Andrews FCU Pilots'Faith-Based'FOM

ORLANDO, Fla. - (02/09/05) -- Andrews FCU has a slightly differentapproach in deciding where it will expand: it seeks "communitiesthat we believe in." To that end the Suitland, Md.-based creditunion is expanding into nearby Washington, D.C. with plans forbranches into a number of lower-income communities. CEO MichaelHale told NCUA's PALS conference organized by Board Member DebbieMatz that Andrews, which was founded to serve the Air Force base ofthe same name, is expanding methodically into communities that fitits purpose. He added that one "thing we want to do is not toassume we know what the community needs. So we have formed anadvisory council in that area, and we plan to do the same thing inevery region we open a branch in. We plan to open multiple branchesin the city."