Branch network

This week's special report on facilities delves into a variety of branch management strategies aimed at helping credit unions cut costs while maintaining strong service levels. It also includes a look at how social networking can impact your branches.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Numerica Credit Union here believes it has hit upon the right balance in managing and eve cutting facilities-related expenses and still delivering service that drives growth.

MADISON, Wis. — A physical branch would seem to be the antithesis of social networking applications, yet one new analysis suggests the two can actually go hand in hand.

SEATTLE — Paul Seibert said there are many rational ways to cut costs, but stresses the importance of looking at both the short- and long-term effects. Among his suggestions:

SEATTLE — The credit union grip squeezing more efficiencies out of branches could get even tighter as a new threat to income looms.

WICHITA – Fast-growing Credit Union of America, the state’s second largest credit union, said it plans to open three new branches by the end of next year, including a student-run branch.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Telco CU has expanded its footprint by opening its first branch in Madison.

ENDICOTT, N.Y. – Visions FCU hopes to capitalize on growth in Johnson City with a new branch, the credit $2.3 billion credit union’s 25th branch.

SAN DIEGO – San Diego County CU opened its newest branch in Mission Valley, in the Fenton Marketplace, just west of Qualcomm Stadium.

COLORADO SPRINGS – Air Academy FCU will more than double its office space to 52,000 square feet with next week’s opening of a new headquarters.

LOWELL, Mass.–Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union has opened a new 53,000-square-foot coporate headquarters here. The new building is at One Tremont Place, the site of the historic Tremont Yard & Mills. To mark the opening, the $735-million credit union hosted a gala that included numerous local dignitaries. The credit union has a long history in the town and is among the nation’s oldest, having been founded in 1912.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – APCO Employees CU broke ground last week on a new three-story office project that will triple its current office space.

DANVILLE, Penn. – Service 1st FCU broke ground last week on its future Corporate Center.

MECHANICSBURG, Penn. – Members 1st FCU will open its 34th branch today, the fifth new branch since last’s court decision striking down the credit union’s vast expansion plans.

FAIRFIELD, N.J. – Polish & Slavic FCU, which serves the sprawling Polish-American population in New York and New Jersey, is planning to open four branches in the Chicago area over the next two years.

VICTORIA, Texas – Texas Dow Employees CU broke ground Tuesday on a 4,900-foot branch full-service branch.

DURHAM, N.C. – Latino Community CU has acquired a 11,895 square-foot building in the downtown where it plans to build new offices.

KETTERING — Fairmont High School is partnering with FirstDay FCU for a student-run credit union inside the Fairmont library.

WEIRTON, W.V. – First Choice America Community FCU is remodeling a one-time Stone & Thomas department store in the downtown into new administrative offices.

MILLVILLE, Tenn. – Thunderbolt Area FCU opened a new branch at the entrance to Millville Municipal Airport in a former branch of TD Banknorth.