Branch network

CLEARWATER, Fla.-The desire to expand branch networks in the shadow of a recession may only accelerate the trend toward modular construction of CU branches.

RACINE, Wis.-When constructing a new branch in markets where winter is a factor, credit unions can save more than 10% on the project by opting for a prefabricated building shell.

RALEIGH, N.C.-Coastal FCU is rolling out its new Express Teller system at two of its branches in the Triangle region. The St. Albans Drive and Wakefield Commons locations will be able to use the new interface that gives tellers the ability to provide traditional services to multiple branches.

ST. LOUIS-Credit unions looking to take advantage of the relative weakness of the big banks by expanding their geographical footprint need to take a deep breath before making commitments, according to several experts.

SAFCU Opens Branch In Schertz

AUSTIN, Texas-A+ FCU is planning to site a new branch location that will serve Kyle and North Hays County. The new branch will be located in Kyle's Plum Creek Uptown District, which is part of a 2,200-acre mixed-use, master-planned community located 20 minutes south of Downtown Austin. Plans call for the 3,800 square-foot branch to open during or after 2010. In addition to its prime location in the Plum Creek development, the site is also near the Hays Consolidated Independent School District offices, Performing Arts Center and schools. The Plum Creek development is designed to integrate retail, mixed-use and office space into a walkable, pedestrian-friendly town center, which was part of the attraction for A+ FCU, the credit union said.

ST. LOUIS-Credit unions should avoid closing branches and find other ways to rein in their costs because they could end up paying for the negative message branch closures send members, say several industry experts.

CINCINATTI-Credit unions in multiple sections across the country are cutting expenses by shutting down branches and reducing positions, but these cuts may end up costing the credit union even more than they are worth, several experts warned.

RALEIGH, N.C.-Coastal FCU is on both ends of the budget spectrum for its branches as it plans to close down four underperforming branches in Q1 while installing new teller systems in its other branches.

TULLAHOMA, Tenn. – Ascend FCU, off a very successful year, is building a new 60,000-square-foot home, which is expected to completed early next year.

ALBANY, N.Y. – SEFCU celebrated another successful year with the addition of two more Buffalo-area branches over the past few weeks.

TROY, Ohio – HTM Area CU said it has acquired a vacant Taco Bell fast-foot restaurant where it plans to build a new headquarters and branch.

BALTIMORE – Destinations CU said it opened a new headquarters here last week, a 10,000 square-foot building.

FALL RIVER, Mass. – St. Anne’s CU said it has purchased the adjacent Medical Arts Center building for $3.2 million, where it plans to build a new operations center and expand its offices.

LOMPOC, Calif. – CoastHills FCU said yesterday it is shutting two branches and consolidating the operations into two existing facilities.

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. – Frankenmuth CU said it opened two new branches in area Meijier department stores.

MANITOWOC, Wis. – UnitedOne CU plans to open a new student-run branch inside Lincoln High School later this month, the credit union’s third in-school branch.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.-Credit unions considering tapping into capital this year to build new locations should like the price tag, said one strategic planner who suggested that timing of branch openings will be key to their long-term success.

LAKELAND, Fla. – Community First CU is building a green branch that is designed to wrap around an existing Bruster’s Ice Cream Shoppe (which will remain open during construction), increasing the area’s development density while minimizing changes to infrastructure and local traffic.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Despite market conditions, Altura CU is moving ahead with its expansion plans, having added three new service facilities over the past month.