The Community First Co-operative Credit Union opened its doors to members of the public on Monday, March 20th 2006.We celebrated this move with a grand opening on Sunday, April 16th.
The building encompasses a basement, ground, and first floors. The area comprises space for archives, the credit union’s banking hall, and the functional areas, as well as board and conference room. The project has experienced a long gestation period, the idea for owning a home being spawned since the mid 1980’s.
The search continued for several years, finally culminating with the decision to purchase land on Old Parham Road.
The Credit Union’s Strategic Plan of 2000 spoke to the need for image enhancement as one way of increasing membership. It was clearly recognised then, and even more so now, that the credit union had outgrown its former home which in 1989, it shared with the landlady. And while physical image is not the only ingredient for success, it holds the key to the future development of any enterprise.
The new premises have created more than ambience. Members are now provided with the opportunity to access their funds electronically with the inclusion of the ATM; and while the “close comfort” of Newgate Street has changed, members are now afforded. that greater sense of privacy that family members seek in their own home from time to time – particularly when they are trying to access loans.
Several lessons were learned along the way, the most important being the benefits to be derived from teamwork; for it was the combined effort of all, Board, staff and technicians, which made this giant “leap of faith” possible. We are truly proud of our attractive building which has added value to Old Parham Rd. This credit union, which started with a small group of teachers in 1959; had 232 members at its AGM in 1979; and is now more than 9000, representing a variety of individuals, professions and a multitude of occupations, has come of age, and is facing the future with confidence.