SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Citizens Finance in Sylacauga on Wednesday morning, May 4.
Located at 123 N. Broadway Ave. in between Magnolias Gift Shop and Lou Belle’s, Citizens Finance is an Alabama-based loan agency that operates nine different locations throughout the state.
“[Citizens Finance] are great, they are wonderful,” said Krystal Deason, President of the Sylacauga branch. “I couldn’t have asked for a better company to buy [us] out.”
Before she was a Citizens financier, Deason worked with Herbert “Mr. Smokey” West at Sylacauga Finance. However, after West’s death, Sylacauga Finance was bought by Citizens Finance.
The financial agency offers loans of up to $15,000 based on your credit score. Citizens Finance also offers dealer loans. According to Deason, the differences between Citizens Finance and Sylacauga Finance are minimal.
“Everything is the same,” Deason explained. “We give out a little more money, but I kept my customers the same.”
One year ago today, on May 4, 2021, only Deason was employed by the loan agency. Since then she has hired Kelsey and Lauren, two women who Deason deems “invaluable” to the company.
“We have really come a long ways,” Deason said. “My two girls come along, and they’re amazing.”
The interior of the new location includes a couch plus a kids’ play area with toys. Deason says this was done to create a welcoming atmosphere for families.
“I do have grandkids,” noted Deason, “and I know people come in with their children and they’re just fighting them constantly. I want it to feel like home when they come in. My customers are very comfortable when they come in here.”
Citizens Finance’s operating hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
