Branch network

INDIANAPOLIS – Credit Union Center, in partnership with CO-OP Shared Branching, is now offering CO-OP Mobile to its member credit unions.

MADISON, Wis. – UW CU said yesterday it has agreed to purchase a 14,00-square-foot building in the Milwaukee suburb of Wauwatosa from AMCORE Bank, which the credit union will turn into its third branch in Milwaukee.

Once out of CUs' price range, former buildings that already have drive-up windows are becoming more affordable, but is it a good move to take one of these on? Find out in the stories below.

MADISON, Wis. — Though fast-food restaurants and gas stations are usually located on prime pieces of real estate and the site plan sets up nicely for a financial branch, the buildings themselves can pose major problems for CUs that are planning to remodel the structure rather than level it.

JANESVILLE, Wis. — As fast-food restaurants, with their choice corner locations and drive-up windows, close due to the economy, they seem a perfect fit for a CU looking to expand its branch network, but there are other factors to consider.

TALLAHASSE, Fla. — Credit unions that have gone through the process of converting a non-financial building to a new branch seem to agree on why they chose that route: location and timeline. While commercial real estate values have declined significantly, prime spots along major thoroughfares that can accommodate a drive-thru easily are still hard to come by, even in shell-shocked real estate markets like Florida.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Credit unions could have the opportunity to snatch up Bank of America branches, now that the banking giant could be cutting up to 10% of its branching network over the next few years.

NORCROSS, Ga. — Credit unions looking to in-store branching to expand their physical footprints need to be aware of the unique nature of such branches.

VIENNA, Va. – Navy FCU, which has embarked on the most ambitious expansion plan in credit union history, has trimmed plans for new branches, in light of the economic slowdown.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – BrightStar CU said it plans to re-open its Hollywood branch.

NILES, Mich. – United FCU broke ground on a second Niles branch across from the Wal-Mart on July 13.

TULSA, Okla. – Hundreds of residents joined officials of Tulsa Teachers CU to unveil its new branch in nearby Bixby–and the chance to win $500.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Meridian Trust FCU broke ground last week on an 8,000-square-foot administration building, which will be connected to the credit union's existing branch at the site.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Powerco CU has purchased a 13,241-square-foot, office building for $2 million.

MIAMI – American Airlines FCU continued its expansion at the nation’s airports with the opening of its newest Miami International Airport Cargo branch.

DOWNEY, Calif. – City Of Downey FCU has agreed to share its Downey branch with Southern California Postal CU.

SAN ANTONIO — Credit union branch managers across the country know what it is like to sit down with members who have lost jobs and are in fear of losing their cars and homes.

Credit Union Journal helps you get the word from the street by going straight to CU branch managers to talk about the job, the mood of members and what it takes to manage a successful branch.

SILVER SPRING, Md. — Effective branch managers lead by example, both in their personal and professional lives.

MADISON, Wis. — Determining branch profitability can be a tricky business, as there is no standardized method for doing so, which is why CUES is addressing that issue in its Branch Profitability Series.