Freedom First Credit Union held a grand opening ceremony today for its new location in Daleville, at the site of the former Blue Collar Joe’s donut shop on U.S. 220.

The grand opening events continue Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include prizes, entertainment and refreshments.

In the photo above, from left, are:

* Sarah Andrews, Freedom First Credit Union EVP/COO
* Travis Jones, President, Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce
* Matt Graybill, FFCU Daleville Branch Manager
* Jared Poff, FFCU Board of Directors
* Nelson Shibley, Chair, FFCU Board of Directors
* Paul Phillips, FFCU President/CEO
* Pete Peters, Botetourt County Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism; Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
* Frank Turk, Treasurer, FFCU Board of Directors
* Judy Harrison, FFCU Board of Directors

Following the grand opening, the VFW participated in a flag dedication.

Here’s more on Freedom First in a release from the credit union:

“We appreciate the site’s local roots and history,” says President/CEO Paul Phillips, who lives with his family in Daleville. “Freedom First has been serving the Roanoke and New River Valleys since 1956 and we are pleased that Botetourt residents will now have convenient access to Freedom First’s low-cost, high-value services.”

The Credit Union will donate $20 to either the Botetourt Resource Center or the Botetourt Education Foundation for each new loan and every checking account with direct deposit opened at the new branch by March 31, 2013. Members may choose which local agency to support. The Credit Union will also offer special CD rates and loan discounts at the Botetourt branch through March 31.

Matt Graybill, who has been serving the financial needs of Botetourt County residents for 10 years, will manage the Botetourt branch. “The difference between banks and credit unions is huge,” Graybill says. “Freedom First is not solely profit-driven, which means more benefits for the members. I’m excited to be part of helping the Botetourt community grow.”

Graybill’s Botetourt branch staff members include:
• Randall Sink, Personal Banking Representative
• Deborah Johnston, Teller
• Teresa Joynes, Teller
• Marty Kabler, Teller

The new branch will serve the many Botetourt County residents who already bank with Freedom First, as well as new members.

“We expect more Botetourt residents will take advantage of the Credit Union services once they understand the Freedom Difference,” says Phillips, referring to the products, programs, and services unique to the community-oriented Credit Union.

Freedom First is able to develop customized lending and development programs, and charge its nearly 45,000 members fewer fees, because it is owned by its members and makes its business decisions with a local perspective. A certified Community Development Financial Institution, Freedom First is dedicated to investing in its members and a robust community giving program.

“When local nonprofits like the Council for Community Services’ Botetourt Resource Center and the Botetourt Education Foundation have the support they need, the entire community benefits,” said Phillips.

Freedom First offers a broad range of financial services and conveniences, including free online and mobile banking and bill pay; free checking and interest-bearing deposit accounts; auto, home, and personal loans; business lending; investment services; and a network of more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. The Credit Union’s 10 branch locations serve the entire community. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, studies, or supports a charity in Botetourt, Montgomery, or Roanoke counties; the cities of Radford, Roanoke, and Salem; and the town of Vinton.

For more information, visit www.freedomfirst.com.