Cover photo: American 1 and Junior Achievement of Michigan’s Edge team members working together to serve the community with financial literacy and fun. From left to right:
By TNCPNEWS Staff
JACKSON, MI — American 1 Credit Union welcomed hundreds of community members to the A1CU Community Fair on June 25, transforming the American 1 Event Center at Keeley Park into a vibrant gathering place where families could enjoy an evening of entertainment while gaining practical financial knowledge.
The event also marked an exciting chapter for the credit union’s marketing team. Former Downtown Lansing Inc. Marketing and Brand Specialist Shakayla Zoss, who recently joined American 1 Credit Union as Marketing Manager, helped showcase the organization’s commitment to community engagement. During her time with Downtown Lansing Inc., Zoss played an important role in promoting downtown businesses, events, and initiatives that connected residents and visitors to Michigan’s capital city. Her transition to American 1 Credit Union brings that same passion for storytelling and community-building to a new audience.
Held in partnership with Junior Achievement of Michigan’s Edge, the free event featured more than 40 community organizations offering interactive activities, educational resources, food, giveaways, and opportunities for residents of all ages to connect with one another.
The fair focused on making financial education engaging and accessible. Rather than relying on lectures or presentations, attendees were invited to participate in hands-on experiences designed to help them better understand everyday financial decisions.
“We were excited to see the A1CU Community Fair come to life with such strong community participation,” said Kelly Grygiel, Vice President of Communications at American 1 Credit Union. “We were thrilled to see so many families engage and connect in a setting that made financial wellness approachable and fun for everyone.”
One of the evening’s most popular attractions was an interactive lifestyle budgeting game. Participants traveled through various stations, making decisions about housing, transportation, groceries, and other daily expenses while learning how those choices affect a household budget. The exercise offered families a practical look at financial planning and encouraged conversations about spending, saving, and setting priorities.
“We were excited to bring this engaging learning experience to the broader community,” said Connie Poisson, President of Junior Achievement of Michigan’s Edge. “Seeing families work together and have meaningful conversations about money in a fun environment was incredibly rewarding.”
Beyond financial education, the event offered plenty of opportunities for families to simply enjoy time together. Guests were treated to free food and beverages, Kona Ice, children’s activities, and exhibits from dozens of local organizations committed to serving the Jackson community.
Transportation barriers were also addressed through a partnership with the Jackson Area Transportation Authority (JATA), which provided complimentary rides to and from the venue throughout the evening, helping ensure the event was accessible to more residents.
The community fair was funded through a Community Enrichment Grant from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation and supported by several local sponsors, including Goodwill of Southern Michigan, Consumers Energy, Walton Insurance Group, The Craft Agency, Experian, and Allied Solutions.
Founded in 1950, American 1 Credit Union serves more than 68,000 members across Jackson, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Washtenaw, and Calhoun counties through 16 branch locations and a team of more than 280 employees. As the organization marks its 76th year, events like the A1CU Community Fair—and the addition of experienced community-focused professionals like Shakayla Zoss—reflect its continued investment in strengthening financial literacy and building meaningful relationships throughout the communities it serves. By equipping individuals and families with practical financial knowledge, American 1 Credit Union is helping community members make informed financial decisions that can have a lasting impact on their future. For more information about American 1 Credit Union’s products, services, financial education programs, or community events, visit www.American1CU.org or call (888) 213-2848.
