Expanding Our Mission of People Helping People

Credit unions were founded on the principle of people helping people, and that philosophy has guided Ascentra since its beginning. In 1950, 10 Alcoa employees, unable to secure small loans from traditional financial institutions, established Alcoa Employees Credit Union to provide fair access to financial services for hardworking families. That mission began in 1950 and continues today in 2026.

In recent years, our members and staff have expressed a strong desire for an additional Illinois location to complement our existing branch in Moline. In response, Ascentra’s Board of Directors initiated a thorough due diligence process to identify the right opportunity for expansion. Working closely with longtime partner Russell, we evaluated multiple site options, considering traffic patterns, accessibility, and community needs.

At the same time, residents and leaders in Rock Island’s West End were advancing a grassroots revitalization plan designed to strengthen and reinvest in the neighborhood. In early 2024, Ascentra’s Community Development Advisory Board heard from community leaders about this vision, which included the need for a trusted financial institution in the West End.

We recognized a natural alignment between our expansion plans and the community’s goals. Through continued conversations with local stakeholders and partners, including the MLK Center, it became clear that the new branch should be located in the heart of the neighborhood, along 11th Street near the Center.

A new full-service Rock Island branch reflects more than organizational growth. It represents a meaningful investment in a community-driven vision and supports both the West End Revitalization Plan and the City of Rock Island’s economic development efforts. With the support of dedicated project partners, Ascentra is proud to help bring this vision to life.

This branch is more than a new location—it is a testament to collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to building brighter tomorrows together. We cannot wait to welcome the Rock Island community into the Ascentra family in early 2027.