Local Business Community, Healthcare Leaders Help Commemorate Opening of FCCU’s Full-Service Financial Center and Expansion into Bay County
Leaders from First Commerce Credit Union recently celebrated the exciting grand opening of the credit union’s new Panama City financial center alongside members of the Bay County business community and local chambers of commerce.
The Bay County Chamber of Commerce and Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce energized the event at the financial center located in the Stanford Centre building on 23rd Street, helping mark a major milestone in First Commerce’s 85-year history.
First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison emphasized that the credit union is ready to support and promote the financial well-being of all people, regardless of where they are in their financial journey.
“This new financial center is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a symbol of our belief in the potential of this community. It’s a place where dreams will be planned, businesses will be launched, and futures will be built,” Homison said. “Together, we’re not just opening doors – we’re opening possibilities, and we are building the future.”
Attendees of the event also got to experience another first for Bay County — the introduction of the #FlamingoChallenge fundraiser benefiting local breast cancer patients. First Commerce partnered with the Sacred Heart Foundation to bring the FUNdraiser to the area to benefit patients and programs at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital.
Ascension Sacred Heart Bay President Robin Godwin told local media that more than 400 women in the community have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the past three years — with many cases being diagnosed at advanced stages. The #FlamingoChallenge, Godwin told reporters, is a way to bolster funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.
“We are here not just to raise money to support the women on this journey of treatment and recovery, but also to raise awareness and education,” Godwin said.
The #FlamingoChallenge has brought in $500,000 since it began six years ago and is made possible by the generosity of individuals and businesses.
Altrua Global Solutions, a First Commerce business member, has helped power this year’s #FlamingoChallenge by donating their printing services for custom yard signs, flyers, decals, and more.
FCCU’s full slate of financial product and service offerings for every stage of life includes:
- Customizable checking account and savings options for all ages – from Sammy Squirrel Kids Club and SmartStart Teen Checking accounts to education and retirement savings accounts.
- Auto loans; boat loans; recreational vehicle loans including boats, motorcycles, and RVs; personal loans; mortgages; home equity loans and lines of credit; and credit cards.
- A full suite of business services and products such as commercial checking; loans including real estate, SBA, and vehicle and equipment; lines of credit and credit cards; treasury management services.
- Powerful online and mobile banking with features such as mobile check deposit, digital wallets (ApplePay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), Zelle, credit score monitoring and more.
- Comprehensive financial planning and investment services through FCCU’s subsidiary Six Pillars Financial Advisors.
- Free financial education, including interactive digital courses, resources, and offerings through the FCCU Foundation. Interactive in-person workshops and programs may also be requested by businesses, schools, and other organizations.
For 85 years, First Commerce has been transforming communities throughout North Florida and South Georgia, delivering on its mission to empower generations to achieve their financial aspirations.