Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Today, we welcomed local media, community leaders, and project partners for a hard hat tour of our future corporate headquarters in downtown Columbia. The tour provided an opportunity to share the progress taking place inside the building, our vision for the future, and the mission that continues to drive Palmetto Citizens forward nearly 90 years after our founding. More than a new headquarters, this project represents a long-term investment in our associates, our members, and the communities we proudly serve, while reinforcing our commitment to remain headquartered right here in South Carolina. We’re excited to continue bringing this vision to life in the heart of our capital city.

We were honored to welcome Justice Jean H. Toal for a special conversation with members of our team yesterday. Justice Toal shared reflections from her remarkable career in public service, from her time in the South Carolina House of Representatives to leading the SC Supreme Court as the first (and only) woman to serve as Chief Justice. She spoke about her commitment to strengthening our legal system, advancing civil rights, and the importance of lifting others up along the way. Her perspective on leadership, resilience, and service strongly resonated with our team, as it reflects who we are at Palmetto Citizens and the impact we strive to make in our communities. Thank you, Justice Toal, for spending time with us and for the example you continue to set.

This week, we celebrate the educators who shape our communities, inspire future leaders, and make a lasting impact every single day. 90 years ago, Palmetto Citizens was founded by teachers who believed in creating opportunity, and that belief still drives us today. Through the Palmetto Citizens Foundation Teacher Grant Program, we’re proud to support educators and help bring ideas to life in classrooms across our communities. Want to be part of that impact? You can support local teachers by making a donation here: https://lnkd.in/eKQjbzYu To all the teachers making a difference every day - thank you! We appreciate you this week and always. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Recently we lost a beloved coworker and friend. Today, on Cindy’s birthday, we had the opportunity to honor her in a way that feels incredibly fitting - by serving others. A group of Palmetto Citizens Foundation volunteers spent the day in Hopkins building a ramp for a member of our community in need alongside the incredible organization EmmanuWheel SC. This is just one of many causes that were close to Cindy’s heart. Cindy believed in showing up, lending a hand, and making a difference - and that’s exactly what today was about. At Palmetto Citizens, our people make who we are. And today, we were reminded just how much of that spirit came from Cindy.

We were founded by teachers 90 years ago, so supporting educators will always be part of who we are. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the Palmetto Citizens Foundation Teacher Grant Program, offering grants of up to $1,000 to full-time K-12 teachers for classroom needs, creative projects, and hands-on learning experiences. It’s one more way we’re investing in those who inspire, educate, and shape the future every day. Teachers can learn more and apply today at https://lnkd.in/ev9VqYp2

Something exciting is coming in May for Palmetto Citizens members! We're launching an enhanced digital banking experience designed to give them a more modern, intuitive, and secure way to manage their finances. The upgraded platform will feature a refreshed look, improved navigation, credit score monitoring, expanded business banking tools, and enhanced security features. We’re proud to continue investing in technology that strengthens convenience, security, and service for the people and businesses we serve. Stay tuned for more details.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our colleague and friend, Cindy O’Kelley. Cindy was a valued member of the Palmetto Citizens family for 38 years, joining us as a teller and later serving as our Financial Operations Manager. Throughout her time with us, she made a lasting impact through her leadership, dedication, and the genuine care she showed to everyone around her. At Palmetto Citizens, it’s our people who make this organization what it is, and we are who we are because of individuals like Cindy. She will always be remembered for her kindness, her willingness to help others, her smile, and her sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cindy’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved her.

It’s moments like these that remind us what it means to truly serve our community. 💙 We’re proud to support Prisma Health Children’s Hospital-Midlands through the Palmetto Citizens Foundation, including a recent $27,500 donation, to help provide critical care for children and families who need it most. Together, we’ve contributed more than $580,000 to our local Children's Miracle Network hospital since 2005 - and we’re just getting started!

We had an incredible time celebrating the official ribbon cutting of our Whitmire branch! It was great to see so many members of the community, local business owners, elected officials, and friends join us for such a special moment. We were honored to hear remarks from Mayor Billy Hollingsworth, Senator Ronnie Cromer, and our President & CEO Robert Dozier as we celebrated this milestone together. More than anything, we’re grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received. Hearing firsthand how much it means to have a local, in-person banking option in Whitmire made this day even more meaningful for our entire team. After the ceremony, guests joined us inside the branch for tours and then across the street at Main Street Café for lunch, another great reminder of the importance of supporting and being part of the local community. As we celebrate our 90th year, moments like this reflect who we are and what we’re all about - serving our members, investing in our communities, and building relationships that last. We’re proud to be part of Whitmire and look forward to serving this community for years to come!

When the Town of Whitmire lost its only bank, the community was without local, in-person financial services. That changed this week. We’re proud to open our Whitmire branch, restoring access for residents and local businesses and investing in the future of this community. This is what Palmetto Citizens is all about: stepping in where there’s a need, supporting communities, and making sure people have access to the financial resources they deserve. https://lnkd.in/eeFrbpKJ