The $1.5 billion ORNLFederal Credit Union has announced plans to build a newbuilding, renovate another to accommodate growth in a mortgageCUSO, and to allow for a new branch.

“We always look for ways to better serve and bring enhancedvalue to our members and employees. This includes the opportunityto enhance or expand our branch and office facilities,” said ChrisJohnson, president/CEO. “There are a number of people, includingour dedicated staff and volunteer board members, who have helpedmake these projects a reality.”

The new building will be what the credit union calls a “regionalcenter” and will be built to accommodate growth in CU Community, aprimarily housing finance CUSO that provides a wide range ofmortgage services and secondary market services for 21 creditunions, Johnson explained.

It also provides insurance services for ORNL only, but thecredit union is hoping to expand those services to other creditunions as well, he said.

The new center is planned to be a three-story, 24,000-squarefoot facility, which will become the home office for the CUSO,moving it from space that it currently leases.

The new building will also include a “branch of the future” formembers of the $1.6 billion credit union, that will also include astate-of-the-art work environment for employees, Johnson added.

In addition, the credit union's corporate headquarters and mainbranch will undergo significant changes.

“We have purchased a lot right next door and that will house therenovated branch that is currently in this building,” Johnson said.“This will allow us to adopt the campus approach that wefavor.”

“Making ORNL Federal Credit Union a great place to work is apriority. Great work environments that foster creativity,innovation and collaboration align well with the goals of thecredit union. We made these decisions with significant thought tothe careful balance of operational costs and enhanced benefit tothe membership,” added Johnson.

The credit union was founded in 1948 to serve the employees ofthe Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a Department of Energyfacility. In 2003, it adopted a community charter thatincludes the 16 counties that are considered the East Tennesseeregion, Johnson explained.