LIVERPOOL, N.Y. – Power Federal Credit Union is helping members "experience the difference" in its newly remodeled branch here. "Before the renovation the branch was about 1,600 square feet-it was very, very small and we really needed to increase the size to better serve our members," said Power FCU Executive Vice President Frank Mancari. Another concern was to offer members more high tech/high level security, added Power FCU Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Judy Graham. "We recognized there was an opportunity with the revamping of this building to use some new technology that can help us offer members the highest level of service possible whether it is not having to wait for a member service representative or using biometrics for member convenience," said Graham. Sensitive about tapping local people to do local work, Mancari says that 90% or more of the project contractors were local. With a layout designed specifically for comfort and efficiency by Cincinnati-based design/build firm DEI, Inc., the branch is now some 6,200 square-feet and includes such features as teller cash dispensing machines; a kids club area complete with flat screen television, puzzles and books; a self service safe deposit area with biometric entry; two-way drive-up monitors; four drive-up lanes and two ATMs. Reinforcing the warm, inviting feel of the space is a gas fireplace with seating area and a "Can Do" counter where a greeter can not only answer questions and process transactions but also serve up a great cup of coffee, cocoa, tea or a bottle of water. "Everything we do is for our members. We insist on offering the best and during the entire renovation it was important to us that we remain open to serve our members," said Mancari. "Up here in Syracuse we have a few weather issues so a drive-through is vital. If we had closed the branch and rented a trailer to operate in, it would've been so hard for them. I'm proud to say we never took away from the membership and in the little over a year it took to complete the project we were only closed for a day." To accommodate members Power FCU first built the addition while staffers operated in the existing section. Then once the addition was completed, staffers moved over to the new section while the existing section was torn down and revamped. Mancari says employees and members alike stepped up to the challenge making the transition seamless. "The member response has been super and the feedback has been that it was well worth the wait," said Graham. "Members love it and are enjoying that they can now see and talk to tellers at the drive-though. As for the kids, they think their Power Zone area is the coolest in the world because we made it so easy for them to sit and play while their parents conduct their financial business." Graham adds that the biometric entry to the safe deposit area has also been a big hit since members no longer have to wait for a member service representative to access the area. "This branch does exactly what we want it to do which is creating an environment that members want to come back to experience again and again," said Mancari. "As an aside we've even had a few occasions where parents actually walk out and forget their kids are in the children's area." "Our all around goal for every member that comes in is to make a difference in their life," added Graham. "They are what makes us successful, so we wanted to give them a member friendly space they would feel comfortable in and enjoy their Power experience." Plans are underway to incorporate some elements of the Liverpool branch such as having a greeter and the credit union continues to train staffers on providing the best service. To kick off the unveiling of the finished product the Power FCU marketing department hosted weeklong celebrations, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony; food and events ranging from educational seminars and an assortment of health screenings, to quick massages and a kids day complete with magicians and balloon makers. In addition, throughout the week daily giveaways included a 10% APR rate on a six-month CD. "What was great is that we had events that appealed to every age group and brought in so many in the community," said Power FCU Marketing Director Cheryl Welles. "People here had been watching this remodeling project for a year and they were very interested in seeing what was inside and why we are always so busy." [email protected]