Branch opens with modern feel and state-of-the-art technology
Providing members and Spokane Valley residents with a conveniently located branch has been a dream of Canopy Credit Union’s. “Our new branch allows us the opportunity to better serve our existing members and create new relationships,” said Charlotte Nemec, President/CEO. “We believe our members are going to love visiting us here.”
Located on a corner lot at 13105 E. Sprague Ave., the branch officially opens its doors for business Monday, September 16th. Canopy Credit Union purchased the building in June 2018. The building was the former home of Cars Northwest but was originally designed for a financial institution.
The 3588 square-foot branch (4308 sq. ft. including the basement) features an open floorplan with room for an additional partner.
“We were excited to lease space to Revel 77 Coffee, however, unforeseen circumstances prevented the coffee shop from being able to move forward with the partnership. We’re looking for another lease partner to complement our space,” Nemec said. The credit union also acquired additional property located behind their building (off McDonald). “We feel we can leverage this to our benefit in the future.”
Canopy Credit Union knew they wanted the branch to have a modern, contemporary design. “It was important that the branch have a warm, aesthetically pleasing feel to it when guests walked through our doors,” said Nemec.
The credit union hired HDG Architecture and Baker Construction to bring the design to life. “Our goal was to create a space guests enjoy visiting with ample parking. It’s a mix of simplicity and comfort. We love the fresh, new space we’ve created,” said Megan Shover, VP of Administration.
A unique characteristic of the branch is the lighting selected. “In an effort to reduce energy costs, we went with nLight. Their products feature motion, light and sound sensitivity that automatically adjusts according to the room’s activity,” said Shover. “The sensor-based technology takes into account factors like motion occurring in the building and the amount of light pouring through from the outdoors and regulates it.”
The branch also features an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) Canopy refers to as Teller Connect. Teller Connect provides members with a live, face-to-face interaction with the same tellers members already know and love using a platform that’s similar to FaceTime.
“It’s allowed us to maximize our staff’s productivity by having tellers centrally located in one building,” said Shover. “One of the main reasons we invested in Teller Connect is the capability of increasing our service hours. Our Drive-up is now open 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday at both our Valley and Main Branch.”
Teller Connect is also, in part, responsible for the credit union’s expansion of branch locations. “Teller connect allows us to serve multiple locations with the exact same number of teller staff we had serving just one location,” said Nemec. “Three member advocates will be on hand to assist members along with a Teller Connect platform.”
The credit union rebranded to Canopy Credit Union in July of this year; they were formerly Spokane Federal Credit Union. “Our new brand has a nod to the Pacific Northwest, illustrates our ideals and appeals to a wide demographic,” said Nemec. “The rebrand honors our past and points to our future.”
Last month, the credit union announced to their membership that the Credit Union Service Center, currently shared between three credit unions, Canopy, Progressions and Horizon, will become exclusively Canopy Credit Union. Located at 1212 W. Francis, Canopy will be the sole owner of the existing North Branch location effective January 1st, 2020.
“As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we look forward to helping more members of our community grow their financial futures. Whether navigating their first loan, planning for retirement or correcting monetary missteps, we want our members to feel comfortable here knowing we take their financial success personally. We’ll always be here for members in person or just a click away,” said Nemec.
About Canopy Credit Union
Established in 1956, Canopy Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution that currently has over 11,400 members and over $160 million in assets. Over the years, their goal has remained the same: offer the community a place where everyone can grow strong financial roots. Those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Spokane County, Pend Oreille County, or Stevens County, Washington, are eligible for Canopy Credit Union membership. Learn more at www.canopycu.com.