LGE Community Credit Union is guided by a simple but powerful belief: strong communities are built through connection, care, and collaboration. Rooted in the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” LGE’s presence in Cherokee County extends well beyond financial services, reaching into the lives of those who help keep the community safe every day.
Since 1951, LGE has served metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia, building lasting relationships along the way. In 2026, the organization celebrates its 75th anniversary, an important milestone reflecting decades of commitment, trust, and hands-on community involvement.
That commitment is visible not only during business hours, but after hours as well. LGE teammates are active throughout the community, attending events such as the Cherokee County School District’s Key Scholars ceremony, and celebrations honoring local leaders, including the recent retirement of Fire Chief Eddie Robinson. These moments reflect a deeper investment in the people and stories that shape Cherokee County.
At the center of this work in Cherokee County is Ashley Rowe Harwell, LGE’s business development officer for Acworth and Cherokee County. A member of the Cherokee County Fire Foundation board of directors, Harwell exemplifies the credit union’s mission by seamlessly connecting her professional role with her passion for community service. Her involvement supports fundraising initiatives, strengthens advocacy for first responders, and helps advance programs that directly benefit both those who serve and their families.
“Serving on the Cherokee Fire Foundation board has allowed me to stand alongside the first responders who protect our community every day while building lasting relationships through service,” Harwell says. “I’m proud to represent LGE Community Credit Union because our entire team shares a commitment to making a meaningful difference.”
The Cherokee Fire Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services (CCFES) and surrounding departments. Its mission extends beyond equipment and operational needs, placing a strong emphasis on people. The foundation provides financial assistance to firefighters facing serious medical challenges, supports the families of fallen personnel, and offers immediate relief to residents displaced by house fires. It also invests in the future through the CCFES Explorers Program, which introduces young people to careers in public safety.
Whether assisting a family in crisis or supporting a firefighter during a medical emergency, the foundation often responds in critical moments when help is needed most. Through fundraisers such as the Cherokee Fire Foundation Casino Night, along with ongoing community support and hands-on engagement, these efforts ensure that first responders and their families never face hardship alone.
Harwell’s involvement, combined with LGE’s sustained support, continues to make a tangible impact. Firefighters gain access to crucial resources during times of personal hardship, enabling them to continue serving the community with strength and resilience.
Beyond its work with the Cherokee Fire Foundation, LGE’s broader community commitment is reflected through the LGE Community Outreach Foundation. Since 2010, the LGE Foundation has contributed more than $3 million to nonprofit organizations and individuals throughout metro Atlanta and northwest Georgia. Through sponsorships, partnerships, and volunteerism, LGE supports individuals and organizations across the community, including local partners like Next Step Ministries in Cherokee County.
As Cherokee County continues to grow, strong connections between organizations and residents remain essential. LGE’s ongoing involvement reflects a thoughtful balance of progress and appreciation, honoring first responders while investing in the future. By supporting those who protect and serve, LGE helps ensure the community remains not only a great place to live, but a place where people feel genuinely supported, valued, and safe.
“Serving on the Cherokee Fire Foundation board has allowed me to stand alongside the first responders who protect our community every day while building lasting relationships through service,” Harwell says. “I’m proud to represent LGE Community Credit Union because our entire team shares a commitment to making a meaningful difference.”