Community First Credit Union recently held its annual meeting to communicate to members the credit union’s 2012 financial results and accomplishments. During 2012, Community First achieved its strongest earnings performance on record and ended the year in outstanding financial condition, with an all-time high 9.90 percent capital ratio.

“Financially, we have never been a stronger organization,” said John Hirabayashi, president and CEO of Community First. “Financial strength allows us to do a number of great things for our membership and the community. With our capital levels at an all-time high, we are ready to start aggressively growing again. We are also constantly looking for ways to improve the everyday banking experiences for our members.”

Community First’s exceptional financial results were mostly driven by increases in non-interest income and a reduction in the provision for loan losses. As the local economy continued to heal, Community First saw dramatic increases in mortgage loan volume and income generated from credit and debit card usage. Combined with improving loan quality and the reduced loss provision, these items created remarkably strong earnings for the credit union.

Community First’s Net Promoter Score, the gold standard for customer loyalty, ended 2012 at 79.4 percent, a level considered world class. Based on feedback received from the Net Promoter survey, the credit union launched several products and services to improve its members’ banking experience. A state-of-the-art mobile deposits app allows members to deposit checks into their accounts merely by taking a picture of the check with a smart phone. The Bonus Debit checking account offers ATM surcharge rebates up to $10 per month to members who frequently use their debit cards.

During 2012, Community First accelerated its efforts to increase its visibility and improve the already great quality of life across the First Coast. In June, the credit union partnered with the Northeast Florida Health Planning Council as title sponsor of the inaugural Community First Hale and Hearty 7K Run in Riverside. In October, it teamed up with the JAX Chamber to create Community First Saturdays, a family and health oriented event held the first Saturday of each month on the Northbank Riverwalk in Downtown. Community First’s ZOOLights sponsorship was a big success, bringing thousands of families to the zoo to enjoy remarkable light displays during the holiday season. Community First will continue to look for ways to build its brand through events and strategic partnerships that engage its members and the community.

“We truly have a solid foundation for our future success. We look forward to building on that foundation in 2013, while constantly providing more reasons for our members to love where they bank,” said Hirabayashi.

Earlier this month, Community First broke ground on its 17th branch, located in the Bartram area on Village Lake Circle. The new branch is scheduled to be completed in October and will help service more than 1,500 members who live within a five-mile radius. The groundbreaking was the first in a series of new improvements planned to launch this year, including a newly designed website, a new mobile banking platform and a re-invented business banking program.

Community First Credit Union offers mortgages, investment services, small business services and a full suite of online services. For more information about Community First, visit www.CommunityFirstFL.org, call (904) 354-8537 or (800) 342-8416.