WAKEFIELD, R.I.–Westerly Community Credit Union held an official Ribbon Cutting ceremony at its new Wakefield Branch and Operations Facility.
Now open, the new facility is 27,000 square feet, featuring a large training room, collaboration Think Tank, and electric car stations. It houses 39 employees with room for growth in the following departments: accounting, call center, human resources, lending services, marketing, and financial services, the credit union said.
The facility includes a 2,4000-square-foot branch, that hosts many amenities including a technology center, concierge-style stations, privacy offices, coffee area with cozy fireplace, and a kid's play area with mural.
“With leases expiring at our Ashaway Operations Center and the South County Commons Branch location at the same time, it made sense to look at the option of combining them and saving our membership money in the long-term,” stated Steve White, president and CEO of WCCU. “This branch location is more visible and convenient for our current and future membership, as well as a great central location in RI to support future expansion and staff recruitment.”
The Ribbon Cutting ceremony was attended by honored guests such as: RI House Representative Carol Hagan McEntee, South Kingstown Town Council Members Bryant Da Cruz, Joe Viele, and Liz Gledhill, South Kingstown Planning Board Vice Chair Jean Riendeau and member Joseph Murphy, South Kingstown Economic Development Committee members Joanne Esposito and Brian Smith, South Kingstown Planning Director Chelsea Siefert, and the Southern RI Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Elizabeth Berman.
Also, in attendance were representatives from NES Group, TRAC Builders, DiPrete Engineering, John Carter Company, Sheehan’s Office Interiors, as well as members of the WCCU Board of Directors and staff.
“Building this new facility symbolizes our commitment to the residents and businesses of the South Kingstown area,” said Chairman Dan Nesmith. “It symbolizes our desire to be your financial services provider and share the Credit Union philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’”
Before the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon, citations were presented to WCCU, including a Certificate of Special Recognition from the office of Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Certificate of Accomplishment from the office of Sen. Jack Reed, and finally a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Rep. James Langevin.