PEOSTA, Iowa–Dupaco Community Credit Union has partnered with a community college on a new branch that will “focus on improving ways in which credit union staff can help members manage their money.”
The “Peosta Branch Learning Lab” will use the insights gained to provide enhancement opportunities at Dupaco's other 18 offices, it said. The new branch is leased as part of a Kwik Stop and DQ Grill and Chill convenience store.
According to Dupaco, the facility's efficient use of floor space and close proximity to Northeast Iowa Community College will enable the branch to 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, tablet, and mobile deposit services, and more.
- Deploy and test emerging technologies that shift staff time and resources from traditional transactional duties to more in-depth member interactions.
- Test future member-centric branch designs and concepts through a flexible layout.
The branch also features an interactive video teller, which allows live tellers to conduct real-time video transactions from a distance. Dupaco employees located at a central location in Dubuque remotely operate the Peosta 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 Dupaco Board Chairman Ron Mussehl.
"Video tellers will give members more access to Dupaco branch employees in order to have deeper conversations about money, products, and services," said Mussehl in a released statement. "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, the Peosta Branch Learning Lab features iPad training counters to help members learn how to use Dupaco's mobile services; built-in electronic wall displays to aid in consultations about money; and LED-powered signage and lighting which conserve energy and reduce electricity costs up to 35% annually, the credit union said.