Washington, D.C:  Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union (ACFCU) has earned the 2024 America Saves Designation of Savings Excellence award, an honor explicitly reserved for financial institutions that created measurable impact and displayed exceptional achievement during the annual America Saves Week campaign. Hannah Hutchins, ACFCU marketing manager, coordinated the campaign on behalf of the credit union.  

ACFCU is one of nine banks and eight credit unions honored with this distinction out of more than 4600 participating organizations of America Saves Week, which took place April 8 – 12, 2024 as part of Financial Capability Month. 

"Congratulations to the financial institutions awarded the 2024 Designation of Saving Excellence for their achievements during America Saves Week 2024! Their commitment to empowering customers and members to save money not only strengthens individual financial security but also contributes significantly to our nation's economic stability, commented Carolyn Pemberton, America Saves Program Manager. “Their leadership sets a commendable example for the financial industry, demonstrating how proactive investments in savings can foster a resilient and prosperous future for all."

The work of these financial institutions contributed to an impressive collective impact of the Week. During the one-week timeframe, these financial institutions helped to encourage nearly $354 million worth of deposits into new and existing accounts. Additionally, 231,000 new accounts were opened and 64,000 individuals increased their automatic saving transfers or deposits into existing savings accounts.

“Our financial education efforts have been strengthened by our partnership with America Saves," explained Berenice García Hernández, Financial Education Specialist at Unitus Community Credit Union. "Empowering our communities to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth are just a few of the actions we can take together to build financial resilience. With America Saves, we promote these healthy financial habits to help our community members thrive, no matter where they are on their financial journeys."

2024 America Saves Designation of Savings Excellence Recipients:

Banks:

• Cadence Bank
• Farmers & Merchants Bank
• Fidelity Bank
• First Commonwealth Bank
• FNB Bank, Inc.
• Simmons Bank
• Tennessee Bank
• The Dime Bank
• WesBanco Bank, Inc.

Credit Unions:

• Affinity Federal Credit Union
• Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union
• Eaton Family Credit Union
• New Horizons Credit Union
• Securityplus Federal Credit Union
• Tennessee Credit Union League
• Unitus Community Credit Union

America Saves Week is an annual event coordinated by America Saves.

About America Saves
America Saves is a campaign coordinated by the nonprofit Consumer Federation of America (CFA) and is dedicated to empowering all, particularly those who are financially vulnerable, to build financial confidence through effective saving, debt reduction, and wealth building strategies.Learn more at americasaves.org and americasavesweek.org.

About Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union
Originally formed by the employees of Mead Paper Mill (Domtar) in Kingsport, Tenn., in 1932, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union serves any persons who live, work, worship or attend school in Carter, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi or Washington Counties, Tennessee, the city of Bristol, TN/VA, the city of Norton, VA, Wise, Scott and Washington Counties, Virginia, Jackson, Clinton, McCreary, and Wayne Counties, Kentucky, as well as other designated entities. 

Headquartered in downtown Kingsport, Tenn., ACFCU is a full-service not-for-profit financial cooperative with each member’s deposits insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA.  Branch locations include Gray, Johnson City, Rogersville, and Kingsport, Tenn., and Norton, Va.  Follow ACFCU on Facebook at www.facebook.com/myACFCU, Instagram at www.instagram/myACFCU, or X at www.twitter.com/myACFCU.  For more information, visit www.myACFCU.org.