Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union celebrates new branch in Whitmire, S.C.
March 30, 2026
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, one of South Carolina’s longest-standing and most trusted financial institutions, celebrated the opening of its new branch in Whitmire, South Carolina, with a ribbon cutting ceremony held Monday, March 30. The opening restores critical financial access for residents and businesses after Whitmire’s last bank closed, leaving the town banking desert.
Community leaders, residents and Palmetto Citizens team members gathered at the new branch, located at 138 Main Street, to celebrate the milestone. Following remarks and the official ribbon cutting, attendees toured the new facility and gathered for a lunch at The Café on Main.
“Bringing in-person banking back to Whitmire is about more than opening a branch — it’s about restoring access, building trust and investing in the future of this community,” says Robert Dozier, president and CEO of Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union. “We’re proud to serve as a financial partner for Whitmire and to support the people and businesses who call this town home.”
The 1,650-square-foot branch is housed in a historic downtown Whitmire building dating back to the early 1900s. The new location, which includes an onsite ATM, provides area residents with convenient access to Palmetto Citizens’ full suite of member-owned financial services — from everyday banking needs to educational resources that support financial well-being — continuing the credit union’s nearly nine decades of service grounded in education, trust and impact.
“Whitmire is a close-knit community that takes pride in taking care of one another,” says Billy Hollingsworth, mayor of Whitmire. “We’re proud to welcome Palmetto Citizens as part of that spirit. Their decision to open a branch here reinforces that small towns, like ours, continue to matter, and their people-first values are a perfect fit for Whitmire.”
The new Whitmire location marks Palmetto Citizens 15th branch and reflects the credit union’s commitment to expanding access to affordable, community-focused financial services. Opening during Palmetto Citizens’ 90th anniversary year, it underscores a long-standing mission to help individuals and families achieve financial success while strengthening the communities it serves.
“From opening the Whitmire branch to building our new headquarters in downtown Columbia and expanding into new markets beyond South Carolina, every step forward reflects our commitment to access, quality service and making a meaningful impact where our members live and work,” says Dozier.
This investment is part of a broader strategy focused on thoughtful growth. In April 2025, Palmetto Citizens broke ground on a new five-story, 100,000-square-foot corporate headquarters in downtown Columbia at Sumter and Lady streets. The facility will include administrative offices, an operations center, a downtown branch and a 325-space parking garage, with completion expected in early 2027.
The credit union’s recent charter expansion further supports this momentum, enabling service to eligible members across a wider regional footprint. Georgia is expected to be the first new market, pending final regulatory approval of the acquisition of four Southern Bank branches in 2026 — reinforcing Palmetto Citizens’ continued commitment to strategic growth.
Since its founding in 1936, Palmetto Citizens has remained committed to supporting the communities it serves, contributing nearly $500,000 annually to local schools, charities and nonprofit organizations and volunteering more than 300 hours each year.
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 nearly $500,000 and an average of 300 volunteer hours each year. Today, the credit union manages over $1.4 billion in assets, employs more than 310 people, and serves over 100,000 consumers across 15 branch locations and nearly 50 ATMs. For more information, visit www.palmettocitizens.org or call 803-732-5000.
