'Pods' Replace TellerCounters

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - (04/19/06) -- University of Tennessee FCU hasreplaced the traditional teller counters at its headquarters branchwith 'dialogue pods,' round tables at which members may carry on adialogue with a member service representative, instead. The podsare aimed at creating a more relaxed environment for membertransactions. The pods are part of the credit union's new 21,000square-foot, $3.8 million headquarters, opened on March 30. Eachpod has a computer, electronic signature pad and cash dispenser.For more time-consuming transactions, like loan applications,members are invited into an office in the lobby.