LA MESA, Calif.–USE Credit Union has opened a new branch here that includes a “Dream Wall” for members, among other changes.
The branch opened as the credit union relocated a branch here and also unveiled a new look and feel, replacing a long-standing fixture – the teller line – in favor of more employees with mobile tablets welcoming members as they enter the branch. “State-of-the-art self-service teller machines supplement a full complement of associates who are available for more in-depth conversations on a range of banking services, including buying a car, purchasing or remodeling a home, consolidating bills, and much more,” USE CU said.
The former branch had been in place for 16 years.
“The traditional branch format has served its purpose for decades, but times are changing,” said Billie Cardenas, vice president of retail and marketing. “Our new La Mesa location features cutting-edge technology combined with a more inviting branch environment that supports more in-depth conversation with our members. We’re creating an extraordinary banking experience unlike any other in San Diego.”
USE said the new branch is a reflection of the digital-first economy that allows consumers to complete many banking transactions on their own. “Thanks to the branch’s unique design and digital footprint, we consider this our new flagship design,” said Jim Harris, president and CEO. “We think our new branch gives our members and the public the best of both worlds: state-of-the-art technology plus a highly-trained staff that can provide one-one-one financial guidance.”
Among the unique elements of the new facilities is the Dream Wall that includes hundreds of slots for members and the community to “write down and memorialize their dreams.”
USE said the wall pays homage to the credit union’s long-held vision to “transform lives by making dreams happen.”
According to USE, the “simple act of writing it down puts your dream one step closer coming true.”
USE told CUToday.info that “Adding it to our dream wall is a fun way to do a ‘shout out’ to the universe to take your dream seriously. Secondly, a lot of our members’ dreams are regular stuff like cruises, a new car, a better home and neighborhood, things we can help them with. We usually escort people to the wall to write down their dreams and share them with us, therefore creating a conversation about how we can help.”
USE also said the open-concept architecture transforms the space in to a vibrant gathering place for members and the community. Multiple comfort areas include a large sectional couch, community tables, booth-style seating, and several offices for more privacy, the credit union said.
The branch also features a private community room that can be reserved by non-profits and other community groups.