CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – Finishing touches have been completed at Dupaco Community Credit Union’s newest branch, a Learning Lab, located at 126 Brandilynn Blvd. at the intersection of Viking Road and Highway 58.
Dupaco celebrated the completion of the newly finished branch with Grow Cedar Valley leading a ribbon cutting.
“Dupaco’s Learning Lab branch features a fresh open concept and technology that underpins the credit union’s mission to improve each member’s financial position,” Dupaco CU said. “Touchscreen technology in the lobby provides members an opportunity to learn more about topics like credit score and home buying options in a game-like atmosphere, while in-branch staff are available to coach members, providing one-on-one personalized financial service and advice.”
There are 19 employees who are currently occupying the space full-time.
The unique 10,107 square foot branch focuses on improving ways in which credit union staff help members understand money. According to Dupaco, efficiently using floor space, this branch will serve as a laboratory to:
- Explore and test new ways of helping members understand money and improve their financial positions;
- Teach members how to control their money through hands-on demonstrations of Dupaco desktop and mobile deposit services;
- Deploy and test emerging technologies that shift staff time and resources from traditional transactional duties to more in-depth member interactions; and,
- Test future member-centric branch designs and concepts through a flexible layout.
The branch features a ITMs, which are intended to boost the credit union’s mission to improve each member’s financial position, according to Dupaco AVP Branch Manager, Megan Redmond.
“Video tellers allow our on-site branch employees to spend more time with members having deeper conversations about money, advice, and services,” she 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 branch features:
- Interactive laboratory tables for small group discussions and offices
- Built-in electronic wall displays to aid in consultations about money
- Signage and lighting which use LED illumination to conserve energy and reduce electricity costs.