29 AM

Credit Union to relocate to growing Villages of Amelia Center anchored by
Publix, T.J. Maxx and the under-construction HomeGoods

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 16, 2018 – Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, announces it has signed a lease to relocate its Nassau County branch to an outparcel in front of the Villages of Amelia Center. The new address will be 463909 Unit 1, SR 200 in Yulee. The credit union will move from its existing location in the shopping center just to the west, where it has been since it opened in the county in 2008.

Community First Credit Union Annual Report Shows Growth, Lending Power and Investment in Community

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 3/15/2018 5:30:00 PM

Institution grows by 8 percent, funds largest volume of small business loans

Annual Report 2017

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 16, 2018 - Community First Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in Florida, released its 2017 annual financial report at its 84th annual meeting held Thursday, March 15 at the credit union’s headquarters in LaVilla. The annual report shows strong deposit and loan growth for the fifth year in a row and a record $30 million in new local business loans to area organizations and entrepreneurs.

Community First Launches First-Ever Jumbo Shrimp Debit Card

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 3/9/2018 2:00:00 PM

Fans can show support for their team, enjoy discounts

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., March 9, 2018 – Community First Credit Union, the presenting sponsor of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, has teamed up with the organization to launch its first, co-branded Jumbo Shrimp VISA^® Debit Card and merchant discount card. The card is available to anyone who is a member of the credit union.

Community First Credit Union Opens New Fleming Island Branch

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 2/27/2018 11:00:00 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 27, 2018 – Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, has opened its newly built Fleming Island branch at 2004 East West Parkway. The branch replaces the former retail location at 1545 County Road 220. The freestanding branch is in front of the newly opened Fresh Market on a parcel Community First owns.

Community First Credit Union Expands Branch Network

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 1/17/2018 12:03:50 PM

Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, announces it has started construction on its 19th branch in the market located in Oakleaf Plantation at 9690 Applecross Rd., Jacksonville, Florida 32222.

Community First Credit Union Reopens Branch Network

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 9/13/2017 12:00:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 13, 2017 – Community First Credit Union has reopened its branch network after closing for Hurricane Irma last week. The credit union will open 15 of its 18 branch locations to serve members as well as provide ATM services to anyone. Branches from Fleming Island through Jacksonville and north to Yulee opened at 9 a.m. today for normal business hours.

Community First Unveils Newly-Transformed Westside Branch

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 8/14/2017 12:00:00 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., August 2, 2017 – Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, announces it has officially unveiled its renovated Westside Branch located at 7640 103rd St. Construction began in March 2017 and the renovation took place while the branch stayed open to serve its customers through the transition.

Community First Credit Union Receives Financial Capability Innovation Award from EverFi at Nasdaq

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 4/12/2017 2:55:00 PM

Community First Credit Union was honored at the 3rd Annual Financial Capability Innovation Awards presented by the nation's leading technology innovator, EverFi, Inc.

Community First Credit Union Annual Report Shows Strength, Consumer and Business Confidence in the First Coast

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 3/17/2017 12:00:00 PM

Institution grows membership, loans and achieves a record capital ratio.

Community First Credit Union To Build New Fleming Island Location

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 2/23/2017 2:11:00 PM

Credit Union to relocate banking center to freestanding location.

Florida Theatre and Community First Credit Union Announce First-Ever Season Sponsor Agreement

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 1/4/2017 12:00:00 PM

Largest monetary partnership for the Florida Theatre to support programs, strengthen cultural community ties.

32nd Annual Community First Jacksonville Light Boat Parade Winners Announced

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 12/31/2016 12:00:00 PM

The Northbank and Southbank Riverwalks were packed with spectators as colorful boats paraded up the St. John’s River this evening for the 32nd annual Community First Jacksonville Light Boat Parade.

Community First Credit Union Appoints Chief Information Officer

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 12/2/2016 4:30:00 PM

Community First Credit Union announces that it has appointed a chief information officer (CIO).

Northside Branch Incident December 1, 2016

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 12/1/2016 9:05:00 PM

CEO and President John Hirabayashi

CFS Investment Representative at Community First Credit Union Honored for Outstanding Performance

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 11/18/2016 3:09:00 PM

Community First Credit Union announces that Mark Fitzmorris, a representative registered through broker-dealer and Registered Investment Adviser CUSO Financial Services, LP (CFS) earned the 2015 Gold Pacesetter Award at the CFS/SPF “No Boundaries!” 2016 Annual Conference, recently held in San Diego, California.

