High-Tech Branch Debuts At EasternFinancial

COUNTRYSIDE, Fla. - (01/18/05) -- Members at Eastern Financial FloridaCU will be able to talk with their teller on a 10-inch video screenand exchange transactions via pneumatic tube like drive-thrucustomers--but just not live in the credit union's newest high-techbranch. Aimed at deterring robberies, while improving efficiency,the $1.6 billion credit union is installing the virtual system,known as Xpress Teller, at new branches across the state. TheCountryside branch, one of 17 area financial institutions robbedlast year, also features other high-tech amenities, including anInternet Cafe for online banking and access to the safe depositboxes via biometric handprint-recognition technology.