WAUKEE, Iowa—Dupaco Community Credit Union said it will build a full-service learning lab branch at 1090 E. Hickman Rd in Waukee, Iowa. Located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Hickman and Alice Roads, the retail space will be the cooperative’s second in the Des Moines metro area.
With all the necessary approvals, detailed building planning work would begin. In that case, construction could commence in late fall of 2021, with a planned opening in the late fall of 2022, Dupaco said.
The planned learning lab branch will focus on teaching members how to improve their financial well-being. It will include hands-on demonstration of Dupaco desktop, tablet, and mobile deposit services, and more. It also will provide loans and other financial services for small businesses.
Dupaco said it continuously evaluates all delivery channels to remain connected and provide the most value to its members, according to Dupaco Chief Marketing Officer Dave Klavitter. “We anticipate more connection points in the Des Moines area, though those may be different than our learning lab branches. Like everyone, we’re learning and adapting to the lessons of the lingering pandemic.”
DCCU announced earlier this year it will also be breaking ground at a new development at 1701 E. First St in Grimes. That construction is scheduled to begin December 2020.
“We’ve served members for more than 72 years and many have moved all over Iowa, including Dallas County and the Des Moines metro area,” said Klavitter. “These members love their credit union and technology allows them to stay connected wherever they live. This trust and affection has resulted in members wanting a branch to send their friends and family to join.”
In addition, the branch will feature a service delivery technology called video teller, which allows live tellers to conduct real-time, face-to-face transactions from a distance. Dupaco employees located at a central location in Dubuque remotely will operate the Waukee lobby and drive-through video teller machines.
In addition to the video teller technology, Dupaco’s newest Learning Lab Branch will feature:
- iPad training counters to help members learn how to use Dupaco’s increasing number of convenient mobile services
- 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 by more than 35% annually.