American 1 Celebrates 75 Years of Service
In the year 1950, the Jackson Co-Op Federal Credit Union was founded in the heart of Jackson, operating out of the Local United Rubber Workers Hall. The credit union started with just 47 members and 15 employees. This marked the beginning of a journey defined by steady growth and community engagement. In 1987, the credit union rebranded to American 1 Federal Credit Union to reflect its broader service area, and in 2011, the name was changed to what we know it as today – American 1 Credit Union.
Now in its 75th year, the credit union has expanded across 7 counties, including Jackson, Lenawee, Wayne, Monroe, Washtenaw, Hillsdale and Calhoun Counties, and serves over 66,000 members. American 1 has 17 branch locations, 24/7 full-service contact center and employs more than 280 individuals.
Throughout the years, the credit union has taken pride in its active involvement within many communities. Last year, it partnered with 273 organizations through donations, volunteer efforts, event sponsorships and financial wellness education.
The credit union is committed to creating financial wellness in its communities through personalized everyday banking. In 2022, American 1 introduced the financial wellness department to enhance its growth by strengthening community engagement and partnerships while overseeing financial wellness-focused initiatives. Over the past two years, this team has made a significant impact, regularly teaching financial education classes in high schools and partner organizations, supporting small business owners as a trusted resource, and leading various financial wellness programs throughout the community.
“This year marks an incredible milestone for our organization,” said CEO Martha Fuerstenau. “It’s a moment to celebrate the journey we’ve taken and the impact we’ve made in the communities we serve. We’ve seen remarkable growth over the years, and that’s the result of thoughtful leadership, guidance from our Board of Directors, and the dedication of our amazing team. It’s a testament to the trust our members place in us and the value we provide through our mission.”
American 1 Credit Union is celebrating its 75th anniversary throughout the year with branch celebrations at all locations and quarterly loan promotions. Members are invited to join the festivities, featuring complimentary snacks, beverages and exclusive giveaways. The financial wellness team will also be on-site to provide insights into the credit union's services and programs. Learn more about the anniversary and promotions at american1cu.org/75thanniversary.
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