BRANCHING OUT

SEFCU, Albany, N.Y., recently opened its newest financial service center in Wilton. The new 4,100 square foot branch incorporates a number of service channels, including four drive-up lanes and two 24-hour ATMs, safe deposit boxes and a full-service teller and platform area. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to kick off a weeklong grand opening celebration for members. The Wilton branch is just one of several SEFCU branch projects underway. Georgetown Kraft Credit Union, Georgetown, S.C., recently held the grand opening of a credit union within Georgetown High School Career Center in an effort to meet the growing need to enhance basic money management skills among teenagers. The first high school branch in the state of South Carolina, the new branch will act as a pilot program for the school district with possibilities of expanding into other county high schools in coming years. Initially, the branch will be open during lunch periods on Tuesdays and Fridays. During operational hours, students and faculty members can sign up for accounts, make deposits and minimum withdrawals, have one-on-one help with balancing checkbooks, get started with debit cards and research ways to borrow money. American Eagle Federal Credit Union, East Hartford, Conn., opened a new 3,000 square foot branch in Vernon. The office features expanded teller and new account areas, drive-thru lanes, and two 24-hour ATMs. It will replace the existing branch in Vernon. At the grand opening celebration, children had the opportunity to meet with the credit union mascot, “Earnest the Eagle”, and music, refreshments and giveaways were other highlights.