Press Releases

Peoria, IL – CEFCU has been selected as the top Credit Union in Illinois in 2022 in a nationwide survey conducted by Forbes.

Peoria, IL – CEFCU announces that Alycia Hightower has assumed the role of Chief People Officer.

Peoria, IL and Pine Bluff, AR — Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) of Peoria, Illinois, announced today that it has completed its purchase of four Illinois branches from Simmons Bank of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. The branch offices are located in Columbia, Edwardsville, Godfrey, and O’Fallon, Illinois.

Peoria, IL – CEFCU announces that Mark Hoffmire will assume the role of Chief Operations Officer effective May 1, 2021.

Peoria, IL – CEFCU announces the retirement of Mary Conrady, and the management move of Doug Higgins.

CEFCU announces the retirement of Mark Spenny, CEFCU’s President/CEO, effective  May 1, 2021.

Peoria, IL and Pine Bluff, AR – Citizens Equity First Credit Union (“CEFCU”) and Simmons Bank (“Simmons”) have entered into an agreement pursuant to which CEFCU will purchase four Simmons Bank branches located in the Metro East area of Southern Illinois, near St. Louis. Select loan and deposit accounts, along with non-deposit product relationships, are included in the purchase.

Peoria, IL – A $30 million Extraordinary Dividend was approved by CEFCU’s Board of Directors and distributed to the Credit Union’s member/owners.  The amount each member received was determined by dividends earned and interest paid during the first 11 months of the year.  On December 1, funds were deposited to members’ Savings accounts.

Peoria, IL – CEFCU is pleased to announce the Credit Union reported a record volume of consumer loan closings for the month of June. Throughout the month, over $194 million was loaned to members for their consumer, mortgage, and business loan needs. CEFCU is proud to be able to serve members, especially during times of difficulty and uncertainty.

Peoria, IL – CEFCU Illinois Member Centers will reopen on Friday, June 5 during normal business hours with social distancing guidelines and safety measures in place.  Employees, members, and guests will be required to wear masks inside the Member Centers.