IBEW LU 702 Credit Union to build new branch as it expands

http://www.thesouthern.com/rednews/2004/03/14/build/business/BIZ003.html




SIU CREDIT UNION BREAKS GROUND FOR NEW MARION BRANCH

BY BECKY MALKOVICH
THE SOUTHERN
[Sat Mar 13 2004]

MARION -- An expanded membership is causing the SIU Credit Union to grow in Marion ... again.

For the third time, the Carbondale-based financial institution will relocate, this time into a branch it is building from the ground up.

Bank leaders and guests conducted a ceremonial ground-breaking last week to announce construction of the new 4,765 square-foot facility to be located next to the Illinois Centre mall, behind O'Charley's restaurant.

Ron Lantrip, president and CEO, said the facility was necessary because recent mergers with the Southern Illinois Schools Credit Union and IBEW 702 federal credit union upped the numbers of the already rapidly growing membership.

"We felt we really needed a first-class facility in Marion to provide the best service we can to our membership," Lantrip said. Membership now numbers 20,000 throughout Southern Illinois for the institution that was founded in 1938.

Lantrip said the credit union has thrived because the staff delivers quality service to its membership.

The new Marion branch will be designed for great customer service, convenience and efficiency. Two drive-up lanes can service four customers at a time, and an ATM lane will also be available.

Inside, the facility will feature the latest in banking technology, including a computer center that members can access to find out account information and perform other banking functions.

The branch will also offer a new, remote teller system that will reduce customer waiting time and increase teller safety. A full array of services will be offered, from transactions to loan applications.

The credit union currently employs 58 people at three locations. The new facility will house a staff of eight. Nancy Hooks will be branch manager.

The credit union is not-for-profit and member-owned, and has assets approaching $100 million.

As to the future, Lantrip said the credit union's "ideal goal is to continue to grow in Southern Illinois and expand our services for the convenience of our membership."

Construction is expected to be completed in October.

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