Community Corner
Local Business Spotlight Community First Credit Union
Great rates year-round and more free ATMs than Sonoma's got vineyards, cows, and fancy cheese.
This Patch article is sponsored by Community First Credit Union.
Local businesses are the heart of our communities. Patch had a chance to talk with Andy Dickhut, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, of Community First Credit Union.
Patch: Tell us a bit about your business or organization:
Andy Dickhut: Community First Credit Union Community First Credit Union is tech-tastic. We have all the same bells and whistles as the big banks like top-of-the-line digital banking, and a sweet mobile app with all the features our on-the-go members need. Plus, we have great rates year-round and more free ATMs than Sonoma’s got vineyards, cows, and fancy cheese.
Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Andy Dickhut: We were established in 1959 by a group of local teachers who were denied home loans by the big banks.
Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you’re in, and how did you get started?
Andy Dickhut: We saw the need for local financial services decades ago and it's that same motivation that drives us today. We’re in this business to provide local financial services to the community we love.
Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Patch: What's the most common piece of advice you give to customers?
Andy Dickhut: We always encourage our members to have an emergency fund. The goal is to have enough funds to cover at least six months of expenses in case of an emergency or unexpected financial hardship.
Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
Andy Dickhut: Completing a member loan for their new house or car that they’ve worked so hard to achieve!
Patch: How would you say your business or organization distinguishes itself from the others?
Andy Dickhut: Community First Credit Union is not your average credit union. We bring a cozy familiarity and warm connectedness of the place where our members live and work with the ultra-modern digital conveniences they expect. We’re like Cheers but for your money. We’re a non-profit so our members' dollars stay local to help support our local economy.
