Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, Tampa, Fla., recently announced the opening of its East Tampa Community Branch. The new branch is specifically targeted to better serve those of modest means in the underserved East Tampa area. The 5,112 square-foot branch includes three drive-thru teller lanes and one walk-up ATM featuring Deibold ATM-security. Additionally, the site includes a community room designed for membership education seminars and additional product seminars such as car loans, first-time home buyers and budgeting. A tree was planted at the new branch to honor the community growth the CU is hoping to inspire. CDC Federal Credit Union, Atlanta, recently held a grand opening ceremony for its corporate headquarters and Northlake branch. During the special ceremony, Betsy Mercier, president/CEO, presented the ribbon cutting ceremony, while other activities included tours and brunch. Many people were present including local business leaders, members of the community, public officials and credit union officials. OMNI Community Credit Union, Battle Creek, Mich., held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new branch office in Fort Custer. The new 3,600 square foot branch offers members and area residents a modern and comfortable setting to conduct all their financial transactions, including retail banking services, investments and commercial lending. It also features four drive-thru lanes and a drive-up ATM. The new branch office was constructed to replace one of the CU's existing branches nearby. METRO Credit Union, Warren, Mich., recently celebrated the grand opening of its student branch at Cousino High School. In opening the student branch, the CU hopes to teach students about finance and the importance of strong work ethics. The CU held an official ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the branch. The program is designed to educate students about the importance of being informed consumers, regular savers and responsible borrowers. Not only are students trained to work as tellers, they also study financial forms, such as loan applications and credit reports. These students become informed consumers, while earning a grade and credit toward graduation. OnPoint Community Credit Union, Portland, Ore., reported a record grand opening recently at its new Coburg Road Branch. With 558 new memberships, $27.5 million in CD deposits and additional deposits, OnPoint said it was the highest volume grand opening in its 74-year history. Before the branch doors even opened, lines had formed in front of the new branch where a $2,500 donation was presented to Food for Lane County. The Coburg Road Branch is the 10th in the OnPoint system and the first new branch to open since OnPoint's charter change in January 2006.