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By NICHLOS CUTRELL | Special to the Selma Times-Journal

SELMA – ASE Credit Union held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to mark the start of construction on its new Selma facility.

The project represents a multimillion-dollar investment in the community and is expected to bring expanded services and a modern banking experience to local members.

“We love our Selma community, first thing,” said Marilyn Hawkins, ASE Credit Union marketing director. “They deserve a new, modern bank, drive-thru ATM. They deserve that. This has been a long time coming, three years in the works and finally getting to break ground today. We are appreciative of the community and the county commissioners who came out. Great support for our branch so we can serve our community.”

The upcoming branch will feature upgraded services such as multiple drive-thru teller lanes, a drive-thru ATM and an indoor coffee bar designed to enhance convenience and customer service.

Local leaders joined ASE Credit Union staff at the ceremony, noting the project as a positive sign of economic growth and long-term investment in Selma and Dallas County.

“We are excited that ASE decided to invest in our community,” said Johnny Moss III, the Mayor Elect. “This is the growth we want to see in this community. This is just the first of many ground breakings to come. I want to thank y’all for the support and partnership you have extended to our community.”

Interim CEO Shannon Watkins said they are extremely excited for the opportunity that has been a longtime coming in the community.

“We are thrilled to break ground on our new site,” Watkins said. “This expansion reflects our deep commitment to providing accessible, member-focused financial services to more communities throughout Dallas County. We are building this new branch with our members in mind, offering upgraded services and more efficient experience while keeping the personal, community-centered service that ASE is known for. This project reflects our purpose: Your Life. Your Goals. Your Ase.”

Construction is scheduled to be completed in about one year, with the new branch set to open in the fall of 2026.

“Hopefully next year at this time we are having a ribbon cutting right here,” said ASE Board of Directors member Sharon Mills. “We love it over here. The city, the leadership, the Chamber, they have done wonders for us. We will help them in any way that we can.”

Mills said she looks at this as a great partnership to help the city of Selma grow and move forward with more modern banking options, while also hoping to see growth as a credit union in the area.

“We’ll be in the 21st century in Selma,” she said. “We hope that we will help Selma and Selma will help us.”

The branch will include a drive-thru ATM, a drive-up ATM, benches out front, a coffee bar inside and much more to help build relationships with the community.

“We’ve been listening to the members here and the staff here so we know what the members here in Selma are needing,” Watkins said. “We are super excited. It’s our chance to give back some of the support that we have gotten from this community. We are very blessed to be in Selma.”