By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Guardian Credit Union celebrated its Maplesville location with a ribbon cutting and community event on Oct. 19.
Many credit union members came out to enjoy barbecue sandwiches, sodas and other goodies, while getting to know credit union employees.
The location is the second in Chilton County for the credit union as part of a branch buyout of SouthCrest.
Maplesville Town Council member Patty Crocker said the credit union was an asset to the community as a return to small-town feel for banking in the area.
Guardian Credit Union Marketing Director Rachel Stewart said the credit union is excited to be in the area ” for the small town community aspect that we can really get behind and support … local businesses, individuals (and) the schools.”
“We thrive on being a part of a community, and Maplesville has that good community feel,” Stewart said.
The event had a good turnout, and Stewart said she enjoyed meeting members of the community.
“To see them come and support us means a lot,” Stewart said.
Maplesville credit union employee Kim Milstead, who is the lead member service representative, said she enjoys the way the credit union works with people on an individualized plan.
“If there is a need, they try to listen and meet that need,” Milstead said.
She said she enjoyed seeing so many members come out for the ribbon-cutting event.
Credit union membership is available to anyone who lives, works or goes to church in Maplesville and the surrounding area.