Question 1

What is Community First Credit Union (Appleton)?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union is a member-owned financial cooperative serving northeast Wisconsin with over 163,000 members and approximately $6.3 billion in assets. As one of the largest credit unions in Wisconsin, it provides comprehensive financial services to individuals and businesses throughout the region.

The credit union operates as a not-for-profit cooperative, returning value to members through competitive rates, lower fees, and community investment. In 2023 alone, Community First returned more than $106 million in dividends to member-owners and provided $1.7 million to area charitable organizations.

Question 2

When was Community First Credit Union (Appleton) founded?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union traces its origins to 1953, when Maurice Dresang organized Outagamie County Credit Union to help county employees with their financial needs. Dresang served as volunteer manager and treasurer for over two decades while maintaining his full-time employment.

By 1970, Dresang proposed that three area credit unions combine resources to better serve their members. A vacant grocery store building on Richmond Street in Appleton was converted into the Appleton Credit Union Service Center to accommodate members from all three credit unions.

In 1978, a historic merger took place when members of 13 independent credit unions voted to join together as one unified institution. This merger remains the largest number of credit unions combined in history. The name was changed to Community First Credit Union in 1983 to reflect the organization's commitment to community service and cooperative values.

Question 3

Where is Community First Credit Union (Appleton) headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union is headquartered at 1575 Dresang Way in Neenah, Wisconsin. The headquarters is named after founder Maurice Dresang, honoring his instrumental role in creating the institution.

The main mailing address is P.O. Box 1487, Appleton, WI 54912. The credit union maintains its corporate office at 2626 S. Oneida Street in Appleton, which serves as a key operational center.

Question 4

Where does Community First Credit Union (Appleton) operate?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union operates an extensive network of over 25 branch locations throughout northeast Wisconsin. The service area includes Outagamie County, Winnebago County, Brown County, Calumet County, Manitowoc County, Waupaca County, and surrounding communities.

Major cities served include Appleton, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, De Pere, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, New London, Waupaca, Kimberly, and Greenville. The credit union has established branches in various neighborhoods, retirement communities, and educational institutions including Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC).

Membership is generally available to individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in the counties served, as well as their immediate family members. The credit union's community charter allows broad eligibility throughout northeast Wisconsin.

Question 5

What services does Community First Credit Union (Appleton) offer?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union provides a full range of financial services designed for both personal and business banking needs. Personal banking services include share savings accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, health savings accounts, and various checking account options with competitive rates.

Lending products encompass vehicle loans (with rates as low as 4.25% APR), home mortgages, home equity loans, personal loans, student loans, and credit cards with rates starting at 8.99% APR. The credit union also offers refinancing services to help members save on existing loans.

Business services include commercial lending, business deposit accounts, and specialized financial solutions for small businesses and organizations. Wealth management services provide investment advisory and insurance products to help members plan for their financial future.

Digital banking capabilities feature a comprehensive mobile app with advanced financial wellness tools, budgeting features, spending analysis, goal setting, credit score monitoring through SavvyMoney, bill pay, mobile check deposit, Zelle transfers, and self-serve debit card controls. The platform includes account aggregation, allowing members to view accounts from other financial institutions in one dashboard.

Question 6

What makes Community First Credit Union (Appleton) unique?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union distinguishes itself through its "meraki" philosophy – a Greek word meaning to do something with soul, creativity, and love. This principle guides how the organization serves its member-owners, emphasizing exceptional experiences and genuine care.

The credit union's commitment to local community investment sets it apart, with members saving an average of $43.7 million compared to banking with the average Wisconsin bank. As a not-for-profit cooperative, all earnings are returned to members through better rates, fewer fees, and enhanced services rather than being distributed to outside shareholders.

The credit union's historic 1978 merger of 13 independent credit unions remains unmatched in the credit union industry, demonstrating the power of cooperative consolidation. This legacy of bringing communities together continues to shape the institution's collaborative approach.

High-tech meets high-touch service is another distinguishing feature. While Community First continuously invests in cutting-edge digital banking platforms with features like biometric login, Google Authenticator, real-time alerts, and financial wellness tools, it maintains a strong commitment to personal service with knowledgeable staff at all branches and live representatives answering phones.

The credit union operates under the motto "We'll Find a Way," reflecting its mission to anticipate and exceed member needs while maintaining the belief that "everybody counts, everybody cares, everybody delivers, every day."

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Community First Credit Union (Appleton)?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union regulated by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). As a federal credit union, it operates under a cooperative structure where members are also owners of the institution.

Each member has equal voting rights regardless of account balance, with one member equating to one vote. This democratic governance allows members to elect a volunteer Board of Directors who guide the organization's strategic direction and ensure it fulfills its mission.

The credit union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, meaning it exists to serve its members rather than generate profits for external shareholders. Any surplus earnings are returned to members through competitive dividend rates on deposits, lower loan rates, reduced fees, and enhanced services.

Member deposits are federally insured up to $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), which is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States government. This provides the same level of protection as FDIC insurance at banks.

Question 8

Who leads Community First Credit Union (Appleton)?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union is led by Catherine Tierney, CCUE (Certified Credit Union Executive), who serves as President and CEO. The executive leadership team includes Scott Steinfort as Chief Technology Officer, Kristy Hesse as Chief Human Resources Officer, Amanda Secor as Chief of Staff, Chad Bostick as Chief Financial Officer, and Karrie Drobnick as Chief Strategy and Experience Officer.

The credit union's Board of Directors is composed of volunteer member-owners elected to three-year terms. The current board is chaired by Peter Mariahazy, Chief Administration Officer at Catalysis, with Michael Moore, Vice President of Engineering at Oshkosh Corporation, serving as Vice Chairman.

Board members represent diverse professional backgrounds including technology, legal, insurance, military service, and business leadership, ensuring well-rounded governance that reflects the member base.

Question 9

What is Community First Credit Union's community involvement?

Accepted Answer

Community First Credit Union demonstrates deep commitment to northeast Wisconsin through extensive charitable giving and community partnerships. In 2023, the credit union provided $1.7 million to area charitable organizations, supporting causes that strengthen local communities.

The credit union offers fee-free giving with no technology, processing, or convenience fees, making it easier for members to support charitable causes. Additionally, Community First provides member discounts that connect people with natural and cultural resources throughout the region.

As a cooperative financial institution, Community First keeps member dollars local, supporting neighbors and the local economy rather than directing profits to Wall Street. This "new local" approach combines community connectedness with modern convenience.

The credit union maintains strong partnerships with local employers, educational institutions, and community organizations throughout its service area, reinforcing its founding principle that "community always comes first."

Community First Credit Union (Appleton)

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About Community First Credit Union (Appleton) in the United States