ATLANTA -- A credit union with branches in Montana has broughtshared branching to that state.

According to an announcement from CO-OP Shared Branching, adivision of CO-OP Financial Services, the $119 million 1st LibertyFederal Credit Union has opened two of its eight Montana branchesto shared branching transactions.

"With members in all 50 states, we need to have extensivereach," says Steve Grooms, president/CEO of 1st Liberty FCU."Shared branching is the way to provide the walk-in, face-to-faceservice that many of our members desire, no matter where theyare."

Shared branching is a complement to the range of existingelectronic delivery channels the credit union already has inplace.

"We want to give members as many ways to reach us as possible,and branches are a key part of the mix," says Grooms. "It helps uscompete in the race to attract and retain members."

"With nearly 3,400 locations, shared branching is third in thecountry in terms of branches among financial institutions, behindonly Bank of America and Wachovia," says Carroll Beach,president/COO of CO-OP Shared Branching. "Shared branching is aconcept unique to the credit union movement, and it's exciting tosee this growth."

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