Goodbye toasters and alarm clocks — hello hitching posts and bike-thru lanes.
To stand apart from the crowd and attract new members, some credit unions are offering some creative and unusual perks.
When members stop by Electric Service Credit Union's branch in Hendersonville, Tenn., they don't just see cars parked outside. The $61-million asset CU also offers a hitching post for horses.
So far it's been used only by local police officers on mounted patrol who ride through the Indian Lake area, an upscale suburb of Nashville. But President and CEO Ron Smith predicts that's about to change.
"[S]ince our story aired on television, we have had two potential new members who are interested in using our hitching post," Smith said. "Both were pleased that they could park at our hitching post and still be able to view their horses."
The hitching post, which was dedicated in May was a welcome addition to his financial center's location next to a greenway.
"The Hendersonville Police Department's horse mounted riders frequently visit the busy intersection on Indian Lake Boulevard, where our branch is located," Smith said. "Not only does the presence of the mounted patrol increase the safety in our area, the horses create a connection between the residents and police that we believe is important."
Last fall, GECU, El Paso, Texas' largest credit union, and Kinley's Coffee House & Teas brewed up the idea of opening a branch with a Kinley's location inside.
The popularity of the credit union/coffee house is growing, thanks to in part to its location — near the University of Texas at El Paso.
"We're always looking for innovative ways to serve our community and our newest branch offers convenience, extended hours, and a unique fusion of finance and refreshments," said GECU President and CEO Crystal Long.
The one-time Government Employees' CU has assets of $2 billion and more than 315,000 members. Long said that students often come in, perform a transaction, grab a coffee and study. Nearby office workers also drop in during lunch breaks and can open a new account and eat lunch with coworkers.
There are three full-time employees that work onsite in the branch. The onsite employees educate members on how to use the virtual teller machines. "Engaging your community and employees while ensuring that the new type of branch is pleasing to your membership is an important step in learning whether a financial institution is prepared to take on a new and exciting challenge," said Long.
Charging Members in a Good Way
Tri-Town Teachers Federal Credit Union recently partnered with a car dealership, its hometown Westport, Conn., and the state to install two free electrical car stations in the CU's parking lot.
The free EV charging station is open to the public 24 hours a day. The station is equipped with two chargers using standard 240 volt charging plugs, so two vehicles can be charged simultaneously.
Solar power is expected to provide for up to 250 full EV charges each year. Tri-Town Teachers FCU will also be offering special EV loan rates for members who buy plug-in electric vehicles.
The $17 million CU is located in the Godillot Carriage House, which was built in 1882 and is listed on the National Historic Registry.
"We have an electric car charging station located outside of a historical building," said John Coniglio, assistant manager and project manager. "I think it's a neat application and it's the only charging station in downtown Westport."
Minneapolis is considered one of the world's most bike-friendly cities, and $1.7 billion Affinity Plus has decided to align itself with that, opening a bike-thru only lane at its Minneapolis branch with special signage to help bikers and drivers find their correct paths.
"This idea was brought forward by some of our innovative employees," said Affinity President and CEO Dave Larson. "During their time at the branch, they noticed an ever increasing number of members who were using the drive-thru while on their bikes. The idea was simple, let's create a bike-thru lane. They developed some schematics on how this would work and after looking at them and seeing the member interest, it was clearly the right thing to do."
