By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Guardian Credit Union celebrated its Clanton location and Chilton County Chamber of Commerce membership with a ribbon cutting on Oct. 17.

This and a location in Maplesville were made possible through a branch purchase from SouthCrest Bank.

“We are very excited to a part of Chilton County in the market and the area,” CEO Heath Harrell said.

Chilton County branch manager Jessica Minardi said the locations opened on Sept. 11.

“We had a lot of members that were already living in Chilton County that were coming down to our Autauga County locations, so we figured we would bring a location up here and make that an easier trip for them and give them the same great quality service,” Minardi said.

The credit union saw Chamber membership as an important way to be a part of the community.

“We really like to be a part of the community that we are in,” Minardi said.

Minardi said she has been with the company for 10 years.

“I enjoy just working with the members, just helping them as much as I possibly can,” Minardi said.

She said the credit union tries to provide tailored services, rather than “cookie cutter” solutions.

“We have all of the basic things that you would find at a regular financial institution … We don’t I have a minimum amount that you have to have for your checking account,” Minardi said.

She said the credit union also has good interest rates for CD investments and low interest on loans.

The only requirement to be a member is to live, work or worship in Chilton County.

“We are excited to be here,” Minardi said.

Harrell said Guardian is a “great team.”

Some employees from the SouthCrest location have stayed at the location to work for the Credit Union.

Guardian Credit Union has 15 locations, all of which are located in Alabama.