Birmingham, AL – AmFirst is celebrating its 90th anniversary, commemorating nine decades of serving Alabama communities and the continued growth of the member-owned financial institution since its founding in 1936.
Originally established as the Iron and Steel Workers Credit Union, the organization began with 115 members and $1,500 in assets. Nineteen employees of United States Steel Corporation, then known as the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railway Company, created the credit union to provide financial services for steelworkers and their families. Operating out of United States Steel’s Ensley Works, the credit union was open three days a week, stored its cash in a cigar box, and initially offered share accounts and co-signed loans.
Over the past 90 years, AmFirst has expanded its membership and services while maintaining its cooperative, member-focused model. Today, the credit union serves more than 200,000 members through 22 branch locations across 13 Alabama counties and reports more than $2.7 billion in assets.
The anniversary has been celebrated throughout the year with events recognizing members, including a recent two-week celebration across all branch locations where commemorative 90th-anniversary merchandise was distributed as a thank-you to members.
“We’ve had a purpose, a mission to bring value to our members’ lives,” said AmFirst Board of Directors member Barney Hatten. “In 1936, they didn’t know how this organization would grow over the years, but, more importantly, they had one mission: to put our members first.”
Hatten said the organization has remained committed to that mission despite its growth.
“Over those 90 years, we have stayed true to that purpose,” Hatten said. “I think they would be very proud of where we are.”
According to AmFirst, the credit union has grown from its origins serving Birmingham’s steel industry into one of Alabama’s largest credit unions, offering a full range of financial services while continuing its focus on member relationships and community involvement.
