Eglin Federal Credit Union breaks ground on its new Freeport Branch

Eglin Federal Credit Union held a groundbreaking ceremony today at its new Freeport Branch, making it EFCU’s first location in Walton County. As part of the Credit Union’s growth and expansion efforts, property was recently purchased at intersection of Riverwalk Boulevard and US Highway 331, south of the Publix shopping center in Freeport. La Macchia Group is the design/build firm for the new Freeport Branch, Pace Branch, the Operations Center and the recently-announced DeFuniak Springs and Gulf Breeze locations.

“On behalf of the Eglin Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, we are very proud to start on the construction for our first branch in Walton County,” said EFCU Chairman William “Bill” Rone. “I am excited we will be offering our current members this convenient location and also to extend the benefits of membership to the Freeport community.”

Last year Eglin Federal Credit Union added specific geographic locations in northern and central Walton County to its field of membership. Eligibility extends to persons who live, work (or regularly conducts business in), worship, or attend school in, and businesses and other legal entities located within the approved seven census tracts in Walton County. Learn how you are Eligible to Become an EFCU Member (eglinfcu.org).

Eglin Federal Credit Union President/CEO Jerry Williams said, “Walton County is one of the fastest growing counties in Florida and in the nation. We chose this convenient location in Freeport as part of our growth strategy surrounding Eglin Air Force Base. Currently, there are about 10,000 members living in Freeport and Defuniak Springs. We are excited to be able to offer our current members this convenient location, and we look forward to extending the benefits of membership to our new neighbors in Walton County. We also look forward to getting engaged with the Walton County Chamber of Commerce and to forming new partnerships with businesses to offer financial wellness resources to their members and employees.”

The Freeport Branch, expected to be completed in 2023, will be approximately 4,000 square feet and will showcase a new open branch design that features universal employees, a member engagement area with interactive touch screen monitors. This will be a full-service branch with safe deposit boxes, coin counter, night drop, touch screen video tellers and drive up ATMs.
Media may contact Laura Coale for video b-roll and audio.




Photo caption: Eglin Federal Credit Union breaks ground on its new Freeport Branch. (left to right): Ralph La Macchia, Chairman of the La Macchia Group; Mary Lou La Macchia, Vice Chair of the La Macchia Group; Freeport City Manager Mark Martin; Freeport Mayor Russ Barley; EFCU Board Secretary/Treasurer Bob Harlan; EFCU Board Chairman Bill Rone; EFCU President/CEO Jerry Williams; Tom Kennedy, President of the La Macchia Group; Dave Throndson, La Macchia Group Senior VP of Sales; EFCU Chief Strategy Officer Cathie Staton; EFCU Chief Operations Officer Kenny Girot; La Macchia Group Field Superintendent Joe Broussard