APPLETON, Wis.-Community First Credit Union was named Small Business of the Year by The Post-Crescent, Appleton's local newspaper. Community First President and CEO Catherine Tierney said the credit union's "corporate citizenship centered on community service" philosophy contributed to their success. "We live our mission," she said in an interview with the paper. "Our goal is to play a primary role in contributing to the economic and social well-being, and to the quality of life in all of the communities in which our members live and work." Assistant Business Editor of The Post-Crescent MaryBeth Matzek said this approach was what put the credit union into the running for the contest. A key deciding factor was Community First's recent donation of a former branch rent-free to four area non-profits. "The membership has blessed and supported our initiatives and they can take great pride in what they have helped us accomplish," Community First Vice President of Business Development and Community Relations Chip Coenen said.