Branch network

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Shared branching network CU Service Centers of Alabama is set to return $147,000 in patronage rebates and dividends, the fourth consecutive year it has done so.

Online banking, ATMs and other advances have limited face-to-face transactions, but new Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. research says the brick-and-mortar office isn't going anywhere just yet.

LONGVIEW, Texas — East Texas Professional CU saw member sales increase at the same time average visit times decreased after implementing a new lobby tracking system.

Forget the machines. Even forget the software. Diebold's business plan for the future — as touted in a video the company screened at 50 movie houses around the world — centers on its collaboration with banks and others on innovation.

The new year represents a chance for credit unions to take a close look at their branch networks and identify areas to cut costs as well as look for opportunities for growth.

Independent Bank Corp. of Ionia, Mich., is consolidating 14 of its 74 Michigan branches.

TD Bank is deploying "smart" automated teller machines in four Canadian branches.

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Telhio CU has purchased a former Huntington Bank branch here for $2.5 million, with plans to renovate and move in by early 2016.

Nationwide the number of bank branches fell by about 1.7% last year. But some cities and states were hit harder than others, according to data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and research firm BankRegData.

With the availability of artificial intelligence and sophisticated risk algorithms that can run on mobile devices, some say there’s no longer a need for even stripped-down versions of the branch.

Financial institutions need to have good digital offerings, but they also need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. That's why branches will remain a crucial home base.

Credit unions can and should “re-imagine” their branches to drive growth, according to a new white paper.

FITCHBURG, Mass. — Workers' CU here is giving more than $2.5 million back to its members for the second consecutive year.

LANSING, Mich. — Lake Trust Credit Union is set to relocate its headquarters to Brighton, Mich., about 45 miles to the east, but it's the CU's planned new corporate facilities that some observers say could have lasting implications on how other credit unions design their management offices.

WICHITA, Kan. — At Meritrust CU here, the two branches overseen by Sara Carver are something of a study in contrasts.

CLAMONT, Del. — Transforming one location of Eagle One FCU here has transformed branch traffic as well.

FITCHBURG, Wis. — Summit CU remodeled its branch here in early 2013 as part of a move to "inspire" members to dream more, and the project appears to have paid off.

CINCINNATI — As banks cut back on branches, credit unions are stepping up their interest in bricks-and-mortar service delivery.

GLENDALE, Calif. — When it was time to remodel its branch here earlier this year, Los Angeles Federal Credit Union installed touch screen and other technology to up its cool quotient.

SAN ANTONIO — Credit union branches are less likely to be a "destination" for members, so the key is to be where the members already are. That's why progressive CUs are exploring and expanding in-store branch opportunities.