JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Community First Credit Union brought in the new year with a new milestone. The credit union said it exceeded $1 billion in assets during the fourth quarter of 2005. "Our growth signifies the confidence and trust that our members have in Community First," said John Hirabayashi, Community First CU president/CEO. "Because we are a not-for-profit organization owned by our members, we have the latitude to focus solely on their long-term best interests." Hirabayashi said reaching $1 billion in assets "is an important milestone because it validates our strategy of quality growth resulting from a relentless focus on creating an unparalleled member experience." He pointed to the results of a recent membership survey as evidence of this: 98% of Community First members say the credit union meets or exceeds their expectations, and 97% are satisfied with the credit union's service. In 2006, members can expect more branch locations in growing communities and an enhancement of the CU's products and services, Hirabayashi said. "Our mission is to be our members' trusted financial advisor, their first choice for all their financial needs," he said. "We are proud of the progress we have made over the years and promise to continue to expand to meet the evolving needs of our members." Community First CU serves more than 103,000 members.