Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union celebrates 90 years of service with focus on growth and community impact in 2026

Charter expansion and foundation launch mark major milestones for Midlands-based financial institution

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution that provides personal and business banking services across the Midlands and beyond, is celebrating 90 years of service. Since its founding in 1936 as the Columbia Teachers Credit Union, Palmetto Citizens has been a trusted financial institution known for its unwavering commitment to its members and the communities it serves.

“Reaching 90 years is an incredible achievement that speaks to the generations of members who have trusted Palmetto Citizens with their financial well-being,” says Robert Dozier, president and CEO of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union. “As we celebrate the past nine decades, we’re proud of what we’ve built together and look forward to expanding access to affordable financial services while also deepening our commitment to the communities we serve.”

Pictured (left to right): Sarah Buckner, Community Relations Developer; Robert Dozier, Ex Officio; Wayne Yarborough, Secretary; Jackie Branham, Board Chair; Emilie Lewis, Executive Director; Martha Jones, Treasurer; Roshanda Pratt, Board Member; and Chris Terlinden, Board Member.

As it commemorates this milestone year, the credit union remains focused on the priorities that have shaped its mission for nine decades: providing low-cost, high-quality financial services; expanding access to member-owned banking; and supporting and strengthening local communities.

GROWTH AND EXPANSION
2025 marked a year of significant growth for Palmetto Citizens, including breaking ground on a new downtown Columbia headquarters; announcing a new branch location in Whitmire, S.C.; and extending its geographic footprint beyond South Carolina.

• New Corporate Headquarters: In April 2025, Palmetto Citizens broke ground on a new corporate headquarters in downtown Columbia at the corner of Sumter and Lady streets. The five-story, 100,000-square-foot building will include administrative offices, an operations center and a downtown Columbia branch. A 325-space parking garage is also planned for the property. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.

• Whitmire Branch: Palmetto Citizens’ newest branch, located in a 1,650-square-foot historic building at 138 Main St. in downtown Whitmire, S.C., is expected to open in March 2026. The location will offer residents convenient access to the credit union’s full suite of member-owned financial services along with an onsite ATM.

• Charter Expansion: With an updated charter now in place, Palmetto Citizens can serve eligible members across the region. Georgia will be the first new market entered under the expanded charter, pending final regulatory approval of the acquisition of four Southern Bank branches in 2026.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND FOUNDATION LAUNCH
Palmetto Citizens’ impact extends far beyond financial services. In 2025, the credit union continued its long-standing support for local nonprofits and community involvement through the following efforts:

• 128 volunteers contributed 902 hours of service.
• Volunteers served with 14 community organizations.
• Financial donations were made to 115 organizations.
• $611,041 was invested back into the community.

The year also marked the launch of the Palmetto Citizens Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering communities through financial education, charitable giving and strategic partnerships throughout the areas served by Palmetto Citizens.

“The Palmetto Citizens Foundation gives us a powerful new platform to support education and create lasting community impact,” says Emilie Lewis, executive director of the Palmetto Citizens Foundation. “We’re excited to grow our community involvement and impact throughout 2026 and beyond. Our work is rooted in the belief that when neighbors have the tools, support and opportunities they need, entire communities grow stronger.”

Foundation membership is open to everyone. Interested individuals may join by making a donation as small as $5 at palmettocitizensfoundation.org.

EDUCATION AND FINANCIAL LITERACY
Palmetto Citizens supports students and educators through a variety of initiatives that reinforce the credit union’s mission to promote financial education, including:

• Financial Education Resources: Palmetto Citizens works with local schools, youth groups and other organizations to provide guest speakers and hands-on learning materials for a variety of financial topics.
• Student Workshop: “Reality of Money” is an interactive workshop for teens that is held in July and focuses on the importance of money management. There is no cost to attend and a complimentary dinner is served at the start of the session.
• Financial Educator of the Year: Now in its 21st year, the Youth Financial Educator of the Year celebrates educators who excel at teaching financial literacy. This annual award recognizes a high school teacher who goes above and beyond to equip students with vital financial skills for life. The honoree receives public recognition from school district and Palmetto Citizens representatives and a $1,000 cash prize.
• Higher Education Scholarship Program: Every year Palmetto Citizens offers high school seniors and current college students an opportunity to apply for one of twenty $1,000 higher education scholarships. Students can learn more and access the online application portal by visiting palmettocitizens.org/scholarship. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
• Teacher of the Game: Launched in 2023, the Teacher of the Game program spotlights K-12 teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their students, schools and communities. In 2025, Palmetto Citizens, as part of their partnership with Gamecock Athletics, recognized seven South Carolina educators at home games throughout the 2025 University of South Carolina football season. Each honoree received $1,000 from Palmetto Citizens, four game tickets and in-stadium recognition.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
In 2025, Palmetto Citizens earned the following honors:

• Best Credit Union in South Carolina for the 18th consecutive year (The State’s Best).
• Best Credit Union in Columbia for the 12th straight year and Best Bank for the 10th year (Free Times/P&C Columbia).
• Best Places to Work in South Carolina for the 16th consecutive year (SCBIZ & Best Companies Group).

Anniversary-related updates, events and initiatives will be shared throughout the year. For more information, visit www.palmettocitizens.org.

About Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Since 1936, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union has served the financial needs of its members with a commitment to education and community support. It proudly supports local charities, schools and organizations through volunteer service and monetary contributions, giving back $611,041 and 902 volunteer hours in 2025. Today, the credit union manages over $1.4 billion in assets, employs more than 310 people, and serves over 100,000 consumers across the Midlands from 14 branch locations and nearly 50 ATMs. For more information, visit www.palmettocitizens.org or call 803-732-5000.