Community First Credit Union Breaks Ground on Callahan Branch
Growing town in West Nassau is latest expansion area for the credit union
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Nov. 14, 2024 – Community First Credit Union is launching construction at its Callahan Branch, an expansion location set to become the credit union’s 24th in the region and its second branch in Nassau County. Credit Union staff, leaders and its board celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, November 12 with the mayor of Callahan, representatives with the Nassau County Economic Development Board and Congressman Aaron Bean’s office. Located on U.S. Route 301 between Old Dixie Hwy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., the branch is set to be complete and open in the second half of 2025.
The Callahan Branch will be a 3,100-square-foot freestanding location with a full-service drive-thru, two ATMs (drive-up and walk-up), and Community First’s signature tower feature. Designed with Community First's modern branch concept, this location has an open floor plan, upgraded digital technologies, and a historical mural depicting the history of West Nassau County.
“We are looking forward to serving our Callahan members and businesses where they live,” said Sam Inman, president and CEO of Community First. “Community First is proud to be a part of the growth of West Nassau.”
The Callahan Branch is part of the credit union’s Branch Transformation Project, which aims to enhance member service by expanding the branch network and configuring spaces to create a modern retail experience. Community First has served Nassau with a branch in Yulee since 2018. It has nearly 10,000 members in the county with nearly 1,800 in Callahan.
According to the most recent U.S. Census, Callahan is growing at nearly 4% annually and has grown more than 17% since the 2010 census. According to analysts, the area is expected to experience future job growth of nearly 50 percent. The nearby 400-acre Crawford Diamond Industrial Park is contributing to the need for infrastructure and services for residents, businesses and their employees.
Community First is undertaking its largest historic investment in its branch network with six new branches announced or opened since 2022 when it had 19 locations. The credit union recently announced the start of construction of its Beachwalk Branch (Branch 23) and a property purchase for its future Treaty Oaks location in St. Johns (Branch 25). It recently opened a branch at Southside Quarter on Gate Parkway which replaced its Baymeadows Road Branch.
Community First Credit Union of Florida is a state-chartered credit union based in Jacksonville serving anyone who lives or works on the First Coast. Community First is one of the largest credit unions in Florida with $2.8 billion in assets and serving 177,000 members. Community First has 22 locations and more than 450 employees. A not-for-profit, Community First is a full-service financial institution offering banking, loans, mortgages and investments for consumers and businesses across the First Coast. Visit www.communityfirstfl.org.
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