AKRON, Ohio – 717 Credit Union opened its first branch in Akron on Monday as the Warren-based financial institution continues to expand its operations in Summit County.
The Wallhaven location at 1 N. Hawkins Ave. is the first branch 717 has opened in eight years and the first of four it will open in 2026, said John Demmler, 717 Credit Union CEO.
“This represents a new birth for 717 as we grow our footprint into the Akron market and support the greater Akron market community,” Demmler said to a large crowd that gathered in the new branch office in the Wallhaven neighborhood. “717 is a very special place. It’s not like a normal financial institution. What I mean by that is we are member-owned, so as a bank might focus on earnings per share, 717 is focused on value per member. And it makes a difference.”
The celebration came with new programs geared toward Akron residents and homebuyers.
Demmler announced that anyone purchasing a home within city limits will get 1% off the mortgage rate they qualify for, with a floor of 4.99%. Also, 717 Credit Union members receive fee-free mortgages, which save borrowers an average of $3,500 in closing costs. Akron homeowners looking to refinance can also receive 1% off their current lender’s mortgage rate, down to the same 4.99% floor.
Additionally, a 2% beat-your-rate auto refinance program is available, as well as a seven-month CD with a rate of 7.17 for new customers at the Wallhaven branch.
“We all see the challenges when it comes to rising costs,” Mayor Shammas Malik said. “And what 717 is committed to do is to help people with true financial empowerment.”
Malik said the city is working hard to bring businesses to downtown and improve neighborhoods like Wallhaven.
“We have amazing, strong residential neighborhoods, historic places like Goodyear Heights and Firestone Park and West Akron,” Malik said. “So this focus on housing and accessible home mortgages will really help as we work to strengthen and revitalize those neighborhoods.”
Malik said he grew up near the new branch, and so did Brian Williams, 717’s western market executive officer.
“I couldn’t be more excited just to see this organization grow into Akron and to be a part of that growth,” Williams said. “It is so meaningful to be able to offer financial solutions to the town that I grew up in.”
Williams touted the Ohio Strong Campaign, 717 Credit Union’s $100 million commitment to providing affordable housing opportunities throughout northeastern Ohio. He also pointed to the 717 Affinity credit card, which offers a 7.17% interest rate locked in on balance transfers and purchases for the first 90 days – and on those balances until they are paid off.
“We understand that when people have a stronger hold on their finances and a greater financial freedom, that the effects ripple outward, supporting families, supporting local businesses and entire neighborhoods, just like this one here at Wallhaven,” Williams said.
Also welcoming 717 to the neighborhood was Misty Beasley, co-founder of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Summit County, and state Rep. Veronica Sims, D-33rd.
“Organizations such as the 717 Credit Union play a critical role in strengthening our local economy by providing financial resources, education and opportunity for both businesses and individuals,” Beasley said. “We are excited to be able to connect our members with a resource such as 717 Credit Union and all the resources, the tools and the financial solutions that they offer. Because that is empowering and will help them grow and be successful in business and in family.”
Sims noted that this is the first 717 branch in her district, with another planned to open later this year at the AES building in downtown Akron.
Sims said as a legislator, affordability is always on her mind, and she is concerned that many of her constituents are using 30% to 40% of their incomes for housing costs. She said she believes 717’s efforts to make housing more affordable makes the credit union a great partner for the Akron area.
“I want to welcome to the neighborhood 717 Credit Union and thank you for being a very present help in bringing financial freedom to the community,” Sims said.
Besides the Wallhaven branch and the downtown branch slated to open in June, Demmler said 717 is preparing to open a branch in Stow, Ohio, on July 17 and a Streetsboro, Ohio, branch in September. The Streetsboro location will be a 15,000-square-foot western operation center for 717 Credit Union and include the 717 Cafe through a partnership with Stone Fruit Coffee.
Pictured at top: John Demmler, 717 Credit Union CEO, speaks during Monday’s event. At left is Dollar Dog, 717’s mascot.