GRIMES, Iowa—Dupaco Community Credit Union plans to build a full-service learning lab branch as part of a new development at 1701 E. First St. in Grimes. Located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Highway 141 and East First Street, the retail space will be the cooperative’s first in Polk County.
Dupaco is scheduled to begin construction on the two-story, 11,383-square-foot branch this fall. It is expected to open in late 2021.
The planned learning lab branch will focus on teaching members how to improve their financial well-being. It will include hands-on demonstration of Dupaco desktop, tablet and mobile deposit services, and more. It also will provide loans and other financial services for small businesses.
Increased Dupaco member demand in Polk County spurred the move, according to Dupaco Chief Marketing Officer Dave Klavitter.
“We’ve served members for more than 72 years and many have moved all over Iowa, including Polk County,” he said. “These members love their credit union and technology allows them to stay connected wherever they live. This trust and affection has resulted in members wanting a branch to send their friends and family to join.”
In addition, the branch will feature a service delivery technology called video teller, which allows live tellers to conduct real-time, face-to-face transactions from a distance. Dupaco employees located at a central location in Dubuque will remotely operate the Grimes lobby and drive-through video teller machines.
The new video teller technology is intended to boost the credit union’s mission to improve each member’s financial position, according to Klavitter.
“Video tellers will give members more access to Dupaco branch employees in order to have deeper conversations about goals, planning and financial independence,” he said. “We also expect the video tellers to increase future opportunities for member convenience—to serve more members, in more places, with expanded hours of service.”
In addition to the video teller technology, Dupaco’s newest learning lab branch will feature:
- iPad training counters to help members learn how to use Dupaco’s increasing number of convenient mobile services;
- Interactive laboratory tables for small group discussions and offices;
- Built-in electronic wall displays to aid in consultations about money; and
- Signage and lighting that use LED illumination to conserve energy and reduce electricity costs by more than 35% annually.
In addition to financial products and advice, Dupaco also offers insurance and investment services.
The Grimes location will be the credit union’s 20th branch. The credit union serves members in Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Its Iowa locations include Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Marion, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Dyersville, Manchester and Carroll.
Forbes Magazine ranked Dupaco one of the top Iowa credit unions in 2018, 2019 and 2020. It is a Des Moines Register Top Workplace.
ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION:
Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative. It is dedicated to the financial sustainability of its members, and specializes in customized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 112 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Chartered in 1948, membership totals more than 131,000 with assets exceeding $2.2 billion. Visit Dupaco at www.dupaco.com.
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