In Texas, credit union members make wide use of online servicesbut they also like their branches, and the $957 million A+ FCU ofAustin said Wednesday it was taken aback by the results of one ofits surveys.

“We were astounded,” said Kerry Parker, president/CEO, of theresults of a Raddon Financial Group survey of its members showing65% of more than 3,000 members that responded had visited one oftheir branches in the past 60 days.

While members “do all of their direct deposit and home bankingelectronically” they still want to come into the branches to handlefinancial transactions and seem to prefer the personal contact,said Parker adding she was basically “surprised” at thefindings.

Parker said she was making her comments in connection with aribbon cutting ceremony for a opening of a new branch Thursday inHutto.

“Needless to say, physical branches are still a part of ourstrategic plan” with plans to open two more next year in centralTexas, she said, declining to name specific locations for now.

“Over time, the footprint for a branch haschanged—smaller, more efficient, more technology—but branches stillplay a vital role in building the member relationship,” she said.A+ currently has 15 offices.

On another topic, Parker, who has played a leadership role inhelping guide the formation of CatalystCorporate FCU from its Southwest Corporate origins, said sheremains encouraged by its transformation in the merger with GeorgiaCorporate.

“We are excited about the prospects,” Parker said, adding thatnew CU members have signed up with Catalyst fromCalifornia.

The old Southwest membership had been concentrated in themid-South and Texas/Oklahoma/New Mexico with some penetration inthe Portland market. Parker is the current chair of the SupervisoryCommittee of Catalyst.