How We’ll Use Your Story

Every story shared helps us celebrate 50 years of moments that matter. Some stories may be featured just as they are—on our website, social media, or in our branches. Others might inspire us to reach out and learn more, with the opportunity to be showcased in a deeper way through video or other special features.

However it’s shared, your story is a meaningful part of our journey—and we’re honored to hear it.

Mike

Team member Mike shares how Community First has made a lasting difference in members’ lives.

Jess

Community First has helped me find a way through several challenging seasons of life since joining the credit union over 15 years ago. From beginning a savings journey and building credit in my early 20s to refinancing my auto loan after an unexpected layoff at age 27, buying my first home at 30, jumpstarting the savings journey for my children, and most recently, navigating the financial challenges that come with divorce–they have partnered with me to make sure I always land on my feet. Through it all, I never felt embarrassed or judged for the state of my finances. Instead, I knew I could turn to CFCU for a steady, supportive partner whenever I needed it. That kind of relationship–particularly as a single, working mom of two–is absolutely invaluable. I am grateful every day to have Community First in my corner.

It started simplywith people helping people.

1975

Founded as Appleton Community Credit Union on Richmond Street with Maury Dresang as President.

1978

12 other credit unions joined Appleton Community Credit Union in a historic, first-of-its-kind merger.

1983

Renamed to Community First Credit Union—reflecting our commitment to serve all communities.

1984

New branches open on Oneida Street in Appleton and on Forest Avenue in Neenah.


1987

Ballard Road branch in Appleton becomes our fourth location.


1988

Nicolet Road branch opens in Grand Chute.


1989

New branches open in Waupaca and on Industrial Drive in Neenah.

1991

The first Community First Fox Cities Marathon is held.

Branch opens at Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.

1993

Founder Maury Dresang retires and Catherine Tierney becomes President & CEO in January 1994.

1994

Unveiled a new logo.

1995

New Home Office opens on Oneida Street.

1999

Website and Online Banking go live at communityfirstcu.org.

2001

First Oshkosh branch opens on Westowne Drive.Expand to the lakeshore with the opening of the Manitowoc Branch.


2003

New branches open in Darboy and Greenville.


2005

New London branch opens.


2006

Nichols branch opens.


2008

Mason Street location opens.


2009

De Pere branch opens and the second Oshkosh branch opens on South Park Avenue.


2012

Howard branch opens and the third Neenah location opens on Winneconne Avenue.


2013

Two Rivers location opens.


2014

Bellevue branch opens to serve more Green Bay area members.


2015

New branch in Kimberly opens.


2016

New branch opens in downtown Menasha at the One Menasha building.


2017

New Home Office opens in the Village of Fox Crossing on Dresang Way, named in honor of Founder Maury Dresang.

2019

Lake Park Road branch opens in Menasha.Core banking system upgraded, paving the way for faster service and better digital banking tools for members.


2020

Third Oshkosh location on Oregon Street opens.


2021 

New Digital Banking platform launches.


2022

Launched contactless credit and debit cards.Introduced Verifast palm ID—first credit union in NE Wisconsin to offer this secure, speedy tech.


2024

Introduced Digital Lending to simplify the loan process.

Celebrating 50 years of moments that mattered, made possible by members like you. Here’s to every story, every step, and every time we found a way—together.

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