United 1st Federal
Credit Union began in 1943 as St. Marys Kraft Employees Federal Credit
Union. Membership was open to only the employees of the Kraft bag
plant in St. Marys. Savings and loans were the only services offered
at that time. In 1956 membership was expanded to include St. Marys
Railroad Company. In 1979 the name of the credit union was changed
to Gilman Paper Employees Federal Credit Union. Membership was expanded
in 1983 as the credit union was allowed to bring in businesses whose
employees and family members could join the credit union. A name change
also took place in 1983 to Gilman United Federal Credit Union. Member service centers were opened in Blackshear and Eastman in 1988 and in 1996
the Kingsland Member Service Center opened its doors.
 The
year 2001 brought about two new member service centers and another name
change. In February, a member service center was opened inside the Wal-Mart
Supercenter in St. Marys and in May, a member service center was opened
in Folkston to serve the residents in Charlton County. In March
2001, the name was changed to the current name, United 1st Federal
Credit Union. This name change came about after the sale and name
change of the credit union's original core sponsor group, Gilman
paper Company and a change in field of membership.
Currently there
are over 100 businesses whose employees and family members are eligible
to join United 1st Credit Union. The credit union has a membership
of approximately 15,000 people who benefit from low or no cost financial
services.
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