Americu’s 75th Anniversary Timeline

AmeriCU’s journey began in 1950, when it was first established as the Griffiss Employees Credit Union at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, NY. It was originally chartered to serve only civilian members, but as its membership grew, the credit union expanded to include military personnel. This growth led to its transition into Griffiss-Oneida Federal Credit Union. By the late 1970s, Griffiss-Oneida FCU introduced additional financial services, launching the Share Draft Program in 1977 and a Mortgage program in 1980. These solutions provided members with easier access to manage their finances and achieve their goals.

The millennium brought a major transformation. In 2000, Up State Federal Credit Union transitioned from a federal charter to a New York State community-chartered credit union, expanding its membership eligibility to serve a broader range of members across the state. With the charter conversion came the name change to AmeriCU Credit Union. That year, AmeriCU Credit Union celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking five exciting decades of service and growth.

In 2006, the Griffiss Financial Center was built, strengthening the Credit Union’s presence in its Rome community roots. Technological advancements also played a key role in AmeriCU’s expansion. In 2009, just two years after the launch of the first-ever iPhone, AmeriCU introduced Go Mobile, making banking more accessible through mobile devices.

The 2020s were a time of rapid change. Though the pandemic may have transformed the world as we knew it, AmeriCU remained focused on doing what we do best – being there for our members, our employees, and the communities we serve, especially in times of need. We stayed the course and further enhanced our digital solutions to offer even more convenient, accessible ways for members to conduct their banking.

In 2020, AmeriCU was again named one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State and earned awards for Website Design and Community Engagement. That year, Ronald Belle was appointed CEO, leading the credit union into its next chapter.

By 2021, AmeriCU had surpassed 150,000 members and further improved its business banking services with online and mobile banking for business members, ACH benefits, and cash management tools. The credit union also joined the CO-OP ATM network, giving members surcharge-free access to over 30,000 ATMs nationwide.

In 2022, AmeriCU launched a new logo and updated slogan. “AmeriCU & You. Let’s Connect.” was established as a reflection of the meaningful connections AmeriCU creates with members and the communities it serves. That year, the credit union kicked off an initiative to remodel its Financial Centers, starting with its Liverpool location. The remodel included the perfect blend of full service and self-service technology to provide members options. SAM, a chat bot providing members 24/7 assistance on AmeriCU.org was also introduced.

In 2023, AmeriCU Credit Union announced its largest expansion yet, adding 15 additional counties across the North Country, Western and Southern Tiers, bringing its total reach to 24 counties across New York State. The credit union also launched new financial products, products and services, including Pay A Person, My Credit Score Reporting, and the opportunity for members to receive their paycheck one business day early. They expanded their technology offering with a new mortgage app which allows members to apply for a mortgage in minutes and easily check their mortgage status through every step of the process. AmeriCU also introduced Autobooks, enabling business members to easily send invoices and collect payments online.