2025 Year In Review
posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 in Newsletters
Letter from the President/CEO
As we close out 2025, I’m excited to share some of the incredible milestones and accomplishments from your credit union this year. None of this would be possible without you, our loyal and valued members. Thank you for being part of the C1st family.
Opening Doors to Homeownership
In January, C1st was awarded a $625,000 grant from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund. With this funding, we relaunched our 1st Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program, offering eligible members up to $4,000 to make their homeownership dreams a reality.
Expanding Our Footprint
We’re continuing to grow into new communities and proudly celebrated the grand openings of our newest branches in Harlan and Avoca, Iowa, this spring. These locations joined us as part of the successful merger with Town and Country Credit Union, finalized on December 1, 2024. This strategic move supports our long-term vision of expanding west and enhancing our ability to serve members across the state.
Empowering Through Financial Education
In April, we celebrated Financial Literacy Month with events designed to promote strong financial habits, particularly among young people. Financial education is part of our DNA, and we connected with local schools, hosted workshops, and offered giveaways, snacks, and a free shred day…all to help members achieve financial success.
We also continue to expand our online financial education program, Banzai, a free, interactive platform offering in-depth lessons on the financial topics that matter most to you. From basic budgeting to advanced financial planning, Banzai uses real-life scenarios to make learning practical and engaging.
Giving Back to Our Communities
The C1st Foundation continues to invest in organizations that make a difference locally. This year, we proudly awarded:
$8,700 to Time for Tots Inc. in Harlan, IA, to replace a failing air conditioning unit, ensuring a safe, cool space for summer programs.
$50,000 toward the launch of a Mini-Pitch in Osceola, IA, a compact soccer field promoting health, wellness, and community engagement.
$10,000 to the Iowa Food Bank to expand access to fresh foods in C1st communities through a mobile pantry.
Additionally, our C1st Scholarship Program awarded $54,000 to 26 students for the 2025–2026 academic year. Over the past decade, we’ve proudly awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships to outstanding student members.
Celebrating Our Team
In May, we hosted our annual company outing at Principal Park, where more than 300 employees and family members came together to cheer on the Iowa Cubs and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and unforgettable memories. Our strong, empowered team is truly at the heart of everything we do. In September, C1st was honored as one of the Des Moines Register’s 2025 Top Workplaces, our 10th consecutive year receiving this recognition! Moving up two spots from last year, we proudly ranked 7th among the Top 50 mid-sized companies statewide. In October, over 230 C1st employees gathered in Knoxville, IA, for an inspiring volunteer day in honor of Columbus Day. This initiative reflects one of our core values: We are…Connected to Our Community. Employees completed projects at multiple locations, making a meaningful impact across the city.
Technology That Counts
C1st enhanced its digital experience by launching a new digital loan and account opening system, enabling members to apply for loans, open new accounts, and switch between products seamlessly, all within a unified digital experience. This marks a major leap forward in making it easier than ever to become a C1st member in minutes; anytime, anywhere.
New Products and Services
This summer, we introduced four new consumer credit cards designed to meet a variety of needs; from flexible rewards and cash back to low interest rates and credit-building options. Members can also take advantage of low introductory rates on select cards, like our Flex Rewards card, which offers a low rate for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, plus perks like contactless convenience and easy-to-use digital banking.
We’ve accomplished so much this year, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for your continued trust in Community 1st. Here’s to an even brighter 2026!
Greg Hanshaw
President & CEO