First Commerce Credit Union Celebrates Grand Opening of Panama City Location

October 7th, 2025 Kiersten Harder Credit Union News, Florida 0 comments

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.

For more information about First Commerce’s Panama City location at 1022 W. 23rd Street, call 850.414.6800.

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About First Commerce Credit Union

First Commerce Credit Union is an award-winning, full-service, #LocalStrong financial institution dedicated to empowering generations and transforming communities for 85 years. With 14 locations including Panama City and Marianna, the credit union serves more than 70,000 consumer and business members across North Florida and South Georgia, and has more than $1 billion in assets. First Commerce has been consistently recognized for its community impact, including national awards for its annual #FlamingoChallenge, which the credit union spearheaded to raise $500,000+ since 2020 to benefit breast cancer patients throughout the region; FCCU’s #LocalStrong initiative helping local businesses and people at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic; and quick response community and financial relief programs including cookouts in areas affected by hurricanes and disasters. First Commerce offers best-in-class consumer and business products and services along with the latest technology. The credit union also offers free financial literacy resources in person and online through the FCCU Foundation, as well as comprehensive financial planning and investment services through its subsidiary Six Pillars Financial Advisors, and commercial and personal insurance through First Commerce Insurance Agency. For details, visit FirstCommerceCU.org or call 850.414.6800. Insured by NCUA. Equal housing opportunity lender.