COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Scott Credit Union has opened the doors to its 14th location–a full-service branch in Troy.

"We are really excited about making our services more convenient with the location in Troy," said Scott CU President/CEO Frank Padak. "As a credit union, one of the ways we give back to our members is to make our services more convenient. This is part of our efforts to expand our reach to our membership."

Scott CU's new location features a full line of services, including financial services for individuals and businesses, including free high-rate checking accounts, credit and debit cards, new and used vehicle loans, mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, savings products, online banking and free online bill pay.

The facility focuses on creating a memorable member experience and is a mix of high-tech and convenience and features a coffee bar, plasma screen televisions that display marketing messages and three drive-thru lanes.

"Plus, we have a friendly staff to provide members with the exceptional service that we strive each day to provide," Padak added. "We have always had members in Troy and have had the two ATMs near downtown Troy for a few years. Now we're pleased to be able to better serve our members in Troy with a full-service location."

Air Academy FCU Breaks Ground
For New Headquarters Building

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Air Academy Federal Credit Union has broken ground on Air Academy Federal Credit Union's new corporate headquarters.

Nearly 200 employees and guests attended the groundbreaking ceremony on at the construction site.

The new 52,000-square-foot facility will replace the main branch currently located at 1355 Kelly Johnson Boulevard. Scheduled to open during the third quarter of 2009, the four-story, energy-efficient facility utilizing raised floor technology, will be home to AAFCU's corporate offices. It will also provide members a full-service branch, including a drive-up.

New York Taxi CU Hails New Home

NEW YORK — LOMOTO Federal Credit Union is gearing up for its new corporate headquarters in Woodside, N.Y.

"Breaking ground on our new headquarters is a significant step in LOMTO's growth and development as a credit union," said Richard Kay, CEO of LOMTO Federal CU. "It also reaffirms our commitment to providing affordable and accessible financial services to New York City taxi medallion owners, the black car [limousine] industry and individuals residing on Manhattan's West Side."

Construction on the 12,000 square foot building will begin immediately with plans to open for business in fall 2009. The new structure will feature on-site parking, a full-service lobby, ATM and a drive-up teller window.

Columbia Credit Union Brings First
Green Branches to Clark County

VANCOUVER, Wash. — In Clark County, Wash., where farmers markets are a big draw and local leaders tout sustainable initiatives, Columbia Credit Union has built the first two green branches in the area.

The move is nothing new for the credit union that uses recycled papers and soy-based inks for marketing materials and adopted the tagline "The Natural Choice," to reflect its sustainable commitment made some 10 years ago.

As more avenues became operationally available and affordable, like recycling at branches and opting to purchase renewable energy, Columbia added these green practices. As the sustainability movement gathered steam locally, the credit union's leadership began developing plans for Columbia's first green branch in the growing city of Washougal. Not stopping there, Columbia CU opened a second green branch in Vancouver. The two facilities are the first in Clark County built to LEED standards.

"It's all about service to our members and community," said Columbia President/CEO Parker Cann. "Preserving natural resources and building sustainable and healthy branches is one way we choose to give back to the communities we serve."

Members visiting one of Columbia CU's new branches can bask in the sunlight pouring from a huge, pyramid-shaped skylight above and enjoy the fresh indoor air that results from low-VOC materials and natural ventilation–before pulling up a recycled seatbelt chair to chat with a loan officer in a "corn cube," complete with biodegradable workstation panels made from corn-based fiber.

Built green from the ground up in collaboration with green building consulting firm Paladino & Co., Columbia's branch counts among its sustainable features lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, a high efficiency HVAC system and even a rainwater harvesting scheme for irrigation and nonportable indoor use.

"One of the most significant benefits of a LEED-certified building is that it uses valuable resources such as energy, water, building materials and land more efficiently than buildings that are simply built to code," said Columbia CU Chief Operating Officer Steve Kenny, who headed the project.

The green branches will save up to 50% in energy costs compared with standard branches, along with 13,500 gallons of water each year–enough to supply a day's worth of drinking water to 27,000 people.

Even though the green branches cost more up front, the long-term costs will be lower, said Kenny, thanks to more efficient water and power use.

With two green branches under its belt, Columbia plans to use the Washougal branch as a prototype for all future branches and remodels.

"Our Washougal and Grand Central branches ensure that our commitment to sustainability carries over into the future," Cann said.