Greater New Orleans Federal Credit Union, Metairie, La., hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception for its new West Bank Branch in Harvey, La. The reception included prizes, drawings and food and was attended by GNO FCU members, local business owners, and local government and Jefferson Parish Chamber officials. Colorado Credit Union, Littleton, Colo., has joined Credit Union Service Network as both an issuer and acquirer in shared branching. The credit union has opened both of its locations in the Denver metro area as service centers. A major factor in CCU's decision to join shared branching was the need for greater member convenience. TruMark Financial Credit Union, Trevose, Pa., held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newest branch site at Fifth and Berks streets, North Philadelphia, in a neighborhood that lacked a financial institution for more than 60 years. TruMark Financial plans to work closely with Asociaci?n Puertorrique?os en Marcha Inc., a community-based organization that creates job opportunities, aids people with debilitating illnesses and revitalizes neighborhoods through affordable housing. Polish & Slavic Federal Credit Union, Brooklyn, N.Y., opened its sixth New Jersey-based branch in Trenton. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local and state officials, as well as religious leaders and dignitaries from the Polish-American community. The 3,500-square-foot branch is expected to serve 20,000 credit union members throughout central New Jersey and the Philadelphia area and will employ 10 full-time workers.

Apple Federal Credit Union, Fairfax, Va., partnered with Mix 107.3 to celebrate the grand opening of its newest branch in Kingstowne. The branch offers a full range of financial products and services, including walk-up and drive-thru ATMs, safe deposit boxes, night depository, Internet caf? and children's area. Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union, Clinton Township, Mich., celebrated the groundbreaking of its newest office location in Madison Heights. The office will feature four drive-thru lanes and nearly 4,000 square-feet of space, as well as a Save-A-Lot Squad kids club area, plasma screen displays, Internet kiosk, 24-hour access ATM and a coffee bar. United SA Federal Credit Union, San Antonio, announced that it will be opening a new branch location at 1440 South Main in Boerne. President/CEO Steve Coomes joined representatives from the Boerne Chamber of Commerce and other guests to officially break ground at the new office. The location will offer four teller windows, two member-service stations, three drive-thru lanes, a drive-up ATM, Saturday drive-thru hours, an Internet caf? and a community conference room. Greater Texas Federal Credit Union, Houston, celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 5305 Bingle Rd. Previously located in a state building, the credit union is now in a freestanding building with six drive-thru lanes and remote teller stations. GTFCU has been serving the Houston area since the 1980s. UT Federal Credit Union, Knoxville, Tenn., opened its newest branch at 707 East Emory Rd. in Powell with a ribbon of money, a $250 donation to the Girls & Boys Clubs of Halls/Powell. The new location offers ATM service, drive-thru, safe deposit boxes, an Internet caf? and a retail environment of banking like the one currently in use at UTFCU's main branch on White Avenue in Knoxville. UT Federal Credit Union operates five branches in the Knoxville area. Two additional branches are located in Martin and Memphis.

Peninsula Credit Union, Shelton, Wash., celebrated the grand opening of its new location on 1250 West Sims Way in Port Townsend. The event culminated with the traditional cutting of the ribbon, and hors d'oeuvres, cake and local wines were served. The branch has an exterior 24-hour ATM, conference room, member kiosk and expanded traditional teller line and account services. TCU, Mishawaka, Ind., opened a new electronic service center inside Meijer 331 (3610 South Bremen Hwy.). The center features enhanced ATMs that make it more convenient to conduct financial transactions. These ATMs provide visual images of cash and check deposits and require no envelopes. Members can access their accounts to deposit cash or checks, withdraw cash or transfer funds. United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union, Tinton Falls, N.J., hosted grand opening events at its newest branches in Neptune and Marlboro. Both events featured games, refreshments, a balloon-artist clown and give-away prizes for all attendees. With the addition of these branches, United Teletech Financial expands to five total public access branches. All of its newer branches offer Internet kiosks, a coffee bar and plasma flat-screen TVs.