BRANCHING OUT

Virginia Credit Union, Richmond, has broken ground for a new 117,000 square-foot operations center in Chesterfield County. The new building will house its call center, data center, lending functions, check processing, electronic services and other operational departments. The center is expected to be completed and open by the end of 2004. Michiana Credit Union, Elkhart, Ind., a division of Bayer Federal Credit Union and Chiphone Federal Credit Union has celebrated the grand opening of a new partnership branch. The lodge-inspired branch hosts Michiana and Chiphone offices and was developed to serve the membership of both credit unions. Spokane Teachers Credit Union, Liberty Lake, Wash., has celebrated the grand opening of its newest state-of-the-art Cheney branch. The 3,374-square-foot facility features drive-thru lanes, 24-hour drive-thru ATMs and a drive-thru night drop box. Duane Isaac manages the Cheney Branch, which employs seven people. Illiana Financial Credit Union , Calumet City, Ill., has hosted a “March Madness” open house for its newly remodeled Chicago Heights branch. The event celebrates IFCU’s expansion into the Chicago Heights community with special offers on products and services. The festivities kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony and special promotions to win the grand prize of a 27″ Zenith color television. Other gift choices for members will include IFCU promotional items such as leather check book covers, ID wallets and special gifts for children. Point Loma Credit Union, San Diego, Calif., has hosted a grand opening celebration of its new Oceanside branch. It is the fourth PLCU branch opened in the last few months and offers around-the-clock convenience with an on-site ATM, children’s play area, and cyber-station for online banking access. Travis Credit Union, Vacaville, Calif., has celebrated the grand opening of its Antioch/Brentwood facility by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception for local dignitaries and members of the business community. The reception kicked off week-long grand opening festivities and prize giveaways. Wescom Credit Union, Pasadena, Calif., has relocated its Irvine Branch. The new facility offers members access to six-teller windows, two ATMs, and two self-help stations equipped with personal computers. Additional space is also allocated for Wescom investment services and real estate advisors.