Vermont Business Magazine While other financial institutions are shuttering branches, consolidating with other institutions, and reducing services like drive throughs, One Credit Union, based in Springfield, Vermont, opened its doors to a beautiful new branch in the Shaw’s Plaza on John Stark Highway in Newport, NH on February 22. Newport marks One Credit Union’s seventh branch, and its second in New Hampshire.
The building was designed by the NES Group out of Massachusetts, and built by JLN Contracting out of Auburn, NH using local sub-contractors whenever possible. Unlike traditional banking floorplans, One Credit Union designed the facility around the member experience. Members can freely interact with the technology at their fingertips. With resources to help with anything from budgeting to career planning to home buying and more, the branch acts as an interactive hub to find solutions to the financial goals of the members.
The branch will be home to Patty Kober as Branch Manager. Patty, a Newport resident, has over 33 years of experience in financial services, most recently at another credit union in Lebanon. “I’m excited to finally be working in town, and helping my community and the businesses in town,” stated Kober, adding she won’t miss the commute. Patty will also have two tellers and a Senior Member Service Representative/Loan Officer to help meet member needs. “We are able to meet the full range of financial needs – from savings, to checking, to loans, mortgages, credit cards – you name it. We offer commercial lending solutions for area businesses as well.”
All those services are backed up with all the latest technology too. The “Tech Bar” in the branch features iPads and a large monitor to test out One CU’s Enrich Financial Education platform, as well as the BaZing app available to checking account holders to download on your phone. Enrich is a resource to understand your money habits, learn new ones, and understand how to make better financial decisions through interactive learning with videos, online classes, articles and infographics. The BaZing app powers discounts and various insurance benefits such as cell phone coverage, roadside assistance, ID Theft Aids and extended buyer protection warrantees. One Credit Union also offers the latest in credit card protection with SecurLOK Equip to protect against fraud by controlling card use and alert systems. “The Tech Bar is about demonstrating to our members how One Credit Union can help them bank on the go,” stated Kevin DeRosa, Retail Manager at One Credit Union. “At One CU, we know people value having the local resource of the branch, as well as the ability to take care of things online. We can demo the mobile banking, online account opening and loan application, show them how to deposit a check from anywhere with their phone, and how to control their debit and credit cards for added protection against fraud. We have it all. And it is easy.”
Brett Smith, President and CEO of One Credit Union, emphasizes the difference in the Credit Union approach to banking. “For over 75 years we’ve been providing financial solutions for thousands of people. The thing is we’re NOT a bank. Our institution is owned by our members, our depositors. One CU is a community financial resource of people helping people. That means at One Credit Union, we work for our members. Our profits go back to the members in the form of higher savings rates, lower loan rates and fees that don’t gouge you for a mistake. We also continually invest in technology to improve our members’ access to their money. This cooperative relationship is different than your average bank, which is typically owned by external investors.”
The One Credit Union field of membership includes anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in the State of Vermont and the counties of Coos, Cheshire, Grafton and Sullivan in New Hampshire.
About One Credit Union
One Credit Union, headquartered in Springfield, VT, is a member owned financial institution with branches in Barre, Chester, Essex, Springfield, Vergennes, VT as well as Claremont and Newport, NH. One CU provides a full range of financial solutions for consumers and small businesses. Learn more.
Source: SPRINGFIELD (February 24, 2020) - One Credit Union