Community Choice marks ribbon-cutting in Waterloo; will sponsor Main Street Waterloo May 22 event

Community Choice held a ribbon-cutting in Waterloo where leaders announced a May 22 grand-opening activation and highlighted a planned merger with Public Employees Credit Union.

Randy Dickey, board chair of Community Choice, said, "We're thrilled to bring Community Choice in the spirit of unbanking to Eastern Iowa," and emphasized the credit union's commitment to supporting local businesses and residents as it opens the new location in Waterloo.

The event began with Ted Bateman of Grow Cedar Valley introducing the gathering and explaining that Grow Cedar Valley helps collect and share local business stories. A Community Choice representative thanked Grow Cedar Valley and local partners, noted work with contractors such as Troy Construction and Hartman, and said the organization has been operating for 70 years and is "excited to be up here in Waterloo." The representative also expressed appreciation to Public Employees Credit Union "for considering Community Choice as a good merger partner."

Mayor Dave Bozeman, introduced as mayor of Waterloo, thanked Community Choice for investing locally and noted his long association with the credit union: "I'm proud to say I've been a member of this credit union for 55 years," he said, recalling the credit union's origins in the basement of City Hall when it was the Public Employees Credit Union.

Organizers announced that Community Choice will be the presenting sponsor for the Main Street Waterloo Friday concert on May 22 and that the branch's parking lot will host activities, giveaways and community engagement during that activation. Attendees closed the short program with a cheer of "Community Choice" to invite community members to visit the new site.

The ribbon-cutting was primarily celebratory; organizers encouraged Waterloo residents to attend the May 22 event for the formal grand-opening activities.