July Recap: Serving, Celebrating, and Supporting Our Communities

July brought the heat, and we showed up with purpose, partnership, and a few hot dogs to go with it. From celebrating global innovation right here in Knoxville to reconnecting with the heart of our mission through community outreach, July reminded us that progress comes in many forms: ribbon cuttings, baseball games, scholarships, and simple acts of kindness.

Here's how we spend the month of July:

A Global Vision Begins in Knoxville

We were honored to attend the Aqua-Cehm - Nijhuis Saur Industries Ribbon Cutting, marking the expansion of Aqua-Chem's Knoxville facility. As a North American platform and global center of excellence for water purification within Nijhuis Saur Industries, the site will serve pharmaceutical, beverage, energy, and defense markets worldwide.

It was a moment of pride to see international leaders—including Patrick Blethon (CEO, Saur Group), Menno Hotlerman (President & CEO, Nijhuis Saur Industries), Shane DeWitt (President & CEO, Aqua-Chem), and Zach Gallagher (CEO, Natural Systems Utilities)—stand side by side with their Knoxville team. Their #MissionWater commitment is not just about innovation, but about building a better future, starting right here in East Tennessee.

A Day at the Ballpark

Sometimes the best way to build a strong team is to grab a hot dog, find your seat in the stands, and cheer on the home team together. Our Digital Branch team did just that with a summer outing to a Tennessee Smokies game—a perfect chance to recharge, connect, and enjoy a little sunshine and sports as a team.

Because when we invest in each other, everyone wins.

Protecting What Matters Most

We joined the CAC John T. O'Connor Center this month to speak to more than 50 seniors about identity theft and common scams, empowering older adults with the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their finances.

At UTFCU, financial education is part of our DNA. Helping people stay informed and safe is just one of the many ways we work to support our communities at every stage of life.

Celebrating Credit Unions

On #ILoveMyCreditUnion Day, each of our branches celebrated in their own way, honoring the credit union difference with fun, gratitude, and connection. From cookies to selfie stations, we were reminded once again: we're not just a financial institution—we're your partner, your neighbor, and your biggest fan.

Grill Master Kenyon and the Kindness Committee

Nothing brings people together like good food and great company—and National Hot Dog Day was a sizzling success! The UTFCU Kindness Committee hosted a cookout for our corporate and branch teams, complete with hot dogs, laughter, and even our CEO, Kenyon Warren, stepping up to the grill.

It was a day that embodied the spirit of UTFCU: teamwork, fun, and a commitment to showing kindness in big and small ways.

A Visit to Pellissippi State

We also had the pleasure of joining Pellissippi State Foundation, Alumni & Friends to welcome our President & CEO, Kenyon Warren, to campus. Since 1997, UTFCU has proudly supported Pellissippi State—and in 2018, we established a scholarship to further our shared mission of student success.

We toured the Bill Haslam Center for Math and Science, including the UTFCU-sponsored room, and met with President L during the visit. Anthony Wise, Jr., to explore future partnership opportunities.

As always, we're honored to play a role in shaping East Tennessee's future through education, engagement, and meaningful investment.

Looking Ahead

July was packed with moments that reminded us why we do what we do: to serve, to connect, and to make a lasting impact. Whether we're cutting ribbons, flipping hot dogs, or helping protect our neighbors from scams, we're proud to be part of this vibrant community.

We can't wait to see what August brings.