Branch banking

In a time most financial institutions are hesitant to open so much as one new branch, $130-million Community First Credit Union has found success opening three "smart offices" in the heart of California's wine country.

Most credit unions hang their hat on delivering great service to their members. But Partners FCU has the daunting task of pleasing The Walt Disney Co., known worldwide for going the extra mile to knock the socks off its customers.

Advances in touch-screen technology, video analytics and biometrics are all being put to use to craft the next generation of branch banking.

In spite of long term investments in alternative service delivery channels, the cost of serving members is not declining, and the traditional bricks-and-mortar branch will remain a key channel well into the near future.

Education First CU has launched what it believes to be the nation's smallest full-service credit union branch.

PORTLAND, Ore. – OnPoint Community CU is opening a new branch inside a Safeway supermarket in Rose City on May 30.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – CommonWealth One FCU announced the installation of a new ATM at Costco Wholesale in Harrisonburg, Va.

LOWELL, Mass. – Digital FCU christened its newest branch here, a 5,000-square-foot facility which combined with the city’s 10th Dunkin’ Donuts location at a long-abandoned property.

AUSTIN, Texas -- A+ FCU has acquired a 60,973-square-foot office building in northeast Austin to accommodate an expansion of its administrative and support staff.

OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha FCU has renovated its headquarters and will hold a “grand reopening” May 25.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Guardian CU has opened its first branch outside of the Montgomery/Prattville area, in Tallahassee, Ala.

LAKELAND, Fla. -- MidFlorida FCU has canceled plans to restore the 93-year-old federal building in downtown Lakeland, saying the project became too complicated and expensive.

FITCHBURG, Mass. – Workers’ CU has applied to the Department of Banking to open an in-store branch, in Hannaford Brothers supermarket in Chelmsford.

DEARBORN, Mich. – The former Rouge (Works) Steel CU representing Ford auto workers, is celebrating its makeover to community charter as a result of its recent merger with Chief Financial FCU, with special loan and CD deals.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Lake Michigan CU plans to open a “second corporate office” in the current Rockford Construction Co. headquarters in nearby Cascade Township.

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- The Escambia County Commission approved the sale of the 240-acre Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy FCU yesterday for $3.6 million, clearing the way for expansion of the credit union giant’s vast call center, the biggest credit union facility in the nation.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Alaska USA FCU expanded again in Washington with the opening of a new branch in a Safeway supermarket in Edmonds.

FENTON, Mo. – Alliance CU has opened its new Personal Service Branch located in O’Fallon, Mo., which has no traditional teller lines.

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. – Bellco CU on Saturday will stage a Cinco de Mayo-themed party to celebrate the opening of its 18th branch, in Lone Tree.

MADISON, Wis. – Summit CU plans to tear down its existing branch in West Allis and replace it with a new, 14,000-square-foot building.