Community First Credit Union to Transform Westside Branch

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 9/29/2016 4:46:00 PM

Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, announces it will retrofit and renovate its Westside Branch located at 7640 103rd St. once permitting is approved.

Community First Jacksonville Light Boat Parade to Coincide with TaxSlayer Bowl

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 9/27/2016 4:00:00 PM

Gator Bowl Sports announced today the return of the Community First Jacksonville Light Boat Parade to its roots.

Community First to Present the “Sing Out Loud Festival”

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 7/21/2016 4:02:00 PM

Community First Credit Union will present the Sing Out Loud Festival through a three-year commitment – its largest monetary sponsorship ever made in St. Johns County.

Community First Credit Union Appoints Executives to Board, Audit Committee

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 6/23/2016 4:04:00 PM

Community First Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in Florida based in Jacksonville, announces it has appointed two local executive leaders to its volunteer board of directors and its audit committee.

“Community First Night Owl Cinema” The Free, Family-Friendly Summer Movie Series Returns

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 5/16/2016 4:05:00 PM

Community First Credit Union (Community First) and the St. Augustine Amphitheatre proudly announce the return of the free, family-friendly “Community First Night Owl Cinema” Series.

Community First Celebrates 75 Years of MOSH with 75 Cent Admission

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 3/11/2016 12:00:00 PM

Join MOSH and Community First Credit Union on Saturday, April 2 to celebrate 75 Years of MOSH with 75 cent admission.

Community First Credit Union Annual Report Shows Strength, Consumer Confidence

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 3/4/2016 12:00:00 PM

Community First Credit Union released its 2015 annual financial report at its 81st annual meeting held Thursday, March 3 at the credit union's headquarters in LaVilla.

Community First Cares Foundation to bestow the Third Annual Innovation Prize at The EDDY Awards

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 2/23/2016 12:00:00 PM

The Community First Cares Foundation, the charitable giving arm of Community First Credit Union, announces the recipient of the Community First Innovation Prize honoring creativity and innovation in classroom instruction in Duval County.

Community First Credit Union CEO Appointed to Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Board of Directors

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 2/6/2016 12:00:00 PM

Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, announces its CEO and President John Hirabayashi has been appointed to serve on the board of directors of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Jacksonville branch.

Community First Credit Union Opens Riverside Branch

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 1/4/2016 12:52:24 PM

Community First Credit Union, a full-service credit union based in Jacksonville with membership open to anyone who lives on the First Coast, opened its Riverside branch in the recently rebuilt Five Points Village on Monday, January 4.

CFS Financial Advisor at Community First Honored for Extraordinary Service to Investment Clients

By: Maria Coppola, APR, CPRC

Posted on 8/28/2015 10:36:46 AM

JACKSONVILLE, Fl., August 31, 2015 – Community First Credit Union (Community First) announces Financial Advisor Mark Fitzmorris, a registered investment representative affiliated with broker-dealer and Registered Investment Adviser CUSO Financial Services, LP (CFS) was recognized and honored for his abundant contributions to the investment services industry by being inducted into CFS’s 2015 Hall of Fame. The ceremony was held as part of the “Lead Forward!” 2015 Annual Conference held by CFS and its sister company Sorrento Pacific Financial, LLC (SPF) in San Diego, California.

A DECEMBER TO REMEMBER Dynamic Holiday Entertainment Schedule Announced for St. Johns County Venues

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 10/3/2013 12:00:00 PM

St. Augustine, Fla. (October 1, 2013) – Community First Credit Union and the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division are teaming up to present a series of family-friendly winter and holiday season events. The series “Community First Credit Union’s A December to Remember” features fun, free and ticketed events for the community including movie screenings, concerts, live performances, food drives and more; at Cultural Events Division managed venues- the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall.

Advisor at Community First Credit Union Recognized for Outstanding Performance in Investment Service

By: John Hirabayashi

Posted on 10/1/2013 12:00:00 PM

Community First Credit Union has announced that Mark Fitzmorris, a registered representative affiliated with broker dealer and Registered Investment Adviser CUSO Financial Services, LP (CFS) was awarded the 2012 Gold Pacesetter Award at the CFS “Passion. Innovation. Success.” 2013 Annual Conference, recently held in San Diego, California.

News Releases

The credit union’s only on-campus branch renewed for 10 years