There’s a lot to be excited about as VyStar Credit Union continues in our effort to bring credit union services to more people in more communities. This year, we plan to build on the success of our Thomasville branch, which opened in 2022 as our first full-service branch in Georgia. From the suburbs of Atlanta to historic Savannah and the hard-working city of Brunswick, VyStar is ready to open several more branches across Georgia in 2023. We’ve worked hard to become a trusted financial institution in Florida, and we are committed to doing the necessary work to earn that same trust across the Peach State.
Our first Georgia opening of the year will be our Savannah/Wilmington Island branch. While this will be our first branch in Savannah, we have already been putting down roots in the area. VyStar is the Official Financial Services Partner of Enmarket Arena and the Savannah Ghost Pirates hockey team. Through these sponsorships, we have been able to share information about our great rates and low fees. And now, local residents will have the opportunity to experience our outstanding service in person. It’s exciting to think about people showing up at the new branch in their Ghost Pirates gear to get assistance with their financial needs!
The Brunswick area is not far from Northeast Florida, and soon VyStar members in the Golden Isles will be able to drop into a full-service branch in their own backyard. Whether you live in the heart of Brunswick, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island or a number of other neighborhoods in between, our new branch in Golden Isles Plaza will be a short drive away.
We’ll also have several openings in the Atlanta metropolitan area, with new branches scheduled to start operating for members in Smyrna, Johns Creek/Suwanee, Marietta, Stockbridge and Norcross. This vibrant area serves a wide range of residents. We are looking forward to better serving our current members in the region while also welcoming new members looking for convenient options.
While the new beginnings in Georgia are worth celebrating, there is exciting expansion coming to the Sunshine State this year as well, specifically in Central Florida. We opened a branch in Lake Mary already this year and have plans to open branches in nearby Altamonte Springs and Winter Park later in 2023.
First Coast Merger
Another sign our credit union is growing is the acquisition of First Coast Federal Credit Union (FCFCU) in Jacksonville. The merger was finalized in January, and we look forward to soon welcoming former FCFCU members to VyStar.
New Parking Garage Opens
While VyStar is moving into new cities and regions across the Southeast, a big project recently came to fruition a short walk from our headquarters in downtown Jacksonville. The seven-level parking garage on Forsyth Street is a welcome upgrade, and the modern look from the outside brings new energy to the downtown environment. That energy is enhanced by the building’s first tenant, the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus. The organization has been looking for a permanent home, and the ground floor of the structure on the Main Street side will provide the perfect setting.
Living Out Our Purpose
We are thrilled about our upcoming growth, but it is important to remember why we seek out these expansion opportunities. As we grow, so does our ability to Do Good. That includes better serving our existing members, bringing credit union services to more people in more communities and supporting more nonprofit organizations.
This growth also gives VyStar more scale, which is necessary to ensure our impact is sustainable. Greater scale not only helps us diversify risk but also brings more resources, efficiencies, innovation and talent to our organization. That enables us to return more to our members in the form of great rates and low-to-no fees. Additionally, it ensures VyStar can continue to make a positive difference in the world around us long into the future.
None of this would be possible without the support of our valued members. You continue to inspire us to Do Good, and we hope you are proud to be a VyStar member.
Chad Meadows
EVP/Chief Operations Officer
VyStar Credit Union