APG FCU Opens 2 Loan Centers
ABERDEEN, Md.-APG Federal Credit Union said it will open two loan centers in Cecil County, Maryland, in May. Called the "My Loan Center," APG FCU said in a statement the offices will "be the first retail outlets in the area to provide one-stop loan financing."
Loans available through the My Loan Centers will include first and second mortgages, lines of credit, vehicle loans, credit cards, personal loans, and other consumer loans. The centers will also offer 24/7 ATMs.
New Small Branch Concept Debuts
WASHINGTON-Wells Fargo has opened the first branches here offering a new concept in service delivery.
The new design is aimed at using smaller spaces-approximately 1,000 square-feet-and dispenses with teller windows in favor of employees equipped with Microsoft Surface tablets who meet with customers. The bank is calling the branches its new "neighborhood stores."
One unique feature of the new branch design is yellow-painted walls that open and close. The walls, which are located behind the ATMs, open during business hours to reveal somewhat private rooms available to patrons. During off hours, the movable walls are designed to close so that the space can masquerade as a standard 24-hour ATM vestibule.
The ATMs, which come with larger screens, allow retail customers to take care of various banking needs, including dispensing $1, $5, $100 and $20 bills. The ATMs' software interface-like at Wells' other locations-anticipates a person's preferred transactions and allows the customer to get instant-issue debit cards and electronic receipts.
PFCU Opens In Historic Building
PHILADELPHIA-Philadelphia FCU announced the opening of a new branch in a former police station in the historic city neighborhood of Fishtown. "Fishtown is a close-knit community full of hard-working families that deserve to have a place to visit where they can get the resources they need to improve their financial future," said James McAneney, president of the $900-million credit union.
The 3,000-square-foot branch is on the National Register of Historic Places, as it was once home to the 26th District Police and Patrol Station. The credit union will mark its rich history with photography throughout the branch.
Wright-Patt Returns To Columbus
FAIRBORN, Ohio-Wright-Patt Credit Union is returning to the Columbus, Ohio area a dozen years after leaving the market, with plans to open as many as three new branches in the state capital, one in the next three months. Wright-Patt closed its two Columbus branches in 2001 after it banded together with several other credit unions to launch a shared-branch network that permitted members to conduct transactions at each other's branches.
Volume Declines, Branch Closed
FORT WAYNE, Ind.-3Rivers FCU said it will be closing its Van Wert, Ohio branch on June 15 because of declining membership, fewer branch transactions, and the growing trend by members to use online banking, mobile banking and ATMs.
The credit union notified employees and members of the planned closing. All 3Rivers employees have been given the opportunity to stay with 3Rivers in other capacities.
City Payments Now Paid At MCCCU
MONROE, Mich.-One credit union here has found a way to build branch traffic, although not every visitor may be happy.
Residents of this town must now pay water bills, parking tickets, recreation program fees and other in-person payments inside the branch of Monroe County Community CU, which has a branch inside city hall.
Previously, residents paid the bills at the nearby clerk-treasurer's office, but the city has now outsources the payment processing functions thorugh a $35,000 contract with Monroe County Community CU. The city is estimating it will save about $15,000 annually as a result.
The credit union has set up city computers at its location for processing payments. Under terms of the one-year agreement, MCCCU is being paid 50 cents for each payment it processes.
