What People Helping People Looks Like Over 75 Years
When your Ashland Community Federal Credit Union opened its doors in 1951, America was rebuilding. Families were returning from war, factories were busy, and communities leaned heavily on one another. Banking was personal because it had to be. People didn’t just need money; they needed understanding. That’s where we started: neighbors helping neighbors make ends meet. People helping people when it was needed the most.
That’s where we still are today. Now, as we celebrate our history serving Ashland for 75 years, let’s take a look at the specifics. These are things that happened to you, to your family, and to your community. These are the things that bring us to today.
The postwar years (1950s–1960s) brought optimism and growth, but also growing financial pressure on working families. As consumer goods became more common and household budgets stretched, we focused on small, practical loans like cars to get to work, appliances to run a home, repairs that couldn’t wait. While large banks chased scale, we stayed local, making decisions based on people, not paperwork.
The inflation and interest rate shocks of the 1970s and early ’80s tested trust across the financial system. Double-digit rates made borrowing difficult and saving confusing. During that time, we worked with members to adjust terms, explain changes clearly, and protect hard-earned savings. When fear crept in, we chose steady guidance and clear communication.
As technology reshaped banking in the 1990s and early 2000s, many institutions moved away from face-to-face service. ATMs, debit cards, and online access became the norm. We modernized, too, but we did it without losing our footing. New tools were added to serve people better, not replace the relationships that built this credit union.
The Great Recession of 2008 tested nearly every financial institution. Lending tightened. Confidence dropped. Families faced job losses and housing stress. We leaned into our roots. We know that helping community members through difficult seasons, offering flexibility when possible, and choosing long-term stability over short-term decisions would work. And it did. We all learned something in 2008, and that is that people matter more than numbers on a spreadsheet. Turns out that trust follows that same equation.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, a moment that once again disrupted income, routines, and peace of mind. We adapted quickly, helping members navigate relief options, offering support during shutdowns, and staying accessible in a time filled with uncertainty. Even as the world paused, our commitment didn’t.
Which brings us to today. We know one thing for sure. The world isn’t done changing. There are hurdles to clear. For instance, many households are already carrying record levels of high-interest consumer debt, while student loan payments have resumed and everyday costs like insurance, housing, and transportation are skyrocketing.
Rest assured, based on our history, we’ll be here for you through what’s next. Local people helping people. When you need it the most.
That’s what we’ve done for 75 years.
No matter how the financial world changes, your Ashland Community Federal Credit Union will remain rooted right here. Right here where we started. We’ll continue to make decisions locally, serve our community locally, and remain people helping people, locally.
Right here, since 1951, in Ashland.
