ASE Credit Union held a ribbon cutting on Thursday, just days after opening the doors of its first location in Clanton.

However, ASE is anything but new to the community, having joined the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce prior to even opening its location.

“We wanted our presence to be known in the community, and what better way to get it out there,” branch manager Tiffany Wilson said.

As a result, the credit union began sponsoring through the chamber in January.

The company’s sponsorship includes the CCHS Gridiron Club, a Little League baseball team in Clanton, Butterfly Bridge and CCHS softball.

“We were out there before we were even here,” Wilson said. “It’s only going to keep getting bigger and bigger.”

The ceremony took place at the credit union’s newly renovated location at 1400 Woodfin Lane along U.S. 31 in Clanton.

All of the materials used in the construction of the interior of the lobby and offices were made from recycled materials.

“It is a very eco-friendly design,” CEO Jared Freeman said. “It’s something that is important to us.”

Community members and public figures from throughout the county were on hand to welcome ASE to the area, such as Clanton mayor Billy Joe Driver, Maplesville mayor W.C. Hayes and Commissioner Joe Headley.

“I’m impressed by our community with all the feedback and support that they have given us,” Wilson said. “From the time that we’ve opened our doors we have had an unbelievable turnout to see what we’re all about.”

According to Freeman, one of the popular questions that he has been asked is about the company’s decision to add a location in Clanton.

“We try hard not to look at the number or the credit score, and instead try to look at the person and their story,” Freeman said. “Our saying is that ‘bad things happen to good people,’ and just because your credit score is bad does not mean that you are a bad person.”

Chilton County charm was at every turn during the ceremony and the reception that followed the ribbon cutting, which included cake, peach punch, and goodie baskets that contained peach-shaped stress balls for everyone that attended.

“We want to keep everything in our community and we want to stay involved,” Wilson said.