(Atlantic) The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated Community 1st Credit Union’s five-year anniversary in Atlantic on Thursday, October 2nd.
According to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce, Executive Kelsey Beschorner said Community 1st came to Atlantic in 2021 after merging with Nishna Valley Credit Union. At the time, Nishna Valley was looking for a partner that could provide the technology and resources needed to offer more to its members without losing the values of a community-focused credit union. After considering several options, Community 1st proved to be the right fit.
Beschorner says since the merger, the Atlantic branch has been able to offer members more products, competitive rates, and additional resources. Julie Waters and Gina Johnson have been with the branch throughout all five years and have watched those services grow.
She says the team has become a familiar sight outside the credit union, too. Over the past year, staff volunteered at Produce in the Park throughout the summer, AtlanticFest, The Gathering, and programs with the Atlantic Public Library. Julie also received the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award earlier this year for the time she gives to organizations and events throughout Atlantic.
“That involvement extends beyond volunteer hours. Community 1st provides sponsorships and donations to local organizations, while the C1st Foundation offers another avenue for larger requests. In Atlantic, the foundation awarded $10,000 toward the community splash pad,” said Beschorner.
Atlantic has also hosted Community 1st’s annual service day. Approximately 300 employees from across the credit union came to town and spent the day working on volunteer projects throughout the community.
Beschorner says the merger brought resources that have allowed the Atlantic branch to help members in more ways. The team talked with Ambassadors about programs for young people and first-time homebuyers, along with options designed to help members build credit and avoid high-interest lending. Staff can also work one-on-one with members on budgeting and financial education.
As the Atlantic branch marked five years, staff thanked the community for welcoming Community 1st and giving the team plenty of opportunities to get involved along the way.
Community 1st Credit Union is located at 200 Maple Street in Atlantic. To learn more about membership, financial services, or community giving opportunities, call 712-243-6645 or visit www.c1stcreditunion.com.
Photo: Pictured left to right: Julie Waters, Becky Schroeder, Kelly Williams, Gina Johnson,
Barry Sheraden, Chris Parks, Rae Ome Conn, Megan Rice, Merissa Reed, Dr. Keith
Leonard, Chelsie Madden, Lana Westphalen, Kathie Hockenberry, Emily Kennedy,
Bill Saluk, Elaine Otte, Steve Tjepkes, Janet Cappel, Ryan Lemrick, Dolly Bergmann,
Ina Ohnmeiss, Kelsey Beschorner